Yarmouth Water Department

Yarmouth Water Department Municipal Water Report Info

Yarmouth's historical roots date back to January 7, 1639, when court records first referenced the "lands of Mattacheeset, now called Yarmouth" in a grant to settlers John Crow, Thomas Howes, and Anthony Thacher. This marks the earliest documented use of "Yarmouth" for the township east of Barnstable.

The name derives from an English coastal town situated roughly 100 miles north of London. Interestingly, none of the initial settlers came from Yarmouth, England. The naming origin likely connects to the Pilgrims' journey, as Plimoth Colony controlled which Cape Cod settlements would be incorporated and their naming.

During the Pilgrims' era, Yarmouth, England served as a significant seaport on the Yare River. Dutch Mayflower passengers entered England through Yarmouth port, possibly influencing the Cape township's naming as a tribute to this English harbor. Alternatively, Bass River may have reminded settlers of England's Yare River, though the precise reason remains uncertain.

Historic Yarmouth, England was renowned for fishing and shipbuilding. During World War II, German bombing destroyed nearly 4,000 homes, killed over 1,000 residents, and injured approximately 8,000 people. Beyond being a major port and railway junction, brewing and tourism have become economic pillars in recent times. Today, Yarmouth, England has a population of approximately 250,000.