Old Cape Cod: Historic photos from the Library of Congress

January 7, 2026
Jump into our time machine and take a look at these historic Cape Cod photos from the U.S. Library of Congress! Many of the images in the vast Library of Congress collection are in the public domain, and it’s always fun to search the archive for photographic treasure from days gone by. We uncovered cool pics from the Outer Cape, Chatham and beyond.
 
These days, almost everyone carries a quality camera (also known as a cell phone), ready to grab an image at a moment’s notice. But back in the day, taking photos was a much bigger lift, sometimes involving bulky equipment and the tedious process of developing film. We are thankful that folks took the time and trouble to capture these great Cape Cod pics!
 

Race Point, Massachusetts. Surf boat crew, U.S. Coast Guard station. Spring 1942. Credit: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division

 

Monomoy Point Light Station from approximately 3500 feet northeast of Powder Hole Pond, Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, Chatham. 1987. Credit: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division

 

Provincetown, Massachusetts. Mrs. John Russe, wife of a fisherman, buying groceries. Spring 1942. Credit: Farm Security Administration – Office of War Information photograph collection (Library of Congress)

 

General view of windmill – Chatham Windmill, Atwood Street, Chatham, April, 1934. Credit: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division

 

View of Raising Wind Mill (John Nickerson Works). Enoch Harding Salt Works, Buck’s Creek, West Chatham. Credit: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division

 

General view over evaporating tanks. Enoch Harding Salt Works, Buck’s Creek, West Chatham. Credit: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division

 

Joining of waters, Cape Cod Canal. Photo shows August Belmont, president of the Cape Cod Canal Construction Company, and other dignitaries at Foley’s Dock, Massachusetts, April 22, 1914. Credit: Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division

 

Ambrose Snow Privy, North Pamet Road, Truro. 1962. Credit: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division

 

Highland Lighthouse, Highland Road, Truro. Credit: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division

 

Tourist house, Truro. The girl at the easel is a boarder. House belongs to incapacitated fisherman and railroad worker from the Cape Verde Islands. August 1940. Credit: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division

Stay tuned for more historic photo adventures — we hope to bring you some great Harwich images soon!

—Sign up for HCT eNews, a great way to stay in the loop about exciting HCT events, guided walks and other interesting news.

—Your tax-deductible contributions help fulfill the mission of the Harwich Conservation Trust to preserve land that protects woods, water, wildlife and our shared quality of life. And your land-saving financial support helps us preserve beautiful properties that can become stellar trail destinations. Find out how to donate by clicking here.

 

Posted in News