Martha’s Vineyard
Massachusetts
Martha's Vineyard, often simply called "the Vineyard," is a large island located south of Cape Cod in Massachusetts. It is renowned as an affluent summer colony with a year-round population of over 20,000, swelling to more than 200,000 in the summer months. The island is the 58th largest in the U.S. and the third-largest on the East Coast, encompassing about 96 square miles. Originally inhabited by the Wampanoag people, who called it "Noepe," the island has a deep indigenous heritage. European settlement began in the 1640s, led by Thomas Mayhew, who maintained respectful relations with the native Wampanoag community. The island’s landscape includes the peninsula of Chappaquiddick and is part of Dukes County. It is historically significant as one of the oldest English place-names in the United States and uniquely retains a possessive apostrophe in its name, reflecting its colonial history. Martha's Vineyard is celebrated for its charming towns, beaches, and cultural richness, making it a popular destination for visitors seeking both natural beauty and historical depth.
Naplánujte si cestu do země Spojené státy americké s AI
Vytvořte si podrobný itinerář za pár minut. AI vám navrhne nejlepší místa, restaurace a optimalizovanou trasu.
Tip: The best time to visit Martha's Vineyard is during the summer months when the island is lively with festivals and outdoor activities. Visitors are advised to book accommodations and ferry tickets in advance due to the high seasonal demand. Exploring the island by bike or car allows access to its scenic beaches, quaint towns, and historic sites. Seasonal discounts may be available for ferry rides and local attractions. Early planning is recommended to enjoy the full experience without crowds.
Zajímavosti
- •Martha's Vineyard is the 58th largest island in the United States and the third-largest on the East Coast after Long Island and Mount Desert Island.
- •The island's name likely honors Martha (Judde) Golding, the wealthy mother-in-law of explorer Bartholomew Gosnold, rather than his daughter.
- •It is one of only five U.S. place names that officially retain a possessive apostrophe.
- •The island's summer population can swell to over 200,000, far exceeding its year-round population of about 20,530 as of 2023.
- •Martha's Vineyard was originally inhabited by the Wampanoag people and was known as "Noepe," meaning "land amid the streams."
Historie
Originally inhabited by the Wampanoag people who named it "Noepe," Martha's Vineyard saw European settlement beginning in 1642 with Thomas Mayhew's establishment of a colony at Great Harbor.
The Mayhew family maintained peaceful relations with the indigenous population, which helped the island avoid conflict during King Philip's War.
The island underwent jurisdictional changes in the 17th century, including a grant to the Duke of York and an attempted annexation by Rhode Island in 1684.
Over the centuries, Martha's Vineyard developed into a prominent summer colony and retains one of the few U.S.
place names with a possessive apostrophe, reflecting its colonial heritage.