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116731 | Swansea, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Swansea,%20Massachusetts | Swansea, Massachusetts
had taken place at the Miles Garrison, near the Coles River. By June 25 the entire town had been burned, although a handful of the colonists escaped to Taunton. When the active war ended in 1676, the town was soon rebuilt. The Miles (or Myles) Garrison stood the test of time, but was demolished in the 1970s. The plot it was on remains overgrown, free from construction, and a commemorative marker was placed there by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1912.
After the war, many small industries, such as forges, ironworks and fisheries, opened up in the town. Many would later leave, and there remains a large agricultural sector.
What is now Barrington, Rhode Island (part of Massachusetts until | 9,800 |
116731 | Swansea, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Swansea,%20Massachusetts | Swansea, Massachusetts
1747) was separated from the rest of Swansea in 1717, over religious differences.
In the late 1890s, trolleys connected the town to Providence, Fall River and Taunton, and the town has retained a suburban residential feel. Today Swansea is well known for its retail areas.
Swansea gained national attention in 1985 when Mark Hoyle, a young hemophiliac who had contracted AIDS through a blood transfusion, was allowed to attend public schools by Jack McCarthy, Superintendent of Schools. It was the first time in the U.S. that a student known to have the disease was allowed to enter public schools. The case came to national attention around the same time as that of Ryan White in Indiana, and helped | 9,801 |
116731 | Swansea, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Swansea,%20Massachusetts | Swansea, Massachusetts
many children with HIV attend schools throughout the country. Hoyle died one year later, and a new elementary school was named in his honor.
# Geography.
The town has a total area of , of which is land and , or 9.67%, is water. The town is bordered by Dighton on the northeast, Somerset on the east, Mount Hope Bay on the south, Warren, Rhode Island, on the southwest, Barrington, Rhode Island, on the west, and Seekonk and Rehoboth to the north. Part of the town's border with Somerset is made up of the Lees River. The Cole, Kickamuit and Palmer rivers also pass through the town on their way south to Mount Hope Bay (for the Kickamuit, Cole and Lees rivers) and Narragansett Bay (for the Palmer). | 9,802 |
116731 | Swansea, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Swansea,%20Massachusetts | Swansea, Massachusetts
The entire town is a part of the Narragansett Bay watershed area. The town's neighborhoods include Barneyville, North Swansea, Swansea Village, Birch Swamp Corner, Hortonville, Luther Corner, South Swansea, Touissett, Ocean Grove, and Smokerise. Swansea is southeast of Providence and south of Boston.
Much of the town's retail businesses are located along the highways, with the area around the junction of U.S. Route 6 and Massachusetts Route 118 where the former Swansea Mall was located. Just north of the mall are several office complexes, including the former headquarters of the First Federal Bank (now a division headquarters for Webster Bank, which bought it out), doctor's offices and Academic | 9,803 |
116731 | Swansea, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Swansea,%20Massachusetts | Swansea, Massachusetts
Management Services, a division of Sallie Mae. The area along Route 103 between the Lees River and the Cole River is also an area for retail, with many smaller businesses lining the road.
However, outside of the retail area (as well as the densely populated neighborhoods of Ocean Grove, South Swansea and Smokerise), much of the area is rural.
# Demographics.
As of the census of 2000, there were 15,901 people, 5,888 households, and 4,539 families residing in the town. The population density was 689.4 people per square mile (266.2/km²). There were 6,070 housing units at an average density of 263.2 per square mile (101.6/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 97.91% White, 0.38% African American, | 9,804 |
116731 | Swansea, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Swansea,%20Massachusetts | Swansea, Massachusetts
0.08% Native American, 0.36% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.27% from other races, and 1.00% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.60% of the population.
There were 5,888 households out of which 31.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.6% were married couples living together, 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.9% were non-families. 19.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.67 and the average family size was 3.06.
In the town, the population was spread out with 22.2% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 28.4% | 9,805 |
116731 | Swansea, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Swansea,%20Massachusetts | Swansea, Massachusetts
from 25 to 44, 27.0% from 45 to 64, and 15.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.3 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $52,524, and the median income for a family was $60,567. Males had a median income of $40,056 versus $27,072 for females. The per capita income for the town was $21,776. About 3.4% of families and 4.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.9% of those under age 18 and 11.0% of those age 65 or over.
# Government.
On the state level, Swansea is a part of two state representative districts, the Fourth Bristol | 9,806 |
116731 | Swansea, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Swansea,%20Massachusetts | Swansea, Massachusetts
(including Rehoboth, Seekonk and part of Norton, Rep. Steve Howitt) and Fifth Bristol (including Dighton, Somerset and part of the city of Taunton, Rep. Patricia Haddad). The town is part of the First Bristol and Plymouth state senatorial district, which includes the communities of Fall River, Freetown, Lakeville, Rochester, Somerset and Westport, currently Senator Michael Rodrigues (D-Westport) represents Swansea. Swansea is patrolled by Troop D (Southeast District), 3rd (Dartmouth) Barracks of the Massachusetts State Police. On the national level, the town is part of Massachusetts's 4th congressional district, which is represented by Joseph Kennedy III. The state's senior Senator is Elizabeth | 9,807 |
116731 | Swansea, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Swansea,%20Massachusetts | Swansea, Massachusetts
Warren and the state's junior Senator is Edward Markey.
The town is governed by Selectmen and an Administrator. Swansea also maintains the tradition of open Town Meetings. As of 2001, total property values are assessed at $980 million, and property taxes amount to $15 million. The town operates on a budget of approximately $10 million, which does not include another $13.5 million spent on schools.
The town has four fire stations (the Central station being in South Swansea, with branch stations in North Swansea, Central Swansea and Ocean Grove), one library, a single police station, and a new post office. The town has two playgrounds, as well as a town beach with a picnic area (near the mouth | 9,808 |
116731 | Swansea, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Swansea,%20Massachusetts | Swansea, Massachusetts
of the Cole), and the town conservation farm.
## Selectmen.
- Steven H. Kitchin - Chairman
- Christopher R. Carreiro - Vice Chairman
- Derek W. Heim - Clerk
# Education.
## Secondary.
The Swansea Public Schools serve the town, with four elementary schools (Joseph G. Luther Elementary School at Luther's Corner, Gardner Elementary School in the South Swansea-Ocean Grove neighborhood, Elizabeth S. Brown Elementary School near the town center, and Mark Hoyle Elementary School in North Swansea), as well as Joseph Case Junior High School and Joseph Case High School, both located in the town center. Case High School (as it is commonly known) has the school colors of maroon and gold, and its | 9,809 |
116731 | Swansea, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Swansea,%20Massachusetts | Swansea, Massachusetts
mascot is the Cardinal. High school students also have the option of attending Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School in Fall River, or Bristol County Agricultural High School in Dighton.
There are two Christian schools in town, and there are also local Catholic schools in nearby Warren and Fall River.
### School Committee members.
- Eric C. Graham - Chairman
- James Carvalho - Vice Chairman
- Joseph Salpietro III
- Scott Rowland
- Albertina Bell
- Jeffrey Begin - Swansea Representative, Diman School Committee
## Post-secondary.
Eastern Nazarene College offers Adult Studies/LEAD classes in Swansea.
# Transportation.
The town is bisected by Interstate 195, U.S. Route 6, and | 9,810 |
116731 | Swansea, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Swansea,%20Massachusetts | Swansea, Massachusetts
state routes 103, 118 and 136. Swansea has two exits off I-195 serving the town, Exit 2 (Route 136) and 3 (Route 6 to Route 118). In addition, Exit 4 (Route 103) in Somerset provides quick access to the Ocean Grove neighborhood.
Swansea is the western terminus of the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) bus line. Regional bus service can be reached in Fall River, and the nearest regional rail service is in Providence. The nearest national airline service can be reached at T. F. Green Airport in Rhode Island, and international service can be reached at Logan International Airport in Boston.
