This 8-mile long spit of sand extending southwest from the Chatham mainland is one of the best reasons to visit thus here on the elbow of Cape Cod.  Once owned by Chatham property owners it was taken over by the government just prior to World War 2.

Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) was established in 1944 to provide habitat for migratory birds. Sand stretches for eight miles off the elbow of Cape Cod, forming the barrier islands of North and South Monomoy. In addition to the two islands, a 40-acre unit on Morris Island is also part of the refuge. This is where the headquarters and visitor center are located. The total size of the refuge is 7,604 acres with varied habitats of oceans, salt and freshwater marshes, dunes, and freshwater ponds. The refuge provides important resting, nesting and feeding habitat for migratory birds, including the Federally protected piping plover and roseate tern. More than ten species of seabirds, shorebirds, and waterbirds nest on the islands. The refuge also supports the second largest nesting colony of common terns on the Atlantic seaboard with over 8,000 nesting pairs.

Despite its remoteness Monomoy was home to its own community as early as 1710. A tavern for sailors was opened up in the location of today's Hospital Pond, known then as Wreck Cove.

 

 

During the early 1800's a deep natural harbor at Monomoy's inner shore, known as the Powder Hole, attracted a sizeable fishing settlement. In its prime Whitewash Village housed about 200 residents, a tavern inn called Monomoit House, and Public School #13, which at one time boasted 16 students. Cod and mackerel brought in to the Monomoy port were dried and packed for markets in Boston and New York. Lobsters were also plentiful, providing both food and income for the villagers, who peddled them to mainlanders at about two cents apiece.

The village was abandoned after its harbor was washed away by a hurricane around 1860. Since a storm in 1958 Monomoy is only accessible by boat and was designated in 1970 a Federal Wildlife, serving as an important stop on the migratory routes of 285 species of birds.

Monomoy has no human residents, no electricity, no paved roads-- Today the only reminder of Monomoy's habitation is the Monomoy Point Light, which guided from 1828 to 1923. The wooden lightkeepers quarters, the cast iron light tower, and the brick generator house are alone on the desolate point of the South Island.

 

Monomoy Seal Colonies

Read about the seals of Monomoy at The Cape Cod Travel Guide

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Monomoy Wildlife Refuge Headquarters

and Morris Island Hike Trail

Morris Island offers a small sampling of the unique habitats of the Monomoy Islands and is the only section of Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge accessible by land. Countless shore birds, waterfowl, and songbirds rest, feed and nurture their young here. During certain times of the year, seals frolic offshore in the shallow waters.

Public Use Regulations

All persons using the refuge are asked to comply with local, State, and Federal laws, regulations, and ordinances, as well as with the following conditions.

• Public use of designated trails within the refuge for wildlife observation, study, and photography is permitted from sunrise to sunset. Surf fishing on Morris Island is permitted 24 hours.
• On Morris Island, pets must be on a short handheld leash during the entire visit. No pets are permitted on the Monomoy Islands.
• Motorized vehicles are restricted to the entrance roads and parking areas.
  Hunting, shooting, fires, and camping are not permitted. Use of small barbecue grills is permitted on open beach areas only.
• Entry into closed areas is prohibited. Portions of the refuge are seasonally closed to protect sensitive wildlife from human disturbance. These areas are marked by signs.
• The disturbance, destruction, or removal of wildlife, vegetation, and facilities are prohibited.
  

This is your refuge, but not only yours. Enjoy it, and please do nothing to harm it.