2023 Map of Orleans

About this map

North Eastham and Orleans anchor this coastal landscape, which is defined by the intricate waterways and marshlands of the Cape Cod National Seashore. The geography reveals a complex system of inlets and ponds, from the tidal reaches of Nauset Marsh and Salt Pond Bay to the inland waters of Great Pond and Crystal Lake. This area demonstrates a long history of maritime orientation and community preservation, evidenced by the concentration of burial sites such as the Cove Burying Ground Cem and the Eastham Congregational and Soldiers Cem. The map traces the peninsula's evolution into a modern conservation and residential corridor, where landmarks like Nauset Light Beach and Coast Guard Beach stand along the Atlantic front. Settlement patterns follow the contours of the land, clustering around Town Cove and extending through Nauset Heights and East Orleans, while the western edge is marked by the expansive Herring River Marshes.