Eastham, known as the land of the first light, is an ever-changing place. Although Europeans began visiting these shores early in the 1600s, the area's first inhabitants lived here over seven thousand years ago. In 1620, Mayflower passengers and crew had their first encounter with the Nawsett Indians over the theft of corn. From the mid-1800s to the 1960s, sails were replaced by engines. The discovery of oil ended the whaling industry for Eastham captains, and wide-scale farming and tourism became the backbone of Eastham's economy. Eastham chronicles the challenges, successes, and personal strengths of the town of Eastham as it evolved with time.
