Block Island is an island in the Atlantic Ocean, a fragment of glacial terminal moraine approximately ten miles off the coast of Rhode Island, of which it is part, and from which it is separated by Block Island Sound. In 1524, it was sighted by Giovanni da Verrazano, and in 1614, it was charted by the Dutch explorer Adriaen Block, after whom it is named. At the time of the arrival of the Europeans, it was occupied by a branch of the Narragansett people who called the island "Manisses". English settlers from the mainland first arrived in 1661, when the island was part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The island became part of the state of Rhode Island in 1672.
The only town on the island is New Shoreham. The island is a popular summer tourist destination and is known for its excellent bicycling. A historic lighthouse on the northern tip of the island was built in 1872, and a modern lighthouse, Block Island Southeast Light, is on the southeast side of the island. The northern area is an undeveloped natural area and resting stop for birds along the Atlantic flyway. The island is connected by a ferry year-round to Point Judith, and in summer to New London, Connecticut, Montauk, New York and to Providence, Rhode Island. Additionally, every other summer the island hosts Block Island Race Week, a highly competitive, week long sailboat racing event where captains and crew compete in various classes, racing to and from the island, as well as around its perimeter. During this time the islands population can triple over the normal summer vacation crowd.
Odds are, the first bit of Block Island you’ll see is the North Lighthouse. Perched since 1867 amongst rose- strewn sand dunes, the granite building now presides over a National Wildlife Refuge and is open to visitors. Inside is an exhibit on historic maritime rescues. Farther south, you’ll see the Clay Head cliffs; below are coves and beaches where Manissean Indians lit fires that were noted by Italian explorer Verrazzano when he passed by the island in 1527. Past a crescent-shaped beach lie the tiers of Victorian buildings, one peeking above another. The Old Harbor area is a designated National Historic District. It boasts cupolas, porches and gingerbread architecture, all built when an emerging tourist industry discovered this isolated community of fishermen 120 years ago. Poised 12 miles offshore, the island was plundered by French pirates four times — in the late 1600s and early 1700s. Twice the raiders were driven away when ships from the mainland arrived to defend Block Islanders. During the American Revolution, islanders were essentially defenseless. General George Washington ordered Yankee Islanders to move their cattle and sheep to the mainland so Colonial livestock did not become plundered rations for British soldiers. A generation later, in the War of 1812, the island chose neutrality, as did other coastal communities. During war campaigns resulting in the cannonading of U.S. towns, British soldiers actually refilled water kegs in island ponds and purchased supplies from the residents. The island is still a safe haven, but now for visitors and their families who disembark on the island’s wonderful beaches, and write their own history in sandcastles and barefoot walks. — by Robert Downie
Mohegan Bluffs The 150-foot cliffs along Mohegan Trail, the island’s southernmost road, are called the Mohegan Bluffs—so named for an Indian battle in which, lore has it, the local Manisses pinned down an attacking band of Mohegans at the base of the cliffs. From the bluffs you can see Montauk Point, on Long Island, N.Y. A remarkable set of stairs descends to the beach below at Payne Overlook, just west of the Southeast Lighthouse. The overlook platform is closed because of erosion problems.
Animal Farm A diverse collection of exotic and domestic animals is maintained by Justin Abrams, owner of the 1661 Inn and Hotel Manisses. The small farm between Spring and High Streets is home to llamas, emus, sheep, donkeys, goats, swans and ducks. These animals live happily together on the hillside meadow south of the hotel. Visitors are free to view and pet the animals here all year long. ÝAccessible from either Spring Street or High Street from dawn to dusk.
Block Island Historical Society Exhibits describe the island’s farming and maritime past. A short introduction is offered at the door; you are then left to see the house and its interior exhibits. The 1850 structure has a mansard roof and is furnished with antiques. This is a great place to kick off a sightseeing tour of the island. Old Town Road, at the four-way stop. 466-2481 Admission $3 In summer, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; June and Sept., weekends 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Email: [email protected]
North Light This granite lighthouse on the northernmost tip of Block Island was built in 1867. In 1993, it was restored and reopened as a maritime museum. The rough 3¼4-mile beach hike from the parking lot is well worth the effort. The light stands at the tip of the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge. Admission $2. Public restroom. July 5 to Labor Day, daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ocean View Pavilion Where once stood the island’s largest hotel—the Ocean View—there is now a beautiful wooden pavilion with unmatched views of Crescent Beach. The site is open to the public and dedicated to increasing the public’s awareness of the environment. See the kiosk at the entrance for information about programs. Dawn to dusk. Off Water St. Short uphill walk.
Rodman’s Hollow This unique ravine is a fine example of what’s called a glacial outwash basin. The hollow was the first piece of property purchased in the island’s 30-year tradition of land conservation, an effort that has succeeded in saving about 40 percent of the island from development. At Rodman’s Hollow, you can descend along winding paths to the ocean, where you can hike the coastline and lie on beaches at the foot of clay cliffs.
Settler’s Rock Situated along the stretch of land between Sachem Pond and Cow Cove, this well-known monument lists the names of the original settlers and marks the spot where they first landed in 1661 (with their cows swimming to shore). Here, visitors can leave their bikes or cars and begin the sandy hike to the somber North Light.
The Statue of Rebecca Named for the biblical Rebekah-at-the-well, B.I.’s “Rebecca” stands proudly at the intersection of four Old Harbor roads. She was erected in 1896 by the local Women’s Christian Temperance Movement, which hoped to curb the consumption of alcohol on Block Island. Ironically, restoration experts have concluded that Rebecca is in fact Hebe, cupbearer to the Gods, which may explain why consumption of alcohol is in such prevelance on BI. The statue was recast in 2001.
Southeast Lighthouse This massive red-brick beacon, a National Historic Landmark with gingerbread detail, nearly fell into the sea. Storms had eroded the sand and clay bluffs until the 1873 lighthouse sat precariously close to the 150- foot cliff. A grassroots movement succeeded in moving the behemoth to safe ground in 1993. The exterior of the lighthouse was renovated this winter. There is a small museum in the lighthouse. 466-5009. Memorial Day to Labor Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $5 donation.