Some of the best beaches on the Eastern seaboard of the United States can be found on Martha’s Vineyard Island. Known for its gentle seas and pristine shores, MV is a haven for fishing, sailing, swimming, bird watching, and hiking. The island also boasts several charming colonial-era towns, plenty of vineyards, and a few golf courses.
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Martha’s Vineyard Island History
The first humans to inhabit the island may have come from Europe, but it is believed that the Island’s first Native American settlement dates back 10,000 BC. The native people of MV – Chippewas and Wampanoags – hunted deer, squab, and clams on the beaches and in nearby inlets.
The earliest Europeans to explore Martha’s Vineyard were the Pilgrims who landed on May 25th 1620 after sailing from England. William Bradford wrote about their arrival: “Upon land we saw many fair houses or cabins made of trees laid together without any other fence or wall about them but a little palisade of small plankes set saif at the entrance.”
The Pilgrims established one of America’s first colonies. Within six years they had grown enough food to harvest and built shelters that would last for over 200 years. One structure still exists on Martha’s Vineyard which is known as “Gloucester” Meeting House, which was constructed in 1640.
It has been identified by archaeologists as an Alfred Thornton/Isaac Allerton building; some say it also dates back to Governor Bradford (‘1620- ’23).
Climate
The climate is temperate, with average daytime temperatures in the low to mid-30s F and nighttime lows averaging around 18 F. The weather can be changeable, but most of the year scenes are gorgeous with consistent sunshine and mild breezes.
Geography
Martha’s Vineyard Island is located about 50 miles off the coast of Massachusetts in a region known as “The Vineyard”
It covers just over 24 square miles including six villages: Chilmark, Edgartown, Oak Bluffs (the largest town on MV), Tisbury (home to Kenyon College), and West Tisbury, as well as the main part of Vineyard Haven.
Pliny the Elder was born in what is now Italy around AD 23 and at an early age he decided to follow in his mother’s footsteps by becoming a naturalist and traveling scholar for kings, generals and popes. Pliney would eventually travel all over Europe: to Germany,
France (where he died), Switzerland (“his last place”), England (“last-place”) where he met various people including King Cador who made him afraid that Britain may become invaded within 10 years therefore prompted him write this geographical description to warn them.
Culture
The culture is steeped in tradition and revolves around community, family and farming. Many of the islanders are descendants of the Puritan settlers who came to Martha’s Vineyard in 1630 to escape religious persecution in Massachusetts.
The “Vineyard Sound” accent which can be heard on many of the island accents is a result of English settlers purposely mixing their own speech with that of African slaves they brought over as part of their labor force.
Today, there are approximately 10,000 people living on Martha’s Vineyard Island – more than half of whom identify themselves as members or descendents of one of the two founding families, the Delanos and Merritts.
The island is divided among six towns: Chilmark (where Edgartown is located), Tisbury, West Tisbury (home to Winters House); Oak Bluffs where Kenyon College lies; and Vineyard Haven which has about 5–7% of all on-island inhabitants.
Politics
The people of Martha’s Vineyard are generally independent and not very sympathetic to the mainland political scene. This is in contrast to West Tisbury where there is a stronger relationship with Massachusetts due to its close proximity.
The island has been represented by two members of the House of Representatives since 1793: Ed Markey (D-MA) and Jim O’Sullivan (R-ME). Most previous presidents have also visited Martha’s Vineyard at one point or another.
Martha’s Vineyard has been part of the tourist-oriented Cape Region for most of its history and was governed locally as a kind of county until it became incorporated as a separate municipality on July 1, 1873 under the name “Town” (as opposed to division which would be named after Land District). It merged with six other island townships in 1995 into what is now known today as “The Town.”
Government Services
Most government services are provided by the Town, with the exception of education which is provided by Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School. There is one hospital on the island and it is run by Cape Cod Health Care System.
The only law enforcement agency on Martha’s Vineyard resides in Oak Bluffs and its officers are funded through state appropriations rather than local taxes as most other towns’ police departments are.
Tourism
Martha’s Vineyard is a popular tourist destination and since the early 21st century, it has seen an unprecedented growth in hotel occupancy rates. Additionally, many luxury vacation home developments have been built on the island over the past decade or so.
Tourism has had a significant impact on both local businesses and employment opportunities as well as housing prices.
Conclusion
It’s summertime, the season for vacations! If you’re like most people, your mind is already racing with all the places you want to go. But before you plan your next vacation, why not check out Martha’s Vineyard Island? This picturesque location has everything you need and more – perfect weather, stunning scenery, and plenty of activities to keep you busy. So if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway that’s also full of fun and excitement, be sure to add Martha’s Vineyard Island to your list!
FAQs
1.What Is The Average Temperature On Martha’s Vineyard Island?
Ans: The average temperature on Martha’s Vineyard Island ranges from around 60 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter to 87 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer.
2.What Are The Transportation Options Available To Get To Martha’s Vineyard Island?
Ans: There is public transport available on the island, as well as flights and ferries.
3.What Are The Visa Requirements For Tourists Visiting Martha’s Vineyard Island?
Ans: There are no specific visa requirements for tourists visiting Martha’s Vineyard Island, but visitors must have a valid passport.
4.What Are The Currency Options Available In Martha’s Vineyard Island?
Ans: The main currency in Martha’s Vine yard is the US dollar.
5.What Is The Average Price Of A Hotel Room On Martha’s Vineyard Island?
Ans: The average prices for hotel rooms in Martha’s Vineyard range from around $300 per night.
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