Orleans, Massachusetts offers a blend of coastal charm and upscale amenities, making it a prime destination for affluent travelers on Cape Cod. Known for its luxury waterfront homes, fine dining, and exclusive boutiques, Orleans provides a sophisticated escape with pristine beaches and scenic landscapes. Visitors can indulge in private boating excursions, explore art galleries, and experience the town's vibrant cultural scene in this elegant seaside haven.
Orleans holds the unique distinction of being the only location in the U.S. to experience a German attack during World War I. In July 1918, a German U-boat targeted the tug Perth Amboy and four barges near the Nauset area.
Shipwrecks were frequent along Cape Cod until the construction of the Cape Cod Canal. Rescuing and tending to survivors became a regular part of life, leading to the establishment of the Massachusetts Humane Society, a volunteer group that eventually inspired the creation of the U.S. Life Saving Service in the 1870s. Salvaging shipwrecks and their cargo also became an integral part of the local economy.
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