# Points of interest.
- Regal Swansea Stadium 12 (movie theater), 207 Swansea Mall Drive
- | 9,811 |
116731 | Swansea, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Swansea,%20Massachusetts | Swansea, Massachusetts
Martin House Farm, 1728 G.A.R. Highway, North Swansea
- J.G. Luther Museum (home of the Swansea Historical Society), Old Warren Rd. (intersection of Maple Avenue and Pearse Road)
- Simcock House, 1074 Sharps Lot Road
- The Ice Cream Barn at Baker Farm, 89 Locust Street
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites, 1400 G.A.R. Highway
- Swansea Motor Inn (featuring water beds), 999 G.A.R. Highway
# Notable people.
- Benjamin Brown (politician), member of the United States Congress; born in Swansea
- Oliver Chace, founder of what is today Berkshire Hathaway; born in Swansea
- Warren A. Cole, founder of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity
- Bob Evans, professional wrestler and trainer
- Jason Roy, "Big Brother | 9,812 |
116731 | Swansea, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Swansea,%20Massachusetts | Swansea, Massachusetts
ay Inn Express & Suites, 1400 G.A.R. Highway
- Swansea Motor Inn (featuring water beds), 999 G.A.R. Highway
# Notable people.
- Benjamin Brown (politician), member of the United States Congress; born in Swansea
- Oliver Chace, founder of what is today Berkshire Hathaway; born in Swansea
- Warren A. Cole, founder of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity
- Bob Evans, professional wrestler and trainer
- Jason Roy, "Big Brother 17" houseguest and runner-up on ""
- Cheryl Wheeler, folk singer and songwriter
- Thomas Willett, first Mayor of New York City
# Further reading.
- "History of Swansea, Massachusetts, 1667-1917", by Otis Olney Wright
# External links.
- Town of Swansea official website | 9,813 |
116733 | Westport, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Westport,%20Massachusetts | Westport, Massachusetts
Westport, Massachusetts
Westport is a town in Bristol County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 15,532 at the 2010 census.
The village of North Westport lies in the town. Other named areas of the town are "Westport Point," which has a dock on the Westport River where Main Road meets the river; "Central Village" with town offices, retail stores and businesses; "Head of Westport" at the head of the east branch of the river; and the area referred to either as "Acoaxet" or "Westport Harbor," which is between the west branch of the river and Rhode Island. This area is cut off from the rest of Massachusetts by water and Rhode Island.
# History.
Westport was so named because it was | 9,814 |
116733 | Westport, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Westport,%20Massachusetts | Westport, Massachusetts
the westernmost port in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. It was first settled by English colonists in 1670 as a part of the Town of Dartmouth by members of the Sisson family. The river, and the land around it, was called "Coaksett" in the original deed; the name, now spelled "Acoaxet," now refers to the southwestern community along the western branch of the Westport River.
Like many areas in the region, Westport was affected by King Philip's War, when the native Wampanoag population rebelled against the oppression of the English settlers. Several small mills were built along the Westport River, adding to its prosperity. In 1787, the growing town, along with the town of New Bedford, seceded from | 9,815 |
116733 | Westport, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Westport,%20Massachusetts | Westport, Massachusetts
Dartmouth.
During the late 18th century, into the early 19th century, Paul Cuffee and his wife settled in the town. He was a Quaker businessman, sea captain, patriot, and abolitionist who developed a shipyard on the banks of the Westport River. Of Wampanoag and Ashanti ancestry, Cuffee became one of the richest free men of color in the United States at the time. He later helped the effort to resettle freed blacks to Sierra Leone in West Africa.
Several cotton mills operated along the river, the largest of which was at the junction of the river with Lake Noquochoke on the Dartmouth town line. The Macomber turnip traces its ancestry to turnips sowed in Westport shortly after 1876. During the | 9,816 |
116733 | Westport, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Westport,%20Massachusetts | Westport, Massachusetts
Second World War, a coastal defense installation was raised on Gooseberry Island. The town is now mostly residential, with a large farming community. Horseneck Beach State Reservation, located to the north and west of Gooseberry Island, is a popular summer destination for many in the area.
# Geography.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of , of which is land and , or 22.27%, is water. The majority of that water area is from the Watuppa Ponds along the border with Fall River, as well as Westport Harbor, where the two branches of the Westport River meet before emptying into Buzzards Bay. Westport is bordered by Fall River to the northwest and west, Dartmouth | 9,817 |
116733 | Westport, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Westport,%20Massachusetts | Westport, Massachusetts
to the east, Buzzards Bay to the south, and Little Compton and Tiverton, Rhode Island, to the west. Westport is approximately southeast of Providence, Rhode Island, and approximately south of Boston.
There are several unofficial localities within town: Head of Westport, South Westport, Westport Point, Central Village, North Westport (known in former times as Westport Factory) and Westport Harbor which is also often called Acoaxet, an early name. Because of the west branch of the Westport River, Acoaxet is inaccessible by land except by passing through Little Compton, Rhode Island.
# Climate.
Winter: Seasonal effects begin in mid-December and end in mid-March. The snowiest times of the winter | 9,818 |
116733 | Westport, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Westport,%20Massachusetts | Westport, Massachusetts
season are in January and February. Temperatures average highs in the 30s and lows in the 20s. The coldest time of the year in Westport occurs during January, in which residents can see temperature plummet into the teens and single digits.
Spring: Seasonal effects of spring begin in the end of March and end in mid-May, with mostly rain in March and April and sun/rain in May. Temperatures average with highs in the 50s/60s, and lows in the 40s/50s.
Summer: Seasonal effects begin in the end of May and end in mid-September, with mostly sunny conditions. Hurricanes/tropical storms usually hit or come close to Westport during late August and September. Temperatures average with highs in the 80s, | 9,819 |
116733 | Westport, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Westport,%20Massachusetts | Westport, Massachusetts
and lows in the 60s and 70s. The hottest time of the year in Westport occurs in mid-July where temperatures can climb to highs in the 90s.
Fall/ Autumn: Seasonal effects begin in the end of September and end in the beginning of December with mostly sunny crisp, cool days. Temperatures range from 50s during the day, and 30s/40s at night.
Hurricanes: Tropical systems occasionally hit Westport or come close to Westport. The most favorable period for tropical systems in Westport are in mid to late August and during the month of September. The last tropical system to hit Westport was Hurricane Sandy on October 29, 2012, which hit the town at about and brought powerful gusts and periods of heavy | 9,820 |
116733 | Westport, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Westport,%20Massachusetts | Westport, Massachusetts
rain to the area. The storm disrupted power for many across the town, however, much of Westport's service was restored within a day.
# Transportation.
The town is accessible via Interstate 195, U.S. Route 6, and Massachusetts Route 177, which has its eastern terminus at its intersection at Route 6, on the eastern edge of Westport. Massachusetts Route 88, the longest state highway in Massachusetts to be entirely located within one town, serves as an access from I-195 (at exit 10) to Horseneck Beach State Reservation.
There is bus service along Route 6 provided by the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA). During the summer, service is extended to Horseneck Beach. Regional bus service | 9,821 |
116733 | Westport, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Westport,%20Massachusetts | Westport, Massachusetts
can be reached in Fall River, and regional rail service can be reached in Middleborough/ Lakeville, and in Providence. Plans have been in the works to bring commuter rail service to Fall River, and New Bedford, and is set to be completed in 2024. The nearest airport is New Bedford Regional Airport, away. National airline service can be reached at T. F. Green Airport in Warwick, Rhode Island, away.
# Government.
On the state level, Westport is located in the Eighth Bristol state representative district, which includes parts of Fall River and is represented by Representative Paul Schmid (D-Westport). The town is also represented by Senator Michael Rodrigues (D-Fall River), Assistant Majority | 9,822 |
116733 | Westport, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Westport,%20Massachusetts | Westport, Massachusetts
Leader in the state senate in the First Bristol and Plymouth district, which also includes Fall River, Freetown, Rochester, Somerset and Swansea. On the national level, the town is part of Massachusetts's 9th congressional district, which is represented by William R. Keating. The state's senior Senator, elected in 2012, is Elizabeth Warren. The other senator is Ed Markey, who elected in 2013. Westport is patrolled by the Westport Police Department along with the 3rd (Dartmouth) Barracks of Troop D of the Massachusetts State Police. In the November United States Election of 2012, 59% voted for Barack Obama, and 39% voted for Mitt Romney, with the new Massachusetts state senator, Elizabeth Warren | 9,823 |
116733 | Westport, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Westport,%20Massachusetts | Westport, Massachusetts
edging out former Senator Scott Brown in the election.
