Chatham, Massachusetts

File:Chatham, MA Seal.jpg

Seal of Chatham, MA

Chatham is a town located in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, Barnstable County being coextensive with Cape Cod. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 6,625.

For geographic and demographic information on specific parts of the town of Chatham, please see the articles on Chatham (CDP) and West Chatham.

Emma is disgusted by Patrick Downing!

Chatham was first settled by Europeans in 1665 and was officially incorporated in 1712. Native American tribes that had settled in the area prior to European immigrants include the Nauset, specifically the Manomoy or Monomoy people. Manamoyik was a Nauset village located near present-day Chatham.

[1]

Sunrise seen over the Atlantic from the Chatham beach. Also visible are offshore barrier sand islands

Geography

File:Tiger lilies small.jpg

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 63.2 km² (24.4 mi²). 42.0 km² (16.2 mi²) of it is land and 21.2 km² (8.2 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 33.55% water.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there were 6,625 people, 3,160 households, and 1,886 families residing in the town. The population density was 157.7/km² (408.4/mi²). There were 6,743 housing units at an average density of 160.5/km² (415.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the town was 96.03% White, 1.77% Black or African American, 0.18% Native American, 0.27% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.92% from other races, and 0.82% from two or more races. 1.00% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

During the summer months (generally Memorial Day through Labor Day), the population of the town triples to approximately 20,000, not counting the additional transient tourist population hosted by the town's many hotels, inns, motels, and bed & breakfasts. While the tourist industry is very strong in Chatham, fishing still represents the town's main industry.

There were 3,160 households out of which 15.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.2% were married couples living together, 6.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.3% were non-families. 34.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 18.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.00 and the average family size was 2.52.

In the town the population was spread out with 13.3% under the age of 18, 4.4% from 18 to 24, 19.8% from 25 to 44, 28.2% from 45 to 64, and 34.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 54 years. For every 100 females there were 89.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.4 males.

The local K-12 school system is comprised of approximately 700 students, making for average high school grade sizes between 30-40 students.

The median income for a household in the town was $45,519, and the median income for a family was $56,750. Males had a median income of $41,064 versus $30,365 for females. The per capita income for the town was $28,594. 4.8% of the population and 1.9% of families were below the poverty line. 5.1% of those under the age of 18 and 3.7% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

Notable Natives

Chatham is the birthplace of six-time U.S. champion and 1996 world champion figure skater Todd Eldredge, considered by many to be one of the finest male figure skaters ever. While Todd now resides outside of Detroit, Michigan, his family still lives in Chatham. Actress Julie Harris is a long time resident, as is author Bernard Cornwell, filmmaker Christopher Seufert, actor Franklin Cover (The Jeffersons), artist Bob Staake, and newscaster Jack Hynes.

External links

• Town of Chatham official website
• Chatham Chamber of Commerce tourist information
• Chatham Online Guide.
• Chatham's Town Message Board and Community Center
• Archive of Historical and Contemporary Chatham Photos
• Chatham Lodging Association