Old King's Highway Historic District

Running along Route 6A between the Sandwich and Yarmouth town lines, this long corridor was Barnstable's first settled area and later its administrative center. Known historically as Old King's Highway or County Road, it was designated the County Road in 1685, when Barnstable became the county shire town. The district covers roughly 1,150 acres and includes 497 main buildings, cemeteries, markers and historic sites connecting West Barnstable and Barnstable Village. Early settlers valued the fertile soils, salt hay from the Great Marshes and the harbor. Farming dominated, joined by shipping, fishing, brickmaking and cranberry growing. Buildings range from a late 17th-century jail and early Cape-style houses to Federal and Greek Revival homes, the granite Greek Revival courthouse designed by Alexander Parris, a brick Customs House, and early 20th-century churches. Activity shifted toward Hyannis in the 19th century, which helped preserve the older fabric. The district is significant for its history and its architectural variety.