The Town of Barnstable was founded as a town in 1639 and is located in Barnstable County. Although a city government, the community wishes to be known as "The Town of Barnstable".
The town of Barnstable is made up of seven villages that include Centerville, Cotuit and Osterville all located on the south side, Barnstable and West Barnstable both located on the north side and Marstons Mills which is located on Route 28.
Visitors to Barnstable come from all around to see the beautiful beaches. Most popular of them all is Craigville Beach, a long sandy stretch of sand and ocean encompassing all of the natural beauty a beach on Cape Cod has to offer. Visitors enjoy touring the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum along with several shopping malls in the Hyannis area.