Chatham, Massachusetts

Chatham, Massachusetts
Flag of Chatham, Massachusetts
Official seal of Chatham, Massachusetts
Location in Barnstable County, Massachusetts
Location in Barnstable County, Massachusetts
Coordinates: 41°40′55″N 69°57′37″W / 41.68194°N 69.96028°W / 41.68194; -69.96028
CountryUnited States
StateMassachusetts
CountyBarnstable
Settled1664
Incorporated1712
Named AfterChatham, Kent
Communities
Government
 • TypeOpen town meeting
Area
 • Total
24.4 sq mi (63.2 km2)
 • Land16.1 sq mi (41.8 km2)
 • Water8.3 sq mi (21.4 km2)
Elevation
46 ft (14 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
6,594
 • Density409/sq mi (157.8/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (Eastern)
ZIP Code
02633
Area code508/774
FIPS code25-12995
GNIS feature ID0618250
Websitewww.chatham-ma.gov

Chatham (/ˈætəm/) is a town in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States. Chatham is located at the southeastern tip of Cape Cod and has historically been a fishing community. First settled by the English in 1664, the township was originally called Monomoit based on the indigenous population's term for the region.[1] Chatham was incorporated as a town on June 11, 1712, and has become a summer resort area. The population was 6,594 at the 2020 census and can swell to 25,000 during the summer months.[2] There are four villages that comprise the town, those being Chatham (CDP), South Chatham, North Chatham, and West Chatham. Chatham is home to the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge and the decommissioned Monomoy Point Light, both located on Monomoy Island. A popular attraction is the Chatham Light, which is an operational lighthouse that is operated by the United States Coast Guard.

  1. ^ Smith, William C. (1909). A history of Chatham, Massachusetts; formerly the Constablewick or Village of Monomoit; with maps and illustrations and numerous genealogical notes. Hyannis, MA: F.B. & F.P. Goss. OL 14012476M. Retrieved October 13, 2013.
  2. ^ "Census - Geography Profile: Chatham town, Barnstable County, Massachusetts". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved October 6, 2021.