The Kennedy Compound: Iconic Summer Getaway (Photos)

By Devin Brown
Published Jun 4 2014 06:53 PM EDT
weather.com

Cape Cod regions map

Link to the Photo HERE

Barnstable, MA
Barnstable is better known for its “village” of Hyannis and Hyannis Port. Former President John F. Kennedy, Ted Kennedy, and Robert Kennedy all resided at the Kennedy Compound making these two parts of the city famous. Besides the Kennedy connection, Barnstable has plenty to offer. Major villages like Cotuit, Centerville, Craigville Beach, and the busy town center of Hyannis along Route 28 are some of the most visited spots of Cape Cod. Barnstable is also where you can find Sandy Neck Beach, a long, dune-filled peninsula with unbelievable views of Cape Cod Bay.

Kennedy family spokesman Brian O'Conner stands outside the Kennedy compound in Hyannis Port, Mass.

The U.S. flag flies at half mast in July 1999 outside the Kennedy compound in Hyannis Port, Mass.

The U.S. flag flies at half mast in July 1999 outside the Kennedy compound in Hyannis Port, Mass.

The Kennedy compound is seen in 2000 in Hyannis Port, Mass.

A partial view of the Kennedy compound in Hyannis Port, Mass.

Caroline Kennedy whispers to her father during a 1963 visit to Hyannis Port, Mass.

President Kennedy aboard the "Honey Fitz" in Hyannis Port, Mass.

John F. Kennedy Jr. prepares to go kayaking at the Kennedy compound in Hyannis Port, Mass.

This aerial shot of the Kennedy compound shows the properties proximity to the shoreline.

This aerial of the Kennedy compound shows the U.S. flag flying high.

Here is an aerial view of the Kennedy compound in Hyannis Port, Mass.

President John F. Kennedy gives the younger Kennedy children a ride around the Kennedy compound on a golf cart, Hyannis Port, Mass.

A glimpse inside the Kennedy compound in Hyannis Port, Mass.

Another view of the Kennedy family compound is seen July, 2000 in Hyannis Port, Mass.

A road leads to the Kennedy compound July, 2000 in Hyannis Port, Mass.

A driveway view of the main house, John F. Kennedy resided here during his successful 1960 election.

The New England Summer is an instantly recognizable trope, perhaps because of the lasting impression the Kennedy family left on popular culture while vacationing in their Hyannis Port home in the warmer months. 

From President John F. Kennedy eating an ice-cream cone on a sailboat to the iconic residences, the Kennedy compound has left its mark on what we perceive as the classic Cape Cod summer.

Robert, Edward and John would grow into American heroes and political leaders, but not before enjoying the summer sun at the famous Kennedy compound summer after summer -- even into President Kennedy's White House years.

Joseph and Rose Kennedy purchased the summerhouse they had been renting in Hyannis Port, Mass. in 1929. In time, the couple’s children would build their own homes on adjacent properties. The compound would eventually consist of three properties on Cape Cod, along Nantucket Sound. President Kennedy bought a property nearby in 1956. Edward followed suit in 1959, and sold his property to his brother Robert just two years later.

The home would serve as Edward’s main residence until his death in 2009. President Kennedy used the main house as a base for his winning 1960 election, and as a summer White House retreat until his assassination in 1963.

In 2012 the main house was donated to the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States, and will eventually be opened to the public. Take a look back at glimpses of the historic residence of an American legacy.