Eroding Islands: Wellfleet
One area, that was not surveyed by Marindin because it is on the bay side, but has changed significantly since the late 1800’s when Marindin was conducting his survey, is just off the coast of Wellfleet in the Cape Cod Bay. In the bay are two adjacent islands, Great Island and Billingsgate Island, the latter of which no longer exists. Billingsgate Island is referred to as the sandy “period” for the bulky “exclamation point” that is Great Island.[i] This area is one of the most visibly eroding areas on the Cape because it is an exposed spit of land that provides a protective barrier for the Wellfleet harbor and absorbs the majority of the wave energy coming across the bay.
Overlooking Great Island and the former Billingsgate Island in the Cape Cod Bay.
Take a Visit Out to Great Island
The Wellfleet Tavern Site – Great Island – Wellfleet
A tavern was built around 1690 on Great Island. The tavern provided hospitality for three or four decades. But as shore whaling died away, so did the business which it supported, and sometime before 1740, its operation was ended. By 1800 the island was deserted.
Great Island is best experienced by hiking its trails that circumnavigate the island. If it’s low tide you might just see Billingsgate Island from Jeremy Point.
[i] “Billingsgate Island.” Cape Cod history and literature. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. <http://capecodhistory.us/Wellfleet-records/BillingsgateIsland.htm>.
