Falmouth, as a coastal community with many beaches, freshwater ponds, fields and forest areas, has a semi-rural character typical of much of the less developed sections of Cape Cod. These qualities bring many visitors from throughout the country and abroad for vacation and summer residence. It is these qualities that Falmouth strives to protect as its greatest economic resource.

Falmouth's winter population of over 30,000 places it second only to Barnstable as a population center on Cape Cod. The Town is composed of eight distinct villages: Falmouth Center, East Falmouth, Hatchville, North Falmouth, Teaticket, Waquoit, West Falmouth and Woods Hole.

The first European settlers came to "Saconesset" in the 1660's buying land from the native Indians with the consent of the Court of Plymouth Colony. Their first houses, farm lots and common grazing lands were on the neck between Salt and Fresh Ponds. The Town was incorporated in 1686. Eight years later its name was changed to Falmouth, in honor of the home port of Barholomew Gosnold, who in 1602 may have been the first English explorer of Cape Cod.

Falmouth today is growing with a continued strong tourist economy, active scientific institutions, a well-educated work force and a strong sense of community

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