Westport is governed by an open town meeting, led by a five-member board of selectmen. The police department is located directly East of the fire department on hixbridge rd. Westport has a full-time fire department, (which also has on-call firefighters). The two fire stations are located in the north end (on Briggs Rd.) and in the south end (on Hix Bridge Rd). The fire department also staffs two Advanced Life Support ambulances 24 hours a day. There are four post offices for the town's two ZIP codes; The main post office on Route 6, a smaller branch (on Old County Rd.) at the Head of Westport, and the branch (on Adamsville Rd.) in Central | 9,824 |
116733 | Westport, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Westport,%20Massachusetts | Westport, Massachusetts
Village serve the ZIP code 02790, while the 02791 ZIP code (Westport Point) is served by the Central Village station and at the point itself, on Main Rd. The town's library, the Westport Free Public Library, is located next to Westport Middle School, directly west of the Head of Westport.
# Education.
Westport has its own school system. There are three schools: Alice A. Macomber School, which provides pre-school (pre-kindergarten), kindergarten, first grade, and second grade; Westport Elementary School, near the Head of Westport, which serves grades 3-6; and Westport Junior/Senior High School, which serves grades 7-12. Students who graduate from Westport Junior/Senior High School with enough | 9,825 |
116733 | Westport, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Westport,%20Massachusetts | Westport, Massachusetts
credits in certain fields of study will earn special academy certificates, in addition to their high school diplomas. This was modelled after University-style degrees.
Their team name is the Westport Wildcats who have won multiple championships in the Mayflower League. The Wildcats are one of the few teams in the Mayflower League who have won multiple championships in every sport. Their mascot is the Wildcat, and their colors are brown, white and yellow (a legacy of when Westport was in a different league that used Ivy League colors – Westport using brown and white after Brown University). The school is a member of the Mayflower League, and competes against mostly division 3 and 4 schools in | 9,826 |
116733 | Westport, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Westport,%20Massachusetts | Westport, Massachusetts
the region.
Westport High School graduated 94% of its class in 2013.
In addition to their schools, incoming high school students may choose to attend Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School in Fall River or Bristol County Agricultural High School in Dighton, free of charge. Juniors and Seniors may opt to take college classes at UMass Dartmouth in Dartmouth or Bristol Community College in Fall River to earn both high school and college credits. Internships and independent study are offered as well.
There is one private school in the town, Montessori School of the Angels, which serves grades 1-8, located in the Westport Factory neighborhood. It was formerly known as Saint Joseph's Montessori, | 9,827 |
116733 | Westport, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Westport,%20Massachusetts | Westport, Massachusetts
and was located in Fall River; the school building itself was formerly Saint George's School, which closed due to lack of funding and declining attendance. Many students also attend private and charter schools in Fall River and Dartmouth, including Bishop Connolly High School in Fall River and Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth.
# Demographics.
As of the census of 2010, there were 15,532 people, 5,386 households, and 4,082 families residing in the town. The population density was 283.4 people per square mile (109.4/km²). There were 6,143 housing units at an average density of 122.7 per square mile (47.4/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 98.01% White, 0.17% African American, | 9,828 |
116733 | Westport, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Westport,%20Massachusetts | Westport, Massachusetts
0.14% Native American, 0.49% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.37% from other races, and 0.79% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.69% of the population.
There were 5,386 households in Westport, of which 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.9% were married couples living together, 9.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.2% were non-families. 19.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 3.01.
In the town, the population was spread out with 21.6% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to | 9,829 |
116733 | Westport, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Westport,%20Massachusetts | Westport, Massachusetts
24, 28.0% from 25 to 44, 29.0% from 45 to 64, and 14.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.2 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $55,436, and the median income for a family was $64,568. Males had a median income of $41,890 versus $30,921 for females. The per capita income for the town was $25,281. About 3.7% of families and 4.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.5% of those under age 18 and 7.9% of those age 65 or over.
# Notable people.
- Paul Cuffee, businessman
- Ruby Devol Finch, watercolorist
- Black Francis, lead | 9,830 |
116733 | Westport, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Westport,%20Massachusetts | Westport, Massachusetts
. The per capita income for the town was $25,281. About 3.7% of families and 4.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.5% of those under age 18 and 7.9% of those age 65 or over.
# Notable people.
- Paul Cuffee, businessman
- Ruby Devol Finch, watercolorist
- Black Francis, lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the Pixies
- Allen Levrault, former Major League Baseball Player (Milwaukee Brewers from 2001–2003, and the Florida Marlins in 2003)
- Wendi Nix, ESPN College Football, and NFL analyst.
- Edwin Slade, Wisconsin State Assemblyman and businessman
# External links.
- Town of Westport official website
- Westport School Department
- Westport Historical Society | 9,831 |
116734 | Aquinnah, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Aquinnah,%20Massachusetts | Aquinnah, Massachusetts
Aquinnah, Massachusetts
Aquinnah is a town located on the island of Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts. Until 1997, the town was called Gay Head. The population was 311 at the 2010 U.S. census. It is known for its beautiful clay cliffs and quiet natural serenity. In 1965, Gay Head Cliffs were designated as a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service.
Aquinnah has become celebrated as a center of Wampanoag culture and a center of pride and tradition among members of the federally recognized Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head. They make up about one-third of the town's voters and are one of two federally recognized tribes of Wampanoag people in Massachusetts. This area is one of the earliest | 9,832 |
116734 | Aquinnah, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Aquinnah,%20Massachusetts | Aquinnah, Massachusetts
sites of whaling. The Wampanoag harvested whales from small boats and the shore, using harpoons, long before the 19th-century industry of whaling became the major maritime industry of Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, and New Bedford, Massachusetts.
# History.
Before the arrival of English colonists, Martha's Vineyard and Aquinnah were inhabited by the Wampanoag, a Native American people, related to the larger Algonquin Nation of Southern New England. Historically they spoke an Algonquian language, part of a large language family that extended down the Atlantic Coast. Based on archeological testing, scientists estimate the earliest signs of human occupation in what is now Aquinnah date back 10,000 | 9,833 |
116734 | Aquinnah, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Aquinnah,%20Massachusetts | Aquinnah, Massachusetts
to 7,500 years.
The Wampanoag have a separate history; their creation myth tells that their ancestors reached the island after traveling on an ice floe from the far North. They sided with the English settlers in King Philip's War. They performed whaling from small boats. The character Tashtego in Herman Melville's novel "Moby-Dick" is a Native American harpooner from Aquinnah.
This area was first settled by English colonists in 1669. Later colonists officially divided the town of Aquinnah from Chilmark and incorporated it in 1870 as Gay Head, Massachusetts. Gay Head was a descriptive name referring to the brilliant colors of the cliffs. It has frequently been noted on lists of unusual place | 9,834 |
116734 | Aquinnah, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Aquinnah,%20Massachusetts | Aquinnah, Massachusetts
names.
In 1997, by popular vote of 79 to 21, the town changed its name to "Aquinnah," which is Wampanoag for "land under the hill." Throughout the town's history, a Wampanoag community has been among its residents. The people gained federal recognition as the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head in 1987 and controls sovereign tribal lands within the town boundaries.
In February 2019, the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head announced it will begin construction of the Aquinnah Cliffs Casino in March 2019. The tribe is scheduled proceed with construction despite opposition from the towns of Aquinnah and Chilmark, and a request from the Martha's Vineyard Commission for the Wampanoag tribe to work with the commission | 9,835 |
116734 | Aquinnah, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Aquinnah,%20Massachusetts | Aquinnah, Massachusetts
to "preserve the unique values of the Vineyard." The Wampanoag tribe says the commission has no jurisdiction over the project.
The most outstanding feature this small town has is its brightly colored clay cliffs. The clay cliffs are ecologically protected, and it is forbidden to climb the cliffs or touch the clay.
# Moshup's Beach.
At the foot of the cliffs is Moshup's Beach, named after a great Aquinnah Wampanoag sachem who is said to have been at least partially responsible for many of the features of the island's physical landscape. The ocean is a rare aqua color here, with wave heights that are above average for the area. The water sometimes takes on a red, white or grayish tinge resulting | 9,836 |
116734 | Aquinnah, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Aquinnah,%20Massachusetts | Aquinnah, Massachusetts
from clay eroding from the cliffs above.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the beach was a haven for nude sunbathers who delighted in "clay baths." These are no longer allowed. Although this is not officially designated as a "nude beach," the area just before and just after the first point is designated as "clothing optional."
