Smuggler's Beach

Smuggler’s Beach in South Yarmouth is a unique venue that combines a rich history with modern amenities and resources to form one of the Cape’s more interesting Blue Economy assets.

The site has served as an important center of Blue Economy activity dating all the way back to the colonial era. Around 1790, a free-standing pier was built in the ocean northeastward of the mouth of Bass River by Sylvanus Crowell. The Pier, known as Crowell’s Pier, stood 37’ long by 31’ wide and contained a store for conducting business. This pier provided a stationary structure where freighters could load and discharge cargo, as well as a place for cargo to be loaded into the lighters (small barges used to transport goods). Crowell, who owned and maintained many freighters, proved to be one of the Cape’s earliest Blue Economy trailblazers by re-engineering the loading and discharging operation of freighters anchored near Bass River Harbor to create a safer and more efficient operation.

During the War of 1812, fifteen of some of the smaller vessels of the English fleet visited this part of the American coast and demanded the payment of a thousand dollars as tribute money. A committee endeavored to raise the money by subscription and at last succeeded in securing the whole of the amount required. This they sent off to the English in two installments by a citizen known as “Uncle Abner.” The goal of the local business community was to impress upon the minds of the enemy that none, but poor, ignorant fishermen dwelt thereabout, in order that they might escape the requisition of the larger sum. The messenger was well chosen, and an address was sent to the “Commander of His British Majesty’s squadron on the coasts of Boston Bay.” Upon returning to shore the messenger stated that he had been kindly received and was taken to the cabin where he had not only delivered the written address but spoke to some length to the assembled officers who listened respectfully. Before leaving the British, evidently moved by the pleading for the ‘poor fishermen’, agreed not to bother any fishing vessel which could show a license from Uncle Abner and allowed this area to continue to serve as a center of the region’s Blue Economy.