Marthas Vineyard history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Martha's Vineyard begins long before European explorers appeared on maps. Originally, the island was inhabited by the Wampanoag people, who called this land "Noepe," which translates as "land amid the streams." The official date of discovery by Europeans is considered to be 1602, when the English navigator Bartholomew Gosnold landed on its shores.

The island received its name thanks to Gosnold: "Vineyard" due to the abundance of wild grapes, and "Martha's" — presumably in honour of the captain's daughter (or mother-in-law). The first permanent English settlement, Great Harbour (now Edgartown), was founded in 1642 by Thomas Mayhew Jr.

Key Factors of Development

The region's development from a small colony into a significant economic centre was defined by the specifics of island life:

• Geography and Isolation: The island location required complete self-sufficiency, yet Martha's Vineyard was situated at the intersection of important Atlantic maritime routes.
• Marine Resources: Convenient deep-water harbours facilitated the development of shipping and trade.
• The Mayhew Policy: The Mayhew family, who owned the island, maintained peaceful relations with the indigenous population—unique for that time—which allowed them to avoid many of the bloody conflicts characteristic of the mainland part of New England.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the economic engine of the island became the whaling industry. Captains from Edgartown and Vineyard Haven returned from expeditions with immense fortunes, investing money in the construction of majestic Greek Revival style mansions that still adorn the city streets today.

A unique historical feature of the island was a phenomenon in the town of Chilmark. Due to genetic isolation, many deaf children were born here over the centuries. This led to the creation of a distinct Martha's Vineyard Sign Language, which was fluently used by almost all residents of the town, regardless of their hearing ability, creating a surprisingly inclusive society long before the emergence of modern standards.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1602 — English explorer Bartholomew Gosnold lands on the island and names it Martha's Vineyard.
• 1642 — Thomas Mayhew Jr. founds the first permanent European settlement, Great Harbour (modern-day Edgartown).
• 1691 — The island officially becomes part of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, ceasing to be the private possession of the Mayhew family.
• 1799 — Gay Head Light is erected on the cliffs of Aquinnah, becoming the first lighthouse on the island to ensure maritime safety.
• 1835 — The first Methodist camp meeting is held in Oak Bluffs, marking the beginning of religious tourism and the construction of the famous gingerbread cottages.
• 1850s — The peak of the whaling industry, transforming the island into one of the wealthiest regions thanks to the production of whale oil.
• 1874 — Opening of the Martha's Vineyard Railroad, connecting the ferry wharf in Oak Bluffs with Katama beaches (operated until 1896).
• 1941–1945 — During World War II, the island is used by the US Navy as a training ground for practicing amphibious operations.
• 1974 — Steven Spielberg chooses the island as the filming location for the movie "Jaws," bringing worldwide fame to Martha's Vineyard.
• 1977 — Island residents hold a symbolic vote to secede from the state of Massachusetts in protest against the loss of representation in court.
• 1987 — The Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) receives official federal recognition, confirming their status as an indigenous people.
• 1993 — Bill Clinton becomes the first sitting US President to choose the island for a summer vacation, cementing its status as an elite resort.

Stages of Development and Transformation

The history of Martha's Vineyard is a journey from isolated fishing settlements to a world-class resort. The following key stages formed the modern economic and architectural appearance of the island:

• The Era of Whaling Wealth (1820–1860s)
  This period became the foundation of the island's economic power. Huge revenues from whale oil production allowed for the construction of majestic mansions in Edgartown, forming its classic architectural style. The capital accumulated during these years helped the island survive the subsequent decline of the industry.
• The Urban Phenomenon of Oak Bluffs (Mid-19th Century)
  A unique transformation of a temporary Methodist tent camp into a permanent town. The replacement of canvas tents with wooden carved cottages in the "Carpenter Gothic" style created a unique architectural ensemble, which is today the island's hallmark and attracts thousands of tourists.
• Shift in Economic Paradigm (Late 19th Century)
  With the decline of the whaling industry and the closure of processing plants, the island was forced to reorient towards the service sector. Active construction of grand hotels and the development of ferry services began, turning Martha's Vineyard from an industrial centre into a summer residence for inhabitants of Boston and New York.
• Protection from Urbanisation (1974)
  The creation of the Martha's Vineyard Commission was a turning point in urban planning policy. Unlike many US resorts, residents legislatively limited commercial development, prohibited the construction of a bridge to the mainland, and prevented the appearance of large chain restaurants and hotels, preserving the pastoral character of the area.
• Revival of Cultural Heritage (1987)
  Federal recognition of the Wampanoag Tribe of Aquinnah (Gay Head) returned rights to lands in the western part of the island to the indigenous inhabitants. This event strengthened the region's cultural diversity and allowed for the preservation of unique natural landscapes, including the famous clay cliffs, under the management of the indigenous people.
• "Presidential Resort" Status (from the 1990s)
  Regular visits by sitting US presidents and Hollywood stars finally cemented the island's status as an elite destination. This led to a sharp rise in property values and gentrification, turning the island into one of the most expensive housing markets in New England.