The protection of the clay cliffs is strictly enforced. A uniformed police officer frequently patrols the beach on ATV, handing out $50 fines for tampering with the clay or engaging in any other illegal activities. Under Massachusetts General Law Ch 272 Sec 59, a person may be arrested for disturbing the clay. The cliffs are also frequently patrolled by Conservation Rangers | 9,837 |
116734 | Aquinnah, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Aquinnah,%20Massachusetts | Aquinnah, Massachusetts
of the Wampanoag tribe, who explain to visitors about the importance of the cliffs to the tribe. The cliffs feature prominently in Wampanoag spirituality and oral traditions.
# Geography.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of , of which is land and (86.85%) is water. Aquinnah ranks 334th in area out of 351 communities in the Commonwealth, and is the smallest town by land area on the Vineyard. Aquinnah is bordered by Vineyard Sound to the north and northwest, Chilmark to the east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south and west.
Aquinnah is separated from the town of Chilmark by Menemsha Bight, Menemsha Pond, and Squibnocket Pond. The only road into town lies | 9,838 |
116734 | Aquinnah, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Aquinnah,%20Massachusetts | Aquinnah, Massachusetts
between the ponds. (Squibnocket Beach, which lies between the ocean and Squibnocket Pond, also connects to the town, but is often washed out during storms. No road crosses it.) Squibnocket Point, just east of this beach, is the southernmost point on Martha's Vineyard. Aquinnah has four beaches: Philbin Beach (resident parking only; however, the beach is open to the public) and Moshup Beach to the southwest, Long Beach (adjacent to Squibnocket Beach but privately owned), and Lobsterville Beach along the Sound side of town. The Gay Head Cliffs are in a protected area at the western end of town where the Gay Head Lighthouse stands.
There is no direct transit between Aquinnah and the mainland. | 9,839 |
116734 | Aquinnah, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Aquinnah,%20Massachusetts | Aquinnah, Massachusetts
Many visitors use commercial planes serving Martha's Vineyard Airport, located in nearby West Tisbury; some have private planes. Others travel by car and ferry; the Woods Hole Ferry is in Vineyard Haven, approximately seventeen miles from the town center.
# Demographics.
As of the census of 2000, there were 344 people, 141 households, and 88 families residing in the town. The population density was 64.1 people per square mile (24.8/km²). There were 463 housing units at an average density of 86.3 per square mile (33.4/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 53.49% White, 0.29% African American, 36.63% Native American, 0.87% from other races, and 8.72% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino | 9,840 |
116734 | Aquinnah, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Aquinnah,%20Massachusetts | Aquinnah, Massachusetts
of any race were 1.16% of the population.
There were 141 households out of which 33.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.3% were married couples living together, 17.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.9% were non-families. 30.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 3.04.
In the town, the population was spread out with 25.3% under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 31.7% from 25 to 44, 24.1% from 45 to 64, and 10.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there | 9,841 |
116734 | Aquinnah, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Aquinnah,%20Massachusetts | Aquinnah, Massachusetts
were 96.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.9 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $45,208, and the median income for a family was $46,458. Males had a median income of $37,917 versus $26,250 for females. The per capita income for the town was $21,420. About 8.6% of families and 7.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.0% of those under age 18 and 14.3% of those age 65 or over.
# Government.
On the national level, Aquinnah is a part of Massachusetts's 9th congressional district, and is represented by William Keating. The state's senior member of the United States Senate is Elizabeth Warren. The junior Senator is Ed Markey.
On | 9,842 |
116734 | Aquinnah, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Aquinnah,%20Massachusetts | Aquinnah, Massachusetts
the state level, Aquinnah is represented in the Massachusetts House of Representatives as a part of the Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket district, which includes all of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, as well as a portion of Falmouth. The town is represented in the Massachusetts Senate as a portion of the Cape and Islands district, which includes all of Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket and most of Barnstable County (with the exception of Bourne, Sandwich, Falmouth and a portion of Barnstable). All of Dukes County is patrolled by the Fifth (Oak Bluffs) Barracks of Troop D of the Massachusetts State Police.
Aquinnah is governed on the local level by the open town meeting form of government. It is | 9,843 |
116734 | Aquinnah, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Aquinnah,%20Massachusetts | Aquinnah, Massachusetts
led by an executive secretary and an elected board of selectmen. The town operates its own police and fire departments, near the Town Hall at the town center. The Aquinnah Public Library, a former one-room schoolhouse of less than , is also nearby. The nearest post office is located away in Chilmark.
In 2001, Aquinnah passed a bylaw requiring archaeological reviews of proposed building sites due to the 10 millennia of Wampanoag history in the town. This bylaw has unearthed scores of significant discoveries.
# Education.
Aquinnah is served by Martha's Vineyard Regional School District. Chilmark Elementary School and Up-Island School in West Tisbury, serve the town's elementary and middle–school | 9,844 |
116734 | Aquinnah, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Aquinnah,%20Massachusetts | Aquinnah, Massachusetts
y School and Up-Island School in West Tisbury, serve the town's elementary and middle–school students. Martha's Vineyard Regional High School, located in Oak Bluffs, serves the entire island's high–school population. MVRHS's teams are nicknamed the Vineyarders, and their colors are purple and white. The school has a longstanding rivalry with Nantucket High School, and the annual Island Cup between the football teams attracts a strong following.
# See also.
- Gay Head-Aquinnah Town Center Historic District
# External links.
- Official town website
- History and Culture Wampanoag Official Webpage
- Aquinnah Music Festival
- Souvenir of Gay Head (Collection of photographs from the 1880s) | 9,845 |
116735 | Chilmark, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chilmark,%20Massachusetts | Chilmark, Massachusetts
Chilmark, Massachusetts
Chilmark is a town located on Martha's Vineyard in Dukes County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 866 at the 2010 census. The fishing village of Menemsha is located on the western side of the town along its border with the town of Aquinnah. Chilmark had the highest median home sale price of any town or city in Massachusetts in 2013.
# History.
Governor Thomas Mayhew, the Elder (March 31, 1593 – March 25, 1682) established the first English settlement of Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket and adjacent islands in 1642. The town officially incorporated on September 14, 1694, the first town to separate from the two original towns of Tisbury and Edgartown. The | 9,846 |
116735 | Chilmark, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chilmark,%20Massachusetts | Chilmark, Massachusetts
new town was named for Chilmark, the ancestral home of the family of Governor Thomas Mayhew of Tisbury, in the English county of Wiltshire. In 1714, Chilmark was made a township including the island of Nomans Land.
The town was once known for its unusually high percentage of deaf citizens. In 1854, Chilmark had a deaf population of one in every 25 people, while the national average was one deaf person in 5,728. (See Martha's Vineyard Sign Language.) Today the town is mostly residential, with a small working harbor in Menemsha along the Vineyard Sound side of the town.
In August 2009, 2010 and 2011, President Barack Obama and his family vacationed in Chilmark, renting the Blue Heron Farm.
# | 9,847 |
116735 | Chilmark, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chilmark,%20Massachusetts | Chilmark, Massachusetts
Geography.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a land area of . Chilmark ranks 192nd of the 351 communities in the Commonwealth in terms of land area. Chilmark is bordered by Vineyard Sound and Aquinnah to the west, West Tisbury to the east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south.
The town includes the island of Noman's Land, which lies southwest of Martha's Vineyard. Because of Noman's Land, the town is officially the second most southerly point in Massachusetts (the south shore of Nantucket is approximately a kilometer south of the southernmost point on Noman's Land). Chilmark has a series of small ponds along the Atlantic side of the town, and it shares Tisbury Great | 9,848 |
116735 | Chilmark, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chilmark,%20Massachusetts | Chilmark, Massachusetts
Pond to the east and Menemsha Pond and Squibnocket Pond to the southwest, along the Aquinnah town line. It is between these two ponds, which are apart at their closest point, that the only road to Aquinnah passes. Long Beach, privately owned, runs along the southern side of Squibnocket Pond and technically connects the towns. At one point in the late 17th and early 18th century, Squibnocket Pond was open to the sea. However, the barrier beach with its sand dunes eventually closed this opening permanently. Occasionally in winter storms, waves will wash across low points in the beach, but the beach itself has not been breached in a hundred years, unlike other barrier beaches on Martha's Vineyard.
