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| Martha's Vineyard - Wesley Hotel in Oak Bluffs |
Martha's Vineyard is an island located south of Cape Cod, known for being an affluent summer colony, accessible only by boat and air. It includes the smaller Chappaquiddick Island, which is usually connected to the larger island, though storms and hurricanes have been known to separate the two islands. The last such separation of the islands was in 2007, and as of April 2, 2015, the two islands are again connected. Originally inhabited by the Wampanoag, the island was known in their language as Noepe (land amid the streams). In 1642 lived there about 3,000 Wampanoags, but in 1764 their number had dropped to 313.
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| Martha's Vineyard - A gingerbread cottage in Oak Bluffs |
A smaller island to the south was named Martha's Vineyard by Bartholomew Gosnold, who sailed to the island in 1602, but the name was later transferred to the main island. It is thought that it originated either from Gosnold's mother-in-law, or his second child, both of whom were named Martha. Martha's Vineyard is divided into six towns, the largest one being Oak Bluffs, well known for its gingerbread cottages, open harbor, and its vibrant town along busy Circuit Avenue. It was known as Cottage City from its separation from Edgartown in 1880 until its reincorporation as Oak Bluffs in 1907. Oak Bluffs includes several communities that have been popular destinations for affluent African Americans since the early 20th century.
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