Growth of Fishing & Whaling
After the Revolution, Provincetown boomed and its population rose 2776.6% between 1790 and 1830. By the middle of the 19th century, Provincetown had developed as the prime maritime, fishing, and commercial center of Cape Cod.

In 1875, there were 25 coastal and 36 ocean vessels operating from town, more than any community in the state, including Boston. Provincetown was quite the bustling seaport town with all of the ancillary maritime businesses that developed, such as ship chandlers, sail makers, caulkers, riggers, and blacksmiths.

Portland Gale & Destruction of Industry
In 1898, the Portland Gale swept away half of the Town's wharfs and decimated the fishing industry. The Town embarked on a tourism campaign that resulted in the birth of the arts community. For more information, please visit America's Oldest Continuous Arts Colony.