Chilmark | 9,849 |
116735 | Chilmark, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chilmark,%20Massachusetts | Chilmark, Massachusetts
has the highest point on Martha's Vineyard, at the summit of Peaked Hill.
The town has several sanctuaries and preserves, the largest of which being the Menemsha Hills Reservation just northeast of the village which shares that name. The town also has six beaches; one is at Menemsha, another on the inner shore of Menemsha Bay, and the others are all along the Atlantic coast. (Note that several of these beaches are restricted to landowners only, and those designated as public require a beach pass.) There is also a boat launch in Menemsha, as well as a Coast Guard station, in Menemsha Creek (Harbor).The Coast Guard Station burned to the ground in July 2010 but was rebuilt and recommissioned in | 9,850 |
116735 | Chilmark, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chilmark,%20Massachusetts | Chilmark, Massachusetts
April 2015.
The town has no direct access to the mainland via ferry or by air; Martha's Vineyard Airport is in neighboring West Tisbury, and the Steamship Authority ferries to Woods Hole are in Vineyard Haven, which is northeast of the town center, and in Oak Bluffs, away.
# Demographics.
As of the census of 2000, there were 843 people, 382 households, and 237 families residing in the town. The population density was 44.0 people per square mile (17.0/km²). There were 1,409 housing units at an average density of 73.6 per square mile (28.4/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 97.75% White, 0.36% African American, 0.12% Native American, 0.36% Asian, 0.71% from other races, and 0.71% from | 9,851 |
116735 | Chilmark, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chilmark,%20Massachusetts | Chilmark, Massachusetts
two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.83% of the population.
There were 382 households out of which 25.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.4% were married couples living together, 6.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.7% were non-families. Of all households 29.6% were made up of individuals and 9.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.71.
In the town, the age distribution of the population shows 20.8% under the age of 18, 4.0% from 18 to 24, 23.7% from 25 to 44, 32.7% from 45 to 64, and 18.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median | 9,852 |
116735 | Chilmark, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chilmark,%20Massachusetts | Chilmark, Massachusetts
age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.9 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $41,917, and the median income for a family was $63,750. Males had a median income of $35,469 versus $33,281 for females. The per capita income for the town was $30,029. About 5.7% of families and 7.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.6% of those under age 18 and 4.3% of those age 65 or over.
Statistically, Chilmark ranks 324th in terms of population, and 311th by population density. It is the second smallest population on Martha's Vineyard (ahead of Aquinnah), but is the least densely populated | 9,853 |
116735 | Chilmark, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chilmark,%20Massachusetts | Chilmark, Massachusetts
town on the island.
# Government.
On the national level, Chilmark is a part of Massachusetts's 9th congressional district, and is currently represented by Bill Keating. The state's senior member of the United States Senate is Elizabeth Warren. The state's junior Senator is Ed Markey.
On the state level, Chilmark is represented in the Massachusetts House of Representatives as a part of the Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket district, which includes all of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, as well as a portion of Falmouth. The town is represented in the Massachusetts Senate as a portion of the Cape and Islands district, which includes all of Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket and most of Barnstable County | 9,854 |
116735 | Chilmark, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chilmark,%20Massachusetts | Chilmark, Massachusetts
(with the exception of Bourne, Sandwich, Falmouth and a portion of Barnstable). All of Dukes County is patrolled by the Fifth (Oak Bluffs) Barracks of Troop D of the Massachusetts State Police.
Chilmark is governed on the local level by the open town meeting form of government, and is led by a board of selectmen. All of the town's facilities are centered at a location known as Beetlebung Corner. The Town Hall, Tri-Town Ambulance, and the Fire Department share a building in the northern quadrant of the crossroads, the police station is located next to the Chilmark Tavern, and the post office and the town's Free Public Library occupy the southern. The current library opened in 2003, having outgrown | 9,855 |
116735 | Chilmark, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chilmark,%20Massachusetts | Chilmark, Massachusetts
the previous library just to the east of the current location at the corner.
# Education.
Chilmark is served by Chilmark Elementary School, which serves approximately fifty students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. The rest of the town's pre-kindergarten through eighth grade population attends Up-Island Regional School in West Tisbury. Martha's Vineyard Regional High School, located in Oak Bluffs, serves the most of island's high school population. The Martha's Vineyard Public Charter School in West Tisbury also has a high school. The MVRHS's teams are nicknamed the Vineyarders, and their colors are violet and white. The school has a longstanding rivalry with Nantucket High School, | 9,856 |
116735 | Chilmark, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chilmark,%20Massachusetts | Chilmark, Massachusetts
with both competing for the Island Cup on an annual basis.
# Notable residents.
- John Belushi (actor)
- Ted Danson (actor)
- Alan Dershowitz (defense attorney)
- Harold Goldsmith (1930–2004) (Olympic foil and épée fencer)
- Fox Mulder (fictional FBI agent)
- Bill Murray (actor)
- Tony Shalhoub (actor)
- Carly Simon (musician)
- Mary Steenburgen (actress)
- James Taylor (musician)
- John Whiting, anthropologist
# In popular culture.
- On the television show "The X-Files", Fox Mulder was raised in Chilmark. It was in Chilmark that his younger sister Samantha's alien abduction happened on November 27, 1973.
- Chilmark is the setting of the wedding in the movie "Jumping the Broom".
- | 9,857 |
116735 | Chilmark, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chilmark,%20Massachusetts | Chilmark, Massachusetts
Samantha's alien abduction happened on November 27, 1973.
- Chilmark is the setting of the wedding in the movie "Jumping the Broom".
- At the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, D.C., there is a 1920 painting by artist Thomas Hart Benton called "People of Chilmark". Benton first visited Chilmark in the summer of 1919. "People of Chilmark" was the artist's first masterpiece and, at 5½' × 6½', the largest painting he had executed to date.
- Chilmark and Menemsha, the fishing village located on the western side of the town, are also the locations of the fictional town of "Amity Island" in the 1975 Steven Spielberg blockbuster movie "Jaws".
# External links.
- Town of Chilmark official website | 9,858 |
116737 | Gosnold, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gosnold,%20Massachusetts | Gosnold, Massachusetts
Gosnold, Massachusetts
Gosnold is a town that encompasses the Elizabeth Islands in Dukes County, Massachusetts, United States. At the 2010 census, the town population was 75, making it the least populous town in Massachusetts. Most of the residents live in the village of Cuttyhunk, while most of the land in the town is owned by the Forbes family.
# History.
The earliest settlers of the Elizabeth Islands were the Wampanoag Native Americans. The tribe did not settle permanently on the Elizabeth Islands, but used them in summer for hunting, fishing, and gardening. Occasionally, arrowheads or stone tools are discovered on the islands. The islands' names come from the Wampanoag language.
Bartholomew | 9,859 |
116737 | Gosnold, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gosnold,%20Massachusetts | Gosnold, Massachusetts
Gosnold was among the first Europeans to become aware of the Elizabeth Islands, including Cuttyhunk, in 1602. He and his crew attempted to establish a trading post on Cuttyhunk so that they could trade with the natives, the first attempt by Europeans to do so. The trading post was abandoned after only a few weeks, and Gosnold decided to return home. Upon his return to England, the British Crown claimed jurisdiction of the island chain.
Gosnold was first settled in 1641, the year of purchase of the islands by Thomas Mayhew, Sr. The islands were claimed by the Wampanoag until 1658, when the Wampanoag sachem transferred the deed of ownership to Mayhew. Constituting Dukes County, New York since | 9,860 |
116737 | Gosnold, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gosnold,%20Massachusetts | Gosnold, Massachusetts
1683, the Elizabeth Islands, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket, were transferred to the newly created Province of Massachusetts Bay in 1691. Gosnold was separately incorporated as a municipality in 1864; previously it was a part of the town of Chilmark.
