| Edgartown, Massachusetts | |||
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| Coordinates: | |||
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| Country | United States | ||
| State | Massachusetts | ||
| County | Dukes | ||
| Settled | 1642 | ||
| Incorporated | 1671 | ||
| Government | |||
| - Type | Open town meeting | ||
| Area | |||
| - Total | 122. Wikipedia talkFeatured lists for an explanation of this and other inclusion tags below -->This list of countries, arranged alphabetically The United States of America —commonly referred to as the The political units and divisions of the United States include The 50 states (four of these being officially styled as Commonwealths) which are typically The Commonwealth of Massachusetts ( is a state located in the New England region of the northeastern United States. This is a list of Massachusetts counties, consisting of the 14 Massachusetts counties The County of Dukes County is a County located in the US state of Massachusetts. An Open town meeting is a form of municipal legislature typical in the New England region of the United States. Area is a Quantity expressing the two- Dimensional size of a defined part of a Surface, typically a region bounded by a closed Curve. 7 sq mi (317. The square mile is an imperial and US unit of Area equal the area of a square of one statute mile. 9 km²) | ||
| - Land | 27. Square Kilometre ( US spelling square kilometer) symbol km2, is a decimal multiple of the SI unit of 0 sq mi (69. 9 km²) | ||
| - Water | 95. 8 sq mi (248. 0 km²) | ||
| Elevation | 17 ft (5 m) | ||
| Population (2000) | |||
| - Total | 3,779 | ||
| - Density | 140. The elevation of a Geographic location is its height above a fixed reference point often the mean sea level. A foot (plural feet or foot; symbol or abbreviation ft or sometimes &prime – the prime symbol) is a non-SI unit The metre or meter is a unit of Length. It is the basic unit of Length in the Metric system and in the International Population density (in agriculture standing stock and Standing crop) is a measurement of Population per unit area or unit volume 0/sq mi (54. 1/km²) | ||
| Time zone | Eastern (UTC-5) | ||
| - Summer (DST) | Eastern (UTC-4) | ||
| ZIP code | 02539 | ||
| Area code(s) | 508 / 774 | ||
| FIPS code | 25-21150 | ||
| GNIS feature ID | 0619441 | ||
| Website: www.edgartown-ma.us | |||
Edgartown is a town located on Martha's Vineyard in Dukes County, Massachusetts, United States. The Eastern Time Zone ( ET) of the Western Hemisphere falls mostly along the east coast of North America and the west coast of South America UTC−5 is the Time offset used in the North American Eastern Time Zone during Standard time and in the North American Central Time Zone during Daylight saving time ( DST The Eastern Time Zone ( ET) of the Western Hemisphere falls mostly along the east coast of North America and the west coast of South America UTC−4 is the Time offset used in the Atlantic Standard Time Zone in Canada in winter and the North American Eastern Time Zone during A telephone numbering plan is a plan for allocating Telephone number ranges to countries regions areas and exchanges and to non-fixed telephone networks Area code 508 was split from Area code 617 on July 16, 1988. In addition northeastern Massachusetts originally a part of the 508 area code was given Area code 774 is an overlay of parts of Area code 508. It was added in 2001 to create more Telephone numbers Exchanges Federal Information Processing Standards ( FIPS) are publicly announced standards developed by the United States Federal government for use by all non-military The Geographic Names Information System ( GNIS) is a database that contains name and locative information about more than two million physical and cultural features located throughout The New England town is the basic unit of local government in each of the six New England states Martha's Vineyard (adjoining the smaller Chappaquiddick Island) is an Island off the US east coast to the south of Cape Cod, both The County of Dukes County is a County located in the US state of Massachusetts. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts ( is a state located in the New England region of the northeastern United States. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the The population was 3,779 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Dukes County. A county seat is a term for an Administrative center for a County, primarily used in the United States. [1]
Contents |
History
Edgartown was first settled by the English 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. Thomas Mayhew may refer to Thomas Mayhew (cabinetmaker (c 18th century English cabinetmaker Thomas Mayhew (governor (1593&ndash1682 Originally called Great Harbor, it was incorporated in 1671, and is one of the two original towns on Martha's Vineyard, along with Tisbury. The town's current name is in honor of Edgar, the young son of James II of England who died at the age of four in 1671. Edgar Duke of Cambridge ( 14 September 1667 – 8 June 1671) was the fourth son of James Duke of York (later James II of England) James II of England and Ireland James VII of Scotland (14 October 1633 &ndash 16 September 1701 was King of England, King of Scots, Later that same year James
The younger Mayhew began his work which led to his becoming the first church planting Protestant missionary after he settled in Edgartown. A Wampanoag Indian named Hiacoomes who lived nearby became his partner in founding the churches in the Indian communities.
