Provincetown, Massachusetts

The Pilgrim Monument, soaring at an impressive height of 252 feet, is the iconic beacon that greets all who arrive in Provincetown, Massachusetts.

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About This Location

The Pilgrim Monument, soaring at an impressive height of 252 feet, is the iconic beacon that greets all who arrive in Provincetown, Massachusetts, marking their journey by land, sea, or air. As the tallest all-granite structure in the United States, this monument stands as a profound commemoration of the Mayflower Pilgrims and their enduring impact on American democracy.

The narrative of the Pilgrims unfolds against the backdrop of Cape Cod, where, before reaching Plymouth in 1620, they spent five weeks exploring its shores. A testament to their commitment to principles, the Pilgrims refrained from setting foot on land until the drafting and signing of the Mayflower Compact, considered one of the earliest expressions of democratic governance. This momentous history is etched into the core of the monument, a towering tribute to the spirit of those who sailed aboard the Mayflower.

High Pole Hill, the site chosen for the monument, was deeded to the Cape Cod Pilgrim Memorial Association by the Town of Provincetown in 1902. An architectural design contest drew over 150 entries, with Boston architect Willard T. Sears emerging as the winner. His design, inspired by the Torre del Mangia in Siena, Italy, echoes the grandeur of historical structures.

The cornerstone laying ceremony in 1907, presided over by President Theodore Roosevelt, marked the commencement of the monument's construction. The culmination of this effort came to fruition in 1910 when President William H. Taft dedicated the monument, a symbol of enduring democracy and the Pilgrims' legacy. The Pilgrim Monument remains the tallest all-granite structure in the United States. The use of granite from Stonington, Maine, where each stone mirrors the thickness of the monument's walls, adds to its significance.

A noteworthy distinction for the Pilgrim Monument is its inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places, part of the Provincetown Historic District since August 30, 1989. This recognition underlines its historical and architectural importance, ensuring its preservation for generations to come. Its reference number is 89001148.

Tourists, drawn from various corners of the world, flock to Provincetown to witness the grandeur of the monument and ascend its heights. The journey involves a heart-healthy climb of 116 steps and 60 ramps, culminating in panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. An annual spectacle is the illumination of the monument with Christmas lights, casting a warm glow from November to January.

Complementing the monument is the Provincetown Museum, where permanent exhibits weave a rich tapestry of the town's history. Capturing the maritime heritage, the early days of American theater, and the arrival of the Mayflower Pilgrims, the museum stands as a living testament to Provincetown's cultural significance.

Admission to both the monument and the museum is available for a fee, with adults at $18, seniors/teens at $14, children at $8, and those under 3 free. Operating year-round from Wednesday to Monday, 10 am to 5 pm, the museum and monument complex is conveniently accessible, with parking available adjacent to the tower. Fair warning, the parking area does fill up often on nice summer days. This revered site, with its historical depth and architectural grandeur, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Provincetown and the Pilgrims who shaped its destiny.

Location Features

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Locations

Address:
1 High Pole Hill Road, Provincetown, Massachusetts

GPS Coordinates:
42.052273, -70.188623
Directions to location:
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Directions to parking area:
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Parking Notes:
There are over 50 parking spots located at the 1 High Pole Hill Road Parking Lot located right next to the monument. Parking costs $15 in the summer and is free in the off-season.

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