CAPE COD COMMISSION

 

Route 6A

The Old King's Highway

A brochure produced by the Cape Cod Commission, in cooperation with the Massachusetts Highway Department and the Federal Highway Administration's Scenic Byways Program. Funded by the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA).

Route 6A, known as the Old King's Highway, roughly parallels the shores of Cape Cod Bay for approximately 34 miles, crossing through the communities of Bourne, Sandwich, Barnstable, Yarmouth, Dennis, Brewster and Orleans. The Old King's Highway winds past hundreds of historic structures which characterize its early development, as well as views to the great salt marshes, harbors and open lands which once provided a livelihood for the area's inhabitants.

The route is believed to have begun as a Native American trail which stretched from Plymouth to Provincetown. As colonial agricultural settlement increased on the Cape during the 1600s, this cart path became the major east-west thoroughfare for early settlers. The narrow road became an extension of the Plymouth Colony's "King's Highway" in the late 17th century.

With the rise of maritime activities in the 18th century, captains' homes and commercial activities began to develop along the route. Packet ships plied regularly between Boston and local harbors, and stagecoaches stopped at area taverns en route from Boston to Provincetown.

Farming and harvesting wood for maritime industries left large portions of the corridor devoid of trees by the 1800s and deep, heavy sand made for laborious travel. The collapse of maritime industries in the late 19th century prompted a focus on cranberry production, and residents planted shade trees along the road, many of which are mature today.

As automobiles began to replace horse-drawn carriages in the early 1900s, the character of the roadway continued to evolve. The road was paved and bypasses of the original route were constructed, channeling the roadway through wetland areas previously skirted in its early path. Route 6A still follows the original 17th century layout in most sections, and continues to provide access to sites which reveal its significant role in the region's development.

Scenic Byway Attractions

The character of the Old King's Highway makes it an attractive route for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists. Because the road follows a narrow and winding path, safety is an important consideration. All users of Route 6A should exercise caution when sharing the roadway.

There is much to see, and it is best spread out over several days. A variety of accommodations can be found in historic inns, bed and breakfasts and campgrounds along the route.

Visitor information is available at town information centers and Chambers of Commerce.

Strong preservation efforts, including creation of the Old King's Highway Regional Historic District in 1973, have resulted in the protection of open lands and historic structures along the corridor. Conservation lands in many towns provide trails for exploration and several villages have developed walking tours. In addition, numerous museums are open to the public. Each provides a taste of the corridor's history.

To best appreciate the scenic byway's many villages and sites, we recommend that you get out of your car. The stone markers, unique shops, architectural details, and environmental features which define Route 6A are best seen on foot and at a leisurely pace. Limited public parking is provided in all villages, and sidewalks or footpaths link many sites.

For copies of the Route 6A Scenic Byways brochure, please contact Sarah Korjeff at the Cape Cod Commission.