# Geography.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of , of which is land and , or 90.59%, is water. Gosnold ranks 272nd out of the 351 communities in the Commonwealth in terms of land area; however, it has the longest distance between points within municipal limits of any town in the Commonwealth. It consists of the Elizabeth Islands, including Nonamesset Island, Uncatena Island, Naushon Island, Pasque Island, | 9,861 |
116737 | Gosnold, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gosnold,%20Massachusetts | Gosnold, Massachusetts
Nashawena Island, Penikese Island, Cuttyhunk Island, and several smaller islands. The string of islands extend roughly southwest of the southwestern tip of Falmouth, with the closest island, Nonamesset, being less than one-third of a mile away at its closest point. More than half the population lives on Cuttyhunk, with the majority of the rest living on Naushon.
# Transportation.
Gosnold is served by Cuttyhunk Ferry Company from New Bedford. Service is daily in the warm months, and on Monday and Friday in the cooler months. There is also a water taxi service between New Bedford and Cuttyhunk.
# Demographics.
As of the census of 2000, there were 86 people, 46 households, and 21 families residing | 9,862 |
116737 | Gosnold, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gosnold,%20Massachusetts | Gosnold, Massachusetts
in the town. The population density was 6.4 people per square mile (2.5/km²). There were 215 housing units at an average density of 16.1 per square mile (6.2/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 95.35% White, with no African Americans, Native Americans, Asians, or Pacific Islanders, and 4.65% from two or more races. None of the population was Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 46 households out of which 17.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 34.8% were married couples living together, 8.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 54.3% were non-families. 45.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.5% had someone living alone who was 65 | 9,863 |
116737 | Gosnold, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gosnold,%20Massachusetts | Gosnold, Massachusetts
years of age or older. The average household size was 1.87 and the average family size was 2.71.
In the town, the population was spread out with 17.4% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 32.6% from 25 to 44, 31.4% from 45 to 64, and 12.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 138.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 144.8 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $22,344, and the median income for a family was $27,500. Males had a median income of $21,875 versus $30,625 for females. The per capita income for the town was $15,265. There were 25.0% of families and 23.5% of the population living | 9,864 |
116737 | Gosnold, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gosnold,%20Massachusetts | Gosnold, Massachusetts
below the poverty line, including 40.0% of under eighteens and 22.2% of those over 64.
Thanks to the population drop reflected in the 2010 Census, Gosnold now has the lowest population density of any town in the Commonwealth. The title was previously held by Mount Washington at the southwest corner of Massachusetts.
Gosnold was first in a 2008 ranking of all Massachusetts communities in terms of total value of real estate per resident.
# Government and politics.
## Government.
On the national level, Gosnold is a part of Massachusetts's 9th congressional district, and is currently represented by Democrat Bill Keating. Massachusetts is currently represented in the United States Senate by | 9,865 |
116737 | Gosnold, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gosnold,%20Massachusetts | Gosnold, Massachusetts
senior Senator (Democrat) Elizabeth Warren and junior Senator (Democrat) Ed Markey.
On the state level, Gosnold is represented in the Massachusetts House of Representatives as a part of the Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket district, which includes all of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, as well as a portion of Falmouth. The town is represented in the Massachusetts Senate as a portion of the Cape and Islands district, which includes all of Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket and most of Barnstable County (with the exception of Bourne, Sandwich, and Falmouth). All of Dukes County is patrolled by the Fifth (Oak Bluffs) Barracks of Troop D of the Massachusetts State Police.
Gosnold is governed on the | 9,866 |
116737 | Gosnold, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gosnold,%20Massachusetts | Gosnold, Massachusetts
local level by the open town meeting form of government, and is led by a board of selectmen. Due to its geographic isolation and small population, the town has at times asked for a waiver from the Commonwealth from anti-nepotism laws.
# Education.
The town currently has four students (as of the 2009-10 school year) attending school in Cuttyhunk, with others attending schools on the mainland. Penikese Island is also home to The Penikese School, a private school for troubled boys.
# Further reading.
- The Cuttyhunk Historical Society. (2002). "Images of America: Cuttyhunk and the Elizabeth Islands". Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing. .
# External links.
- The Town of Gosnold, Dukes County | 9,867 |
116737 | Gosnold, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gosnold,%20Massachusetts | Gosnold, Massachusetts
n, the town has at times asked for a waiver from the Commonwealth from anti-nepotism laws.
# Education.
The town currently has four students (as of the 2009-10 school year) attending school in Cuttyhunk, with others attending schools on the mainland. Penikese Island is also home to The Penikese School, a private school for troubled boys.
# Further reading.
- The Cuttyhunk Historical Society. (2002). "Images of America: Cuttyhunk and the Elizabeth Islands". Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing. .
# External links.
- The Town of Gosnold, Dukes County Official Page
- Images of Cuttyhunk Island
- Images of Hadley's Harbor
- Cuttyhunk Historical Society; The Museum of the Elizabeth Islands | 9,868 |
116740 | Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vineyard%20Haven,%20Massachusetts | Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts
Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts
Vineyard Haven is a community within the town of Tisbury, Massachusetts on Martha's Vineyard. It is listed as a census-designated place (CDP) by the U.S. Census Bureau with a population of 2,114 as of the 2010 census.
The area was called "Nobnocket" by the Wampanoag people and was first referred to by the colonial settlers as "Homes Hole", "Homes" from a Wampanoag term for "old man" and "Hole" meaning a sheltered inlet. By the 19th century, it was more commonly spelled "Holmes Hole" after the descendants of John Holmes (1730–1812) who had settled in the village during the second half of the 18th century. The village officially changed its name to Vineyard Haven | 9,869 |
116740 | Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vineyard%20Haven,%20Massachusetts | Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts
in 1871. The name Vineyard Haven technically refers only to one section of the town of Tisbury, but the names are used interchangeably and Vineyard Haven is commonly used as a title for the whole town.
Vineyard Haven is the main port of entry to Martha's Vineyard and one of the three main population centers (with Edgartown and Oak Bluffs). The Steamship Authority wharf is located in Vineyard Haven where ferries arrive and depart year-round. (A second, seasonal wharf is located in neighboring Oak Bluffs.) The year-round population is only about 2,000 people, but that number increases tremendously in the summer.
# Geography.
Vineyard Haven is located at .
According to the United States Census | 9,870 |
116740 | Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vineyard%20Haven,%20Massachusetts | Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts
Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 4.1 km (1.6 mi). 3.2 km (1.2 mi) of it is land and 0.9 km (0.3 mi) of it (20.89%) is water.
# Demographics.
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,048 people, 941 households, and 479 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 632.6/km (1,635.9/mi). There were 1,420 housing units at an average density of 438.6/km (1,134.3/mi). The racial makeup of the CDP was 88.92% White, 3.22% African American, 1.86% Native American, 0.20% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 1.71% from other races, and 4.00% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.63% of the population.
There were 941 households out of which 23.1% had children under the age | 9,871 |
116740 | Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vineyard%20Haven,%20Massachusetts | Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts
of 18 living with them, 37.2% were married couples living together, 10.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 49.0% were non-families. 39.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.17 and the average family size was 2.93.
In the CDP, the population was spread out with 20.6% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 30.8% from 25 to 44, 25.7% from 45 to 64, and 16.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.9 males.
The median income for a household | 9,872 |
116740 | Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vineyard%20Haven,%20Massachusetts | Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts
in the CDP was $37,318, and the median income for a family was $44,844. Males had a median income of $35,824 versus $28,750 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $26,225. About 6.5% of families and 11.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.2% of those under age 18 and 10.3% of those age 65 or over.
# Transportation.
Air Service is provided from Martha's Vineyard Airport.
The most reliable source of public transportation from Vineyard Haven to the rest of the island is the Martha's Vineyard Regional Transit Authority (VTA). Almost all of the buses stop at the Vineyard Haven Steamship Authority bus terminal and it is the most used in the summer time and | 9,873 |
116740 | Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vineyard%20Haven,%20Massachusetts | Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts
lation were below the poverty line, including 29.2% of those under age 18 and 10.3% of those age 65 or over.
# Transportation.
Air Service is provided from Martha's Vineyard Airport.
The most reliable source of public transportation from Vineyard Haven to the rest of the island is the Martha's Vineyard Regional Transit Authority (VTA). Almost all of the buses stop at the Vineyard Haven Steamship Authority bus terminal and it is the most used in the summer time and year-round. The VTA is the only Island-wide public transportation system on Martha's Vineyard, which makes it the best choice for traveling around the Vineyard for tourists who do not have cars and do not want to pay for a taxi. | 9,874 |
116736 | Edgartown, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Edgartown,%20Massachusetts | Edgartown, Massachusetts
Edgartown, Massachusetts
Edgartown is a tourist destination on the island of Martha's Vineyard in Dukes County, Massachusetts, United States, for which it is the county seat.
