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Provincetown Monument

High Pole Hill has been a lookout for the sailors of Provincetown for many years. From a high pole to a windmill, from a town hall to a monument, there has always been some mark there to guide the ships at sea.

For years agitation had grown for a proper landmark recognizing the first landing of the Pilgrims, but nothing was done, The residents were surprised one June day in 1906 to learn that President Roosevelt had approved a bill for the erecting of a monument, higher than Bunker Hill Monument.

It was not Theodore Roosevelt who laid the cornerstone as is commonly believed, but the Masons of Massachusetts in the presence of the President. Three years later the dedicatory exercises were performed in the presence of President Taft.

The monument itself is 252 feet seven inches higher than High Pole Hill, making it at least 350 feet above sea level. It is easier to climb than Bunker Hill Monument because it has inclined ramps and easy resting platforms.

On the stones set in various places are inscriptions of interest. Its presence dominates every other building in the town. Flying down the coast from Boston, it can be seen almost as soon as one leaves that historic city. Going to the Cape by boat, it can be seen halfway across the Bay. It is a structure of which all Cape Codders are proud.

Coming across the Atlantic from European countries, the first object to engage eyes looking for land as the ship approaches Cape Cod is the tall Provincetown Memorial Tower, which is visible many miles at sea.

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