President John F. Kennedy Created the Cape Cod National Seashore on August 7, 1961



Photo courtesy of Cape Cod National Seashore

On August 7, 1961, President John F. Kennedy used 22 pens to sign into law the Cape Cod National Seashore. The new park, covering forty miles of beaches, ponds, marshes and uplands, created a permanent place for people to enjoy one of the nation’s great natural resources, while preventing the commercial development of the land that would have been inevitable. 

 The ceremonial pens were given to the 22 people attending the ceremony at the White House, including nine Massachusetts congressmen such as Tip O’Neill and Edward Boland. Senator Benjamin Smith (D-MA) also attended, while Senator Leverett A. Saltonstall (R-MA), who co-sponsored an initial version of the bipartisan bill with then-Senator Kennedy, was in Maine with his family and unable to attend. 


Photo courtesy of JFK Library & Museum

An appropriation of $16 million was authorized for land acquisitions within six towns in Barnstable County - Chatham, Orleans, Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro and Provincetown. Initially, many of the selectmen and town officials in the towns affected by the National Seashore Park were opposed to the federal acquisition of their land, and sought to stop the bill. 

“This act makes it possible for the people of the United States through their Government to acquire and preserve the natural and historic values of a portion of Cape Cod for the inspiration and enjoyment of people all over the United States,” President Kennedy said. “This is a wise use of our natural resources, and I am sure that future generations will benefit greatly from the wise action taken by the Members of the Congress who are here today.”  Read JFK's full remarks.

Senator Smith said, “For the Commonwealth, it means that this historic spot, the first landing place of the Pilgrims, now belongs to the nation. For the nation, and especially the millions of people who live on the East Coast, it means that one of the most beautiful areas in the vicinity will be preserved for all time.” 

Today the Cape Cod National Seashore is one of the nation’s most 20 most popular parks, according to National Park Service records. 

The JFK Museum in Hyannis gives an overview of the Kennedy Family's connections to Cape Cod.  For more about the Kennedy Family's Irish roots, visit IrishMassachusetts.com. 

Read more about President Kennedy's legacy at the JFK Presidential Library & Museum in Boston. 

For information about visiting Cape Cod, check out the Cape Cod Chamber.


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