by Jeff Shaw
A large boulder was discovered in Spring 2025 during sewer work in Orleans Marketplace on Route 6A. The discovery was so exciting that the boulder was not only kept, not only named, but is proudly [fenced off and] on display!
The word “popular” or “viral” doesn’t do the Rock’s following justice. Below are some fun quotes from the feature story on page 5 (into page 23!) in the June 19, 2025 edition of the Cape Cod Chronicle weekly newspaper.
The boulder is affectionately known as “Staples Rock,” is having a moment online. “It’s become a story,” and “social media has turned a slab into a summertime sensation,” and “what they did is create the best marketing no one can pay for [drawing people to the shops without spending a dime].”
Photo credit: Jeff Shaw
Further, the Yardarm Restaurant has named a drink after it – The Orleans Rock. Combination of cranberry Deep Eddy vodka, ginger beer and lime. Apparently, “the rock has its own designation on Google Maps search of the property,” though I didn’t find it after a quick search. And just recently, Staples began selling t-shirts and other merchandise to capitalize on this phenomena.
Now you may be wondering what the future has in store for the Staples Rock. Word is if interest in the rock continues into the summer, there could be a proper naming and ribbon cutting event. There is even talk of a “rock” concert on the property.
Of course, there is plenty of history of Cape Cod’s affection to large boulders. Heck, the author is writing a series – Big Rock Series – on the topic.
Perhaps, one last quote from the Cape Cod Chronicle article sums it all up; “it’s just so stupid that it’s funny.”
July 28, 2025