Architectural Evolution and Urban Planning

The architectural appearance of Martha's Vineyard is a unique chronicle, frozen in wood and stone. The island's development did not follow the classic canons of continental metropolises but was subject to the rhythm of maritime life and changing economic eras. There are no skyscrapers or lavish Baroque styles here; instead, the island offers textbook examples of American vernacular (folk) architecture and New England styles.

Main Eras and Styles

Each period of the island's history has left its mark on the built environment, clearly dividing the towns by visual character:

• Colonial Style (17th–18th Centuries)
  The era of early settlers. The oldest buildings on the island are modest farmhouses and "saltboxes" (houses with an asymmetrical gable roof). This style was dictated by the harsh climate: low ceilings retained heat, and cedar shingle siding eventually acquired a characteristic silvery-grey hue, blending with the landscape. Examples can be found in the rural areas of West Tisbury and Chilmark.
• Classicism and Greek Revival (1820–1860)
  The era of whaling wealth. During the heyday of the whaling industry, captains sought to demonstrate their status. In Edgartown, the strict and majestic Greek Revival style dominates. It is characterised by white facades, symmetrical proportions, columns, and pilasters imitating ancient temples. This created the image of an "open-air museum," which the town preserves to this day.
• Carpenter Gothic (Mid – Late 19th Century)
  The era of religious gatherings. A unique phenomenon of the island, vividly manifested in Oak Bluffs. The Carpenter Gothic style emerged as an attempt to transfer the grandeur of stone Gothic to accessible wood. Carved gables, lancet windows, and abundant openwork decor turned the former Methodist tent camp into a fairytale town of more than 300 "gingerbread cottages."
• Shingle Style (Late 19th – Early 20th Century)
  The era of summer residences. With the transformation of the island into a resort, wealthy holidaymakers from Boston and New York began to build spacious summer cottages on the coast (East Chop and West Chop areas). The Shingle Style is characterised by continuous wooden shingle cladding, complex roof shapes, wide verandas, and turrets, organically integrated into the coastal landscape.

Iconic Buildings and Districts

The urban fabric of the island is heterogeneous: from the dense development of port towns to the farmstead system of the western part.

• Edgartown Historic District: Here stands the Old Whaling Church — a masterpiece of Greek Revival with a massive portico and six Doric columns, built in 1843. Nearby are captains' mansions, such as the Dr. Daniel Fisher House, demonstrating the peak of the island's financial power.
• The Campground in Oak Bluffs: A district where time seems to have stopped in the Victorian era. The central element is The Tabernacle — an open structure made of wrought iron and wood (1879), around which bright cottages are arranged in concentric circles.
• Gay Head Light: Although an engineering structure, the brick lighthouse in Aquinnah has become the architectural dominant of the island's western tip, symbolising the region's maritime history.

Modern Development and Heritage Preservation

In the second half of the 20th century, an "anti-urbanisation" approach was established on the island. Modern architecture here is strictly regulated: new houses are often stylised to resemble historical buildings, using natural materials and a restrained colour palette. Postmodernism and high-tech are practically absent in their pure form, giving way to "coastal minimalism," which seeks not to stand out but to dissolve into the dunes and forests.

Notable Personalities of Martha's Vineyard

The history of the island is inextricably linked with the names of pioneers, legendary captains, and cultural figures who found inspiration or peace here.

• Thomas Mayhew (1593–1682)
  Founder and First Governor
  An English merchant who purchased rights to the island in 1641. His unique policy of peaceful coexistence and fair trade with the indigenous Wampanoag tribe allowed Martha's Vineyard to avoid the bloody King Philip's War that devastated mainland colonies. The Mayhew dynasty ruled the island for over a century.
• Valentine Pease (1797–1870)
  Whaling Captain
  A native of Edgartown and captain of the ship Acushnet. Historically significant because the young Herman Melville served under his command. He is considered one of the main prototypes for Captain Ahab in the novel "Moby Dick." His stern temper and skill became a legend of the whaling industry.
• Nancy Luce (1814–1890)
  Folk Poetess and Artist
  An eccentric resident of West Tisbury who became a local legend in the 19th century. She lived in isolation, wrote poetry, and raised pet chickens, which she treated and loved like children. Her grave, with marble tombstones for her beloved birds, remains a popular attraction symbolising the independent spirit of the islanders.
• Dorothy West (1907–1998)
  Writer and Journalist
  A bright representative of the Harlem Renaissance. She lived most of her life in Oak Bluffs, where she wrote the famous novel "The Wedding," describing the life of the African American elite on the island. She made a huge contribution to the cultural heritage of the African American community of Martha's Vineyard.
• Walter Cronkite (1916–2009)
  TV Journalist and Presenter
  The legendary CBS news anchor, who was called "the most trusted man in America." He was a passionate yachtsman and a long-time resident of the island. His presence helped shape the reputation of Martha's Vineyard as a place for intellectual relaxation, free from pretension.
• John Belushi (1949–1982)
  Actor and Comedian
  Star of Saturday Night Live and the movie "The Blues Brothers." The island was a refuge for him from the pressures of fame. He is buried at Abel's Hill Cemetery in Chilmark; his grave has become a place of pilgrimage for fans, who often leave stones and souvenirs in his memory.