Edgartown, Massachusetts
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| Government | |
|---|---|
| Geography | |
| Area | |
| Total | 122.7 mi² / 317.9 km² |
| Land | 27.0 mi² / 69.9 km² |
| Water | 95.8 mi² / 248.0 km² |
| Time zone | Eastern (UTC-5)
<tr style="text-indent: 1em"><th>Summer (DST)</th><td>Eastern (UTC-4)</td></tr> |
| Population | |
| Total (2000) | 3779
<tr style="text-indent: 1em; white-space: nowrap"><th>Density</th><td>140.0/mi² / 54.1/km²</td></tr> |
Edgartown is a town located on Martha's Vineyard in Dukes County, Massachusetts, USA. The population was 3,779 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Dukes County6.
Contents |
[edit] History
Edgartown was first settled in 1642 and was officially incorporated in 1671.
It is well known as having been one of the primary ports for the whaling industry during the 1800s. 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. 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 off the great beasts of the sea, was ended.
[edit] Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 317.9 km² (122.7 mi²). 69.9 km² (27.0 mi²) of it is land and 248.0 km² (95.8 mi²) of it (78.01%) is water.
Edgartown is located at the eastern end of Martha's Vineyard ("down-island", so called because there are few hills present). The town of Edgartown includes the smaller island of Chappaquiddick, connected to the rest of Martha'a Vineyard only by a barrier beach which is submerged during storms. Chappaquiddick is separated from the town center by Edgartown Harbor. Auto transportation is provided by the "On Time" Ferry, so named because it runs continuously from Edgartown center to Chappaquiddick.
[edit] Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there were 3,779 people, 1,582 households, and 957 families residing in the town. The population density was 54.1/km² (140.0/mi²). There were 4,360 housing units at an average density of 62.4/km² (161.5/mi²). 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, 8.6% 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. About 2.7% of families and 4.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.5% 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.
[edit] Education
Edgartown is served by Martha's Vineyard Public Schools.
Edgartown has and is served by Edgartown Elementary School. Martha's Vineyard Regional High School, located in Oak Bluffs, serves the entire island.
[edit] What Makes Edgartown Special?
Edgartown is a beautful old whaling port that is graced with a multitude of houses built by whaling captains and other affluent members of the community. The growth of the population over the past 25 years has led to a period of intense renewal of these architectural gems. A walk up Water Street along the harbor is to take a step back to an earlier era with "Captain's Homes" lining both sides of the street. The town has also made a determined effort to encourage renovation of historical structures. Two buildings are particularly notable: the Whaling Church is a large 18th century church that has been converted to a performing arts center; and next door is the Daniel Fisher House, a classic home now used for a variety of social functions. Other notable destinations for visitors include the historical museum,
And the town can be traversed easily on foot or by bicycle. Indeed, a stroll through the town during an early morning is most pleasureable; cool sea air, beautiful 18th & 19th century residences, carefully tended flower gardens, and tall shade trees combine to enhance the experience.
The Edgartown Light at the end of north Water St 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 connects the south end of Chappaquidick to the remainder of Edgartown, This is a protected body of water that provides ample mooring for small and large boats. The opening of the harber will accommodate large sailing and motorized boats, but will not accommodate large ships or yachts.
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 made for walking, sand castles, swimming, and enjoyment of the meeting of sand, surf and sun. Much of the beach in Edgartown is open to the public with ample parking available.
[edit] See also
[edit] 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