Edgartown is well known as having been one of the primary ports for the whaling industry during the 1800s. Whaling is the hunting of Whales and dates back to at least 6000 BC 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 widow's walk (or roofwalk) is a railed Rooftop platform typically on a Coastal House, originally designed to observe vessels 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.
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. The twentieth century of the Common Era began on 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. Edward Moore "Ted" Kennedy (born February 22 1932 is the senior United States Senator from Massachusetts and a member of the Democratic The "Chappaquiddick incident" refers to the death of Mary Jo Kopechne, a former campaign worker for the assassinated U
Tourism
Edgartown was an old whaling port and is now a summer and tourist destination with a multitude of houses 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.
The Edgartown 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 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.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 122. The United States Census Bureau (officially Bureau of the Census as defined in Title) is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census 7 square miles (317. The square mile is an imperial and US unit of Area equal the area of a square of one statute mile. 9 km²), of which, 27. Square Kilometre ( US spelling square kilometer) symbol km2, is a decimal multiple of the SI unit of 0 square miles (69. 9 km²) of it is land and 95. 8 square miles (248. 0 km²) of it (78. 01%) is water. Edgartown is the 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. Nantucket Sound is a roughly triangular area of the Atlantic Ocean offshore from the U West Tisbury is a town located on Martha's Vineyard in Dukes County, Massachusetts, United States. Oak Bluffs is a town located on Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts, Massachusetts, United States. The town also shares a common corner with Tisbury (along with West Tisbury and Oak Bluffs). Tisbury is a town located on Martha's Vineyard in Dukes County, Massachusetts, United States.
Edgartown is located at the eastern end of Martha's Vineyard ("down-island", a vestige of the island's traditional maritime roots in that as a ship travels east, it is said to be traveling "down" east as longitude decreases towards the Prime Meridian[2]). Martha's Vineyard (adjoining the smaller Chappaquiddick Island) is an Island off the US east coast to the south of Cape Cod, both Longitude (ˈlɒndʒɪˌtjuːd or ˈlɒŋgɪˌtjuːd symbolized by the Greek character Lambda (λ is the east-west Geographic coordinate measurement The Prime Meridian is the meridian (line of Longitude) at which longitude is defined to be 0° The town is closest in proximity to Nantucket's Muskeget Island, which is seven miles east of Wasque Point, the southeastern corner of Chappaquiddick. 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 open during storms. Chappaquiddick Island is a small island off the eastern end of the larger island of Martha's Vineyard and is part of the town of Edgartown Massachusetts Chappaquiddick is separated from the town center by Edgartown Harbor and Katama Bay. Katama is the south central portion of Edgartown. Katama is a residential area in the town of Edgartown Massachusetts, on the south shore of the island of Martha's Vineyard. In addition to a spectacular ocean beach, Katama has within its boundaries the Katama Airpark, the Katama Farm, the Herring Creek Farm and 2 resorts. Katama Airpark in the Katama section of Edgartown, Massachusetts, (508-627-9018 is a public airport owned by the Town of Edgartown
Transportation
Auto transportation is provided by the "On Time" Ferry. A common myth is that the ferry gained its name because it runs continuously from Edgartown center to Chappaquiddick. In actuality, the name comes from the fact that when Jerry Grant purchased the business, it did not come with a ferry. The buzz around town at the time of Grant's purchase was whether or not Grant would have his ferry finished in time for it to make the previous owner's deadline, and not leave Chappaquiddick with a time of no ferry service. . Grant finished his ferry on time, and thus named his ferry the "On Time. " Although the On Time I is now gone, Chappaquiddick is currently served by the On Time II and On Time III. Edgartown is home to half of the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest, which spreads 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 east shore of the island. There are two lighthouses in the town, at Cape Pogue on Chappaquiddick and the Harbor Light in Edgartown Harbor.
In addition to the "On Time" Ferry, Edgartown is home to another ferry, the "Pied Piper," which runs seasonally between the town and Falmouth. There are two airports in the town. Katama Airpark is located between Katama Bay and Edgartown Great Pond in the south of town, and serves mostly smaller aircraft. Katama Airpark in the Katama section of Edgartown, Massachusetts, (508-627-9018 is a public airport owned by the Town of Edgartown Along the border of the state forest lies Martha's Vineyard Airport, which it shares with West Tisbury. Martha's Vineyard Airport is a public Airport located in the middle of the island of Martha's Vineyard, three miles (5 km south of the Central business This airport is used more for commercial commuter flights from nearby sites on the mainland and Nantucket.
