Town of New Shoreham “Block Island"

Updated Demographic and Economic Characteristics

* Annual information for 2000-2006 is available by downloading this Excel file 

Government

Town Hall
P.O. Drawer 220
New Shoreham, RI 02807
Fax: 401-466-3219
Hours: 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–1 p.m. (Closed Sat., Columbus Day–May 1.)

Census 2000 Data

A summary profile of Census 2000 characteristics is available from the RI Office of Statewide Planning at: http://www.planning.ri.gov/census/citytown.htm

Community Links

Hyperlinks provided by the Office of Municipal Affairs, Rhode Island Department of Administration.

History

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 Greek 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 European settlers arrived in 1661. In 1664, Block Island came under the jurisdiction of the Rhode Island colony, and the town of New Shoreham was formally incorporated in 1672. The island is located at the mouth of Long Island Sound, 14 miles east of Montauk Point, and from its shore Fisher's Island, Watch Hill, Point Judith, Narragansett Pier and Newport are visible.
Block Island has no natural harbor: two were built in the 19th century. Old Harbor was completed in 1876, and New Harbor in 1896. Block Island is a popular destination for local day trips and long-term visits alike. In the summer months, the island's population swells with visitors from all over the world. Summertime daily ferry service is available between the island and Point Judith, Newport and Providence. Ferries also sail from New London, Connecticut and Montauk, New York. At the state airport, both scheduled flights and chartered service provide additional transportation to and from the island.


 


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