It was once a major whaling port, with historic houses that have been carefully preserved. Today it hosts yachting events around its large harbour. It includes the smaller island of Chappaquiddick, remembered in connection with a fatal incident in 1969, involving Edward Kennedy, who was staying in one of the town's hotels.
Edgartown is a part of Massachusetts's 9th congressional district, represented in the Massachusetts Senate as a portion of the Cape and Islands district. Population was 4,067 at the 2010 census.
# | 9,875 |
116736 | Edgartown, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Edgartown,%20Massachusetts | Edgartown, Massachusetts
History.
In 1642, Rev. Thomas Mayhew, Jr. led a group of families to start a colony on the island after its purchase by his father Thomas Mayhew. Originally called "Great Harbor", it was incorporated on July 8, 1671, as "Edgar Towne", named for Edgar, whose father James II of England, was heir presumptive to the English throne. Those who chose the name to honor the monarchy did not know Edgar had died at the age of three on June 8, 1671. It was one of the two original towns on Martha's Vineyard, along with Tisbury, incorporated at the same time.
The younger Mayhew began his work which led to his becoming the first church planting Protestant missionary after he settled in Edgartown. A Wampanoag | 9,876 |
116736 | Edgartown, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Edgartown,%20Massachusetts | Edgartown, Massachusetts
Indian named Hiacoomes who lived nearby became his partner in founding the churches in the Indian communities.
Edgartown was one of the primary ports for the whaling industry during the 1800s. Ships from all over the world would dock in its sheltered bay and captains would build grand mansions for their families with ornate top floor rooms called widow's walks, which overlooked the harbor. A myth developed that wives would watch for months from these tiny rooms, hoping to see the sails of ships that would bring their husbands home from the sea. There is little or no evidence that widow's walks were intended or regularly used for this purpose. They were frequently built around the chimney of | 9,877 |
116736 | Edgartown, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Edgartown,%20Massachusetts | Edgartown, Massachusetts
the residence, thus creating an easy access route to the structure, allowing the residents of the home to pour sand down burning chimneys in the event of a chimney fire in the hopes of preventing the house from burning down.
As more economical alternatives became available the whaling industry began to decline. By the beginning of the 20th century, its influence on the tiny town which had made its fortunes through the industry, was ended. Today the town is more known for tourism, as well as the site of Chappaquiddick, where Ted Kennedy's infamous incident took place in 1969.
# Tourism.
Edgartown was an old whaling port and is now a summer and tourist destination with a multitude of houses | 9,878 |
116736 | Edgartown, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Edgartown,%20Massachusetts | Edgartown, Massachusetts
built by whaling captains and other prominent people of prior centuries. The growth of the population over the past 25 years has led to a period of intense renewal of these old houses. Water Street along the harbor is the location of many of these "Captain's Homes" which line both sides of the street. The town has also encouraged renovation of historical structures. As part of this effort, the Whaling Church, a large 18th-century church, has been converted to a performing arts center and the adjacent Daniel Fisher House is now used for a variety of social functions. In addition to the architecture of the town, Edgartown is easily traversed on foot or bicycle, making it attractive to tourists.
Edgartown | 9,879 |
116736 | Edgartown, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Edgartown,%20Massachusetts | Edgartown, Massachusetts
was used as the main shooting location for the town of Amity in Steven Spielberg's 1975 blockbuster "Jaws". Many landmarks and buildings in Edgartown that were filmed in the movie can still be seen today.
The Edgartown Harbor Light at the end of north Water Street defines the entrance to the Harbor. The harbor is large and entered through a modest sized channel on the North side of Edgartown. It opens into Katama Bay, created by a barrier beach that sometimes connects the south end of Chappaquiddick to the remainder of Edgartown, The barrier beach opened during a spring storm in 2007. This has led to a 3 knot current through Katama Bay and Edgartown Harbor. This protected body of water provides | 9,880 |
116736 | Edgartown, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Edgartown,%20Massachusetts | Edgartown, Massachusetts
ample mooring for small and large boats. The opening of the harbor will accommodate large sailing and motorized boats, but will not accommodate large ships or yachts which may anchor outside the harbor.
Another feature is South Beach, a small part of the ocean beach that runs the entire southern length of the island from Edgartown to Aquinnah. It can be reached by driving or riding the bus south from Edgartown center for approximately 2.5 miles. South Beach is a crashing ocean beach. It is a major destination for tourists. Much of the beach in Edgartown is open to the public with ample parking available. The section of the beach near Katama is often crowded, while the sections further to the | 9,881 |
116736 | Edgartown, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Edgartown,%20Massachusetts | Edgartown, Massachusetts
west (near Edgartown Great Pond and Oyster Pond) are often less so.
# Geography.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of , of which is land and (78.01%) is water. Edgartown is ranked 103rd out of 351 communities in the Commonwealth by land area, and is the largest town by land area in Dukes County. Edgartown is bordered by Nantucket Sound to the northeast and east, the Atlantic Ocean to the south, West Tisbury to the west, and Oak Bluffs to the north. The town also shares a common corner with Tisbury (along with West Tisbury and Oak Bluffs).
Edgartown is located at the eastern end of Martha's Vineyard (referred to as "down-island", a vestige of the island's | 9,882 |
116736 | Edgartown, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Edgartown,%20Massachusetts | Edgartown, Massachusetts
traditional maritime manner of speaking in that as a ship travels east, it is said to be traveling "down east" as longitude decreases towards the Prime Meridian). [An alternative explanation and one prevalent in Maine, is that down east is down wind in the prevailing winds of the New England coast, down island would also be down wind. For those who have spent a lot of time sailing (as opposed to 'power boating'), down wind is more important to a sailor than decreasing longitude.]
The town of Edgartown includes the smaller island of Chappaquiddick, sometimes connected to the rest of Martha'a Vineyard only by a barrier beach which can be breached during storms. Chappaquiddick is separated from | 9,883 |
116736 | Edgartown, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Edgartown,%20Massachusetts | Edgartown, Massachusetts
the town center by Edgartown Harbor and Katama Bay. The town is close to Nantucket's Muskeget Island, which is seven miles east of Wasque Point, the southeasternmost point of Chappaquiddick.
Katama is the south-central portion of Edgartown. In addition to a beach, Katama has within its boundaries the Katama Airpark, the Katama Farm, the Herring Creek Farm and two resorts. Edgartown is also home to half of the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest, which extends into neighboring West Tisbury. There are nine beaches, a yacht club, and several preserves and reservations in the town, including the Wasque Reservation along the south shore of Chappaquiddick and the Cape Pogue Wildlife Refuge along the | 9,884 |
116736 | Edgartown, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Edgartown,%20Massachusetts | Edgartown, Massachusetts
east shore of the island. There are two lighthouses in the town, the Cape Pogue Light on Chappaquiddick and the Edgartown Harbor Light in Edgartown Harbor.
# Climate.
Edgartown has an oceanic climate (Köppen Cfb).
# Transportation.
Auto transportation to Chappaquiddick is provided by two ferries, the "On Time II" and "On Time III". A common myth is that the original ferry "On Time" was given its name because the ferry has never had scheduled runs and thus is never late. In fact, the ferry was given this name because a new owner, Foster B. Silva of Chappaquiddick, had less than two weeks to build it before taking over the service on August 1, 1948. The work crew—led by Captain Samuel B. Norton | 9,885 |
116736 | Edgartown, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Edgartown,%20Massachusetts | Edgartown, Massachusetts
and master boatbuilder Manuel Swartz Roberts, both of Edgartown—built and launched the new ferry "on time." This original "On Time" was converted to a barge dispensing fresh water to visiting yachtsmen after its service as a ferry ended in 1975. The barge was sold and lost track of in the late 1990s. The "On Time II," built in 1969, and the "On Time III," built in 1975 and now owned by Peter. S. Wells and his wife Sally T. Snipes of Chappaquiddick, are still in service.
