History

Sandwich is named after the seaport at Sandwich, Kent, England. The name of that town, which means "a sand site or camp on a bay" (vig, wich) or "by the mouth of a river," is most likely of Danish origin. It took centuries for the word sandwich to be used to describe a meal item.

Edmund Freeman, a persuasive and zealous man, built Sandwich, the first town to be formed on Cape Cod, in 1637. The location was intriguing because the wide marshes surrounding the sea were extremely valuable and mirrored those in Sandwich, England.

Sandwich Committee

The population quickly increased from 1,500 to 20,000 people between 1950 and 2000. Beginning in the 1960s, the town's residents, startled by its rapid growth, made a civic commitment to historic preservation and land conservation, which was strengthened by the realization that the preservation of Sandwich's historic sites and unspoiled lands was essential to the town's heritage tourism, distinctive environment, and quality of life. The population quickly increased from 1,500 to 20,000 people between 1950 and 2000.

The Sandwich 375 Committee was established in 2011 to organize, finance, and host a range of events in 2014 to commemorate our 375th anniversary, including concerts, speakers series, festivals, artistic and educational activities, and museum exhibitions. The festivities were planned so that all Sandwich locals and guests could fully enjoy and comprehend what makes Sandwich, Sandwich!

Celebrations

A GRAND PARADE unlike any Sandwich has ever seen served as the pinnacle of the centennial celebrations! In addition to the various floats and marching groups, there were ten bands, vintage automobiles, clowns, and equestrian teams. 10,000 spectators and 1,000 marchers!

On New Year's Eve 2014, during "First Night Sandwich," the year concluded once more with a boom as a cannon boomed over Shawme Pond. The lights on the Sandwich 375th Giant were turned off, marking the end of the oldest town on the Cape's 375th year. The massive attendance of sponsors and the more than 500 volunteers who made this all possible was the biggest buzz, though. Thank you, Sandwich!

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