Demographics
As of the census[3] of 2000, there were 3,779 people, 1,582 households, and 957 families residing in the town. A census is the procedure of acquiring information about every member of a given population The population density was 140. Population density (in agriculture standing stock and Standing crop) is a measurement of Population per unit area or unit volume 0 people per square mile (54. 1/km²). There were 4,360 housing units at an average density of 161. 5/sq mi (62. 4/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 93. 33% White, 1. 77% African American, 0. 45% Native American, 0. 53% Asian, 0. 05% Pacific Islander, 1. 53% from other races, and 2. 33% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1. 16% 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. NOTICE TO WOULD-BE ROMEOS ************** 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, 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. Per capita income means how much each individual receives in monetary terms of the yearly income generated in the country About 2. 7% of families and 4. 2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2. The poverty threshold, or poverty line, is the minimum level of Income deemed necessary to achieve an adequate Standard of living in a given country 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 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.
The town is 260th in terms of population in the Commonwealth, and has the largest population in Dukes County. In terms of population density, Edgartown is 271st in the Commonwealth and third (behind Tisbury and Oak Bluffs) in Dukes County.
Government
On the national level, Edgartown is a part of Massachusetts's 10th congressional district, and is currently represented by Bill Delahunt. The Massachusetts 10th District is a political constituency that includes parts of the South Shore of Massachusetts and includes all of Cape Cod and the William D (Bill Delahunt (born July 18, 1941) has been a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives since 1997 representing The state's senior (Class I) member of the United States Senate, re-elected in 2006, is Ted Kennedy. The United States Senate is the Upper house of the bicameral United States Congress, the Lower house being the House of Representatives Edward Moore "Ted" Kennedy (born February 22 1932 is the senior United States Senator from Massachusetts and a member of the Democratic The junior (Class II) Senator, up for re-election in 2008, is John Kerry. } John Forbes Kerry (born December 11 1943 is an American Politician who is currently serving his fourth term as the junior United States Senator
On 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 Massachusetts House of Representatives is the Lower house of the Massachusetts General Court, the state legislature of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Falmouth is a town in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States; Barnstable County is coextensive with Cape Cod. 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. The Massachusetts Senate is the upper house of the Massachusetts General Court, the Bicameral state legislature of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Barnstable County is a County located in the US state of Massachusetts, consisting of Cape Cod and associated islands Bourne is a town in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States. Sandwich is a town in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States. Falmouth is a town in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States; Barnstable County is coextensive with Cape Cod. Barnstable is a city referred to as the Town of Barnstable, in the U [4]. All of Dukes County is patrolled by the Fifth (Oak Bluffs) Barracks of Troop D of the Massachusetts State Police. The Massachusetts State Police ( MSP) is an agency of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts ' Executive Office of Public Safety responsible for criminal law enforcement [5]
Edgartown is governed on the local level by the open town meeting form of government, and is led by an executive secretary and a board of selectmen. An Open town meeting is a form of municipal legislature typical in the New England region of the United States. The Board of Selectmen is commonly the executive arm of Town Governments in the New England region of the United States. The town has its own police and fire departments, both located just west of the historic center of town. The current police chief is Paul Condlin. 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. Martha's Vineyard Regional High School, located in Oak Bluffs, serves the entire island's high school population. Martha's Vineyard Regional High School is the one of the two public high schools in Oak Bluffs on the island of Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, United Oak Bluffs is a town located on Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts, Massachusetts, United States. MVRHS's teams are nicknamed the Vineyarders, and their colors are violet and white. The school has a longstanding rivalry with Nantucket High School, with both competing for the Island Cup on an annual basis.
See also
References
- ^ Find a County. The Edgartown Yacht Club The Edgartown Yacht Club is a private yacht club located in Edgartown Massachusetts on the island of Martha's Vineyard. Katama is a residential area in the town of Edgartown Massachusetts, on the south shore of the island of Martha's Vineyard. Katama Airpark in the Katama section of Edgartown, Massachusetts, (508-627-9018 is a public airport owned by the Town of Edgartown National Association of Counties. Retrieved on 2008-01-31. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1504 - France cedes Naples to Aragon. 1606 - Gunpowder Plot: Guy Fawkes
- ^ Articles - Nature - Martha's Vineyard Villages & Towns - Martha's Vineyard Online - The Official Site of Martha's Vineyard
- ^ American FactFinder. United States Census Bureau. The United States Census Bureau (officially Bureau of the Census as defined in Title) is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census Retrieved on 2008-01-31. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1504 - France cedes Naples to Aragon. 1606 - Gunpowder Plot: Guy Fawkes
- ^ Index of Legislative Representatives by City and Town
- ^ Station D-5, SP Oak Bluffs
External links
- Official Web Site of Edgartown
- The Edgartown Inn
- The Edgartown Yacht Club
- Edgartown Public Library
- The Edgartown Art Gallery
- Edgartown Police Department
- Edgartown School
- Vine Island Builders LLC. - Fine Homes on Martha's Vineyard
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