In addition to the "On Time" Ferry, Edgartown is home to another ferry, the "Pied Piper", which runs seasonally between the town and Falmouth, on Cape Cod. There are two airports in the town. Katama Airpark is a grass field | 9,886 |
116736 | Edgartown, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Edgartown,%20Massachusetts | Edgartown, Massachusetts
and located between Katama Bay and Edgartown Great Pond in the southern part of town; it serves smaller private aircraft. Along the border of the state forest lies Martha's Vineyard Airport, which Edgartown shares with West Tisbury. This airport is used for commercial commuter flights from nearby sites on the mainland and Nantucket.
# Demographics.
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,779 people, 1,582 households, and 957 families residing in the town. The population density was 140.0 people per square mile (54.1/km²). There were 4,360 housing units at an average density of 161.5 per square mile (62.4/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 93.3% White, 1.8% African American, 0.5% Native | 9,887 |
116736 | Edgartown, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Edgartown,%20Massachusetts | Edgartown, Massachusetts
American, 0.5% Asian, <0.1% Pacific Islander, 1.5% from other races, and 2.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.2% of the population.
There were 1,582 households out of which 28.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.7% were married couples living together, 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.5% were non-families. 30.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.92.
In the town, the population was spread out with 22.3% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 30.9% from 25 to 44, | 9,888 |
116736 | Edgartown, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Edgartown,%20Massachusetts | Edgartown, Massachusetts
28.3% from 45 to 64, and 12.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.2 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $50,407, and the median income for a family was $55,153. Males had a median income of $36,615 versus $30,205 for females. The per capita income for the town was $25,740. About 2.7% of families and 4.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.5% of those under age 18 and 1.3% of those age 65 or over.
In 2003 the Martha's Vineyard Gazette estimated that there were 15,000 year-round inhabitants of the island with a summer increase | 9,889 |
116736 | Edgartown, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Edgartown,%20Massachusetts | Edgartown, Massachusetts
to 105,000. Over the last 20 years there has been a continuous growth in the population of the island, although many of the large expanses of undeveloped land and many vistas remain. The summer season, which previously lasted from mid-June through Labor Day weekend has been gradually extended and now includes the period from Memorial Day through Columbus Day.
# Government.
Edgartown is the county seat of Dukes County.
On the national level, Edgartown is a part of Massachusetts's 9th congressional district, and is currently represented by William R. Keating. The state's junior (Class II) member of the United States Senate is Ed Markey, and the senior (Class I) Senator is Elizabeth Warren.
On | 9,890 |
116736 | Edgartown, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Edgartown,%20Massachusetts | Edgartown, Massachusetts
the state level, Edgartown is represented in the Massachusetts House of Representatives as a part of the Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket district, which includes all of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, as well as a portion of Falmouth. The town is represented in the Massachusetts Senate as a portion of the Cape and Islands district, which includes all of Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket and most of Barnstable County (with the exception of Bourne, Sandwich, Falmouth and a portion of Barnstable). All of Dukes County is patrolled by the Fifth (Oak Bluffs) Barracks of Troop D of the Massachusetts State Police.
Edgartown is governed on the local level by the open town meeting form of government, and | 9,891 |
116736 | Edgartown, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Edgartown,%20Massachusetts | Edgartown, Massachusetts
is led by an executive secretary and a board of selectmen. The town has its own police and fire departments, both located just west of the historic center of town. The current police chief is Bruce McNamee. The town has one post office, located further west and south of the wildlife preserve at Sengekontacket Pond. The town's Free Public Library is located in the center of town. Edgartown is also the site of the Dukes County Courthouse, the only courthouse on the island.
# Education.
Edgartown has its own elementary school, which is located on the western edge of the town center and serves approximately 330 students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Students from Edgartown Elementary | 9,892 |
116736 | Edgartown, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Edgartown,%20Massachusetts | Edgartown, Massachusetts
Public Library is located in the center of town. Edgartown is also the site of the Dukes County Courthouse, the only courthouse on the island.
# Education.
Edgartown has its own elementary school, which is located on the western edge of the town center and serves approximately 330 students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Students from Edgartown Elementary School normally graduate to the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School, located in Oak Bluffs.
# Notable people.
- Helen Jernegan
# See also.
- Edgartown Yacht Club
# External links.
- Official Web Site of Edgartown
- The Edgartown Yacht Club
- Edgartown Public Library
- Edgartown Police Department
- Edgartown School | 9,893 |
116738 | Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Oak%20Bluffs,%20Massachusetts | Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts
Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts
Oak Bluffs (Wampanoag: ) is a town located on the island of Martha's Vineyard in Dukes County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 4,527 at the 2010 United States Census. It is one of the island's principal points of arrival for summer tourists, and is noted for its "gingerbread cottages" and other well-preserved mid- to late-nineteenth-century buildings.
# History.
The first inhabitants of Oak Bluffs were the Wampanoag people, who have lived on Martha's Vineyard (Wampanoag name: Noepe) for approximately 10,000 years. The area that is now Oak Bluffs was called "Ogkeshkuppe," which means "damp/wet thicket or woods."
The area was later settled by Europeans | 9,894 |
116738 | Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Oak%20Bluffs,%20Massachusetts | Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts
in 1642 and was part of Edgartown until 1880, when it was officially incorporated as Cottage City. The town re-incorporated in 1907 as Oak Bluffs, named because the town was the site of an oak grove along the bluffs overlooking Nantucket Sound. Oak Bluffs was the only one of the six towns on the island to be consciously planned, and the only one developed specifically with tourism in mind.
People of African descent first arrived at Martha’s Vineyard in the 1600s as enslaved West Africans who worked on the farms of European settlers. The Oak Bluffs harbor drew freed slaves, laborers and sailors in the 18th century, and white locals sold them land. After slavery was abolished, the freed blacks | 9,895 |
116738 | Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Oak%20Bluffs,%20Massachusetts | Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts
came to work in the fishing industries, in turn drawing black residents from the Massachusetts mainland, who came and started businesses to serve the Vineyard’s growing population. In the 1800s some black laborers also worked as servants to wealthy white families and in the hotels. In the late 19th and 20th centuries, middle-class blacks bought or rented summer homes, and many of their descendants returned annually. Formerly enslaved people, or their descendants, bought property around Baptist Temple Park in the early 20th century, drawn by the religious services held there. Teachers, politicians, lawyers, doctors, artists, musicians and entrepreneurs resided there for decades afterward.
Affluent | 9,896 |
116738 | Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Oak%20Bluffs,%20Massachusetts | Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts
African Americans from New York, Boston, and Washington came to Oak Bluffs, the only Martha's Vineyard town that welcomed black tourists as other towns on the island did not allow black guests to stay in inns and hotels until the 1960s. Many bought houses in an area they called the Oval or the Highlands, which Harlem Renaissance writer Dorothy West wrote about in her 1995 novel, "The Wedding" (edited by Doubleday editor Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, a Vineyard resident who visited West for two summers). By the 1930s, local black landowners were transforming the town into the country’s best-known and most exclusive African American vacation spot. Down the road from West, Adam Clayton Powell Jr. | 9,897 |
116738 | Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Oak%20Bluffs,%20Massachusetts | Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts
owned a cottage in the Oval where Artic explorer Matthew Henson was a guest. Further down the road is "Shearer Cottage", the first inn for African Americans vacationers. It was built by a Charles Shearer, the son of a slave and a slave owner, when Shearer saw that black visitors were not able to stay at the homes due to segregation. Guests at the inn included the first self-made American millionairess Madame CJ Walker, singers Paul Robeson, Ethel Waters and Lillian Evanti; and composer Harry T. Burleigh.
In 1866 Robert Morris Copeland was hired by a group of New England developers to design a planned residential community in Martha's Vineyard. The site, a large, rolling, treeless pasture overlooking | 9,898 |
116738 | Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts | https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Oak%20Bluffs,%20Massachusetts | Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts
Vineyard Sound, was adjacent to the immensely popular Methodist camp meeting, Wesleyan Grove, a curving network of narrow streets lined with quaint "Carpenter's Gothic" cottages, picket fences, and pocket parks. Seeking to take advantage of the camp’s seasonal popularity (and overflowing population), the developers established Oak Bluffs Land and Wharf Company, gaining immediate success: Five hundred lots were sold between 1868 and 1871. Copeland would end up creating three plans for the community to accommodate its constant expansion. Oak Bluffs is the one of the earliest planned residential communities and largely informed later suburban development in the United States.
Some of the earliest | 9,899 |
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