Town Boundary Marker
Why it's listed
A rough granite post at Race Lane, on the line between Barnstable and Sandwich, marks the boundary between the two Cape Cod towns. The stone stands about 28 inches high, 12 inches wide and 7 inches thick, in a residential setting. Its face carries a B on the east side of a horizontal line and an S on the west side. Both towns were established in 1639 and have kept a relatively stable boundary, although several adjustments have been made over time. The boundary was established by Miles Standish and others serving as a committee from the Plymouth Colony. The date the post itself was erected is unknown, and no maker is recorded. It was listed for its association with the history of how Barnstable's boundary was set, and it is considered to retain its location, design, materials, workmanship, setting and feeling. Vehicles and vandalism were noted as threats to the marker.
Significance in brief: The marker is significant for its association with the establishment of the boundary between Barnstable and Sandwich. The boundary was set by Miles Standish and others as a committee from the Plymouth Colony. The nomination argues it meets Criterion A and retains integrity, though the precise date of erection is unknown.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 87000269, listed September 18, 1987. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | Race Ln. at Sandwich town line, Barnstable |
|---|---|
| County | Barnstable County |
| Listed | September 18, 1987 |
| Reference number | 87000269 |
| Resource type | Object |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Exploration/Settlement |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Described as unaltered and in a residential setting; endangered by vehicles and vandalism. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 41.68649, -70.43603 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 87000269.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.