Block Island, with its windswept cliffs, sandy beaches, and charming town center, is more than just a scenic destination—it’s a place steeped in rich history. Located 12 miles off the coast of Rhode Island, Block Island has been home to Native American tribes, colonial settlers, and generations of families who shaped its culture and preserved its natural beauty. From early Indigenous peoples to European settlers and modern-day visitors, the story of Block Island reveals a fascinating blend of cultures, events, and traditions. Here’s a closer look at the island’s historical journey.
1. Early Inhabitants: The Narragansett People
Before European settlers arrived, Block Island was home to the Narragansett people, who called the island “Manisses,” meaning “Island of the Little God.” Archaeological findings suggest that Indigenous people inhabited the island as early as 500 BC, relying on the rich marine life and fertile land to sustain their communities. The Narragansett people cultivated crops like corn and squash, fished, and practiced a unique form of coastal hunting and gathering.
The Narragansett people had deep spiritual and cultural ties to Block Island, as evidenced by the artifacts and legends that remain today. Manisses was both a place of daily life and sacred rituals, and the surrounding waters held particular significance for their way of life. However, like much of New England, Block Island’s Native population faced challenges with the arrival of European settlers in the 17th century.
2. European Exploration and Settlement
Block Island’s first known European visitor was the Italian navigator Giovanni da Verrazzano, who documented the island in 1524 during his exploration of North America’s Atlantic coast. However, it wasn’t until 1614 that Dutch explorer Adriaen Block mapped the island, later naming it after himself. Block’s exploration brought increased European interest to the area, setting the stage for future settlements.
In 1661, a group of English settlers from Massachusetts purchased Block Island from Massachusetts Bay Colony. These settlers founded New Shoreham, named after Shoreham in England, establishing farming communities and small fishing industries. The colonists relied on the island’s natural resources, practicing agriculture and raising livestock. Despite frequent clashes with the Narragansett and Pequot tribes over land and resources, New Shoreham gradually grew, and the English settlers created the foundation for the island’s future development.
3. A Time of Conflict: The American Revolution
Block Island’s strategic location in the Atlantic made it significant during the American Revolution. While mainland Rhode Island experienced direct British occupation, Block Island became a quiet, isolated location used occasionally for supplies by both the British and Continental forces. Many of the island’s inhabitants were isolated from mainland politics and focused on fishing, whaling, and farming. However, the island’s residents faced constant threats of raids from British ships, which at times would confiscate livestock and supplies.
After the war, Block Island’s economy shifted slightly as fishing and farming remained dominant, and the population continued to grow slowly. The period following the American Revolution marked the beginning of Block Island’s fishing and maritime industries, which would shape the economy and lifestyle of the island’s residents for years to come.
4. The 19th Century: Tourism Begins
The 19th century saw Block Island gradually evolve into a tourist destination. The completion of the first lighthouse, the North Lighthouse, in 1829 marked an important step in making Block Island safer for maritime traffic and encouraged more visitors. By the mid-1800s, with improved ferry services, tourists from the mainland began to travel to the island, attracted by its natural beauty, cooler climate, and reputation for relaxation.
Several large hotels, including the Spring House Hotel and the Surf Hotel, were built during this period to accommodate the influx of visitors. Block Island’s sandy beaches, rolling hills, and picturesque views turned it into a summer haven for vacationers from across New England and beyond. This tourism boom led to new economic opportunities, as islanders shifted from traditional industries to services that catered to the growing number of visitors.
5. The 20th Century: Preservation and Growth
In the early 20th century, Block Island faced challenges as both tourism and the local population grew. Recognizing the need to preserve the island’s natural beauty, the residents formed conservation groups to protect areas of ecological and historical significance. In 1972, Block Island became one of the first communities in the United States to establish a land trust, known today as the Block Island Conservancy, which helped protect over 40 percent of the island from future development.
The island’s commitment to conservation and sustainable growth continues today. Block Island’s historic sites, from its lighthouses to Victorian-era hotels, have been preserved and restored, making it a place where history feels alive. The Block Island Historical Society plays an active role in educating visitors about the island’s past, showcasing artifacts, documents, and stories that span centuries.
Conclusion: A Timeless Island
From its beginnings as Manisses to its role as a New England vacation destination, Block Island has a history as rich and captivating as its landscapes. The island has managed to preserve its natural beauty, protect its cultural heritage, and continue to welcome visitors from around the world. Today, Block Island offers a blend of scenic wonder, historic sites, and a warm sense of community, inviting everyone who visits to experience a piece of New England’s past.
Sources
Block Island Historical Society. The History of Block Island. Block Island Historical Society, 2023.
Carroll, Peter T. “Block Island.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 2022.
Field, Edward. State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations at the End of the Century: A History, Volume 2. Mason Publishing, 1902.
Tucker, Spencer. The Encyclopedia of the Wars of the Early American Republic, 1783–1812: A Political, Social, and Military History. ABC-CLIO, 2014.
