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ABOUT THE BELVEDERE

Circa 1828 and listed in the National Register of Historic Places, The Belvedere was built around 1820 by Captain Elisha Baker and is a classic Federal style ship captain's residence with a centralized captain's cupola. The inn takes its name from the Italiante version of the cupola and translates closely as "beautiful view" for its one-time view of the nearby Bass River.

It's not known what ships Captain Baker commanded, or for what purpose or profit, but by 1814 he was respected enough in the community to be appointed a member of the committee to "consult and adopt measures for the common safety and defense of the town". The Town of Yarmouth, which avidly opposed the War of 1812, nevertheless realized the need for good coastal protection.

When Captain Baker died in 1833 his son, also named Elisha, inherited the house. At the son's death in 1852 the probate record shows: $18 for a cow, $57 for a horse and wagon, $59 for a wheelbarrow and tools, and for the house and its furniture $195.00! The most interesting assets were his ships. He owned 1/6 shares in three schooners; The W.G. HALL, The BOSTON, and the FLORILLA.

It was in 1852 that his house and property passed to Elisha's only surviving daughter Emily. In 1858 she married Captain Sturgis Crowell, another famous Yarmouth Sea Captain. Emily died a year later giving birth to their only child, another Elisha. Captain Crowell retired from the sea in 1872 and remarried, this time to Susie Baker. Their two daughters, Alice and Annie, continued to live here throughout their lives.

Three villages make up the 17 square mile town of Yarmouth Cape Cod: West Yarmouth, Yarmouthport, and South Yarmouth. Each village has a distinctive character formed by over 350 years of history. A community shaped by its seaside heritage, Yarmouth has retained much of historic charm while integrating the present into its surroundings. To gain a true perspective of our town you must stray from the major roadways of Route 6 and 28 that traverse from Hyannis to the West and Dennis to the East. Yarmouth is the second oldest town on Cape Cod, and it is filled with historic charm.

Yarmouth's rich history has grown into a Cape Cod seaside community that offers a potpourri of activities for area vacationers. For the outdoor minded, Yarmouth boasts 15 of Cape Cod’s finest fresh and saltwater beaches to laze away the days, 4 golf courses challenging all levels, 14 tennis courts for the more active, and many hiking, and conservation trails. Yarmouth, Cape Cod truly has something for everyone. On the Northside in Yarmouth Port, tree lined historic Route 6A hosts an array of country inns and quaint bed & breakfasts, complemented by antique and craft shops. The Southside along Route 28 offers the hustle and bustle of a summertime resort town, from factory outlet shopping to sea lion shows to the most adventurous mini-golf. Nightlife in Yarmouth is filled with moonlight walks on Cape Cod’s most beautiful beaches, candle lit dinners at the area's many restaurants, and dancing to music for all ages at one of several clubs.

Read more about Yarmouth, Massachusetts at Yarmouth Area Chamber of Commerce