New Shoreham, RI

(Block Island)

New Shoreham, known as "Manisses" by the Narragansett Indians, was named for Shoreham in Sussex County, England. Giovanni da Verrazzano, an Italian explorer sailing under the French flag in 1524, compared this 10 square mile island to the Island of Rhodes.

The island is popularly known as Block Island, named after the Dutch navigator Adrian Block, who visited there in 1614. The first white settlers arrived in 1661. In 1664, Block Island came under the jurisdiction of the Rhode Island Colony, and it was formally incorporated in 1672.

The island is located just 12 miles off the Rhode Island coast 14 miles east of Montauk Point, and from its shore Fisher's Island, Watch Hill, Point Judith, Narragansett Pier and Newport are visible.The island is 7 miles long and 3 miles wide and has 17 miles of beautiful beaches.

In the summer months, the population of the island is increased several fold by visitors from all over. Summertime daily ferry service is available between the island and Point Judith, Newport and Providence. There is also a daily sailing from New London, Connecticut.

Block Island had no natural harbor. The Old Harbor was completed in 1876 and the New Harbor, in 1900. All ferries dock at Old Harbor.

New England Airlines has been providing daily scheduled air service to Block Island as a certificated Commuter Airline since 1970. Air services, provided by New England Airlines, are offered daily year round from Westerly, RI. Chartered service is also available from TF Green, Hartford, Boston or New York.

New Shoreham's principle year-round industry is fishing. The catch finds a ready market in Newport, Providence, New York and Boston. During the summer the tourists trade makes this island a lively paradise.

Town Hall: P.O. Drawer 220 Block Island, RI 02807
Phone: (401) 466-3200

Website: www.town.new-shoreham.ri.us

Other Links

Block Island Chamber of Commerce
Block Island Tourism Council
Block Island Ferry
Block Island Holidays
Block Island Family Vacations