Information AboutBlock Island |
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Block Island is located in the Atlantic Ocean approximately eight miles south of the coast of Rhode Island , and is separated from the mainland by Block Island Sound . The United States Census Bureau defines Block Island as Census Tract 415 of Washington County, Rhode Island . As of the 2000 Census the population of 1,010 lived on a land area of 25.211 km&2 (9.734 sq mi). The island is a fragment of glacial Terminal Moraine (tracing through the Outer Lands region). Census Tract 415, Washington County United States Census Bureau HISTORY In 1524, what later became known as Block Island was sighted by of 1685 clearly shows Block Island, indicated as ''Adrian Block Island'' ("Adriaen Blocks Eylant"). The only town on the island is , on the southeast side of the island (built in 1875). Much of the northwest tip of the island is an undeveloped natural area and resting stop for birds along the Atlantic Flyway . Every summer the island hosts Block Island Race Week, a highly competitive, week-long sailboat racing event. On odd years, the event is held by the [http://www.blockislandraceweek.com/ Storm Trysail Club], and on even years by the Block Island Race Week organization. Yachts compete in various classes, sailing courses in Block Island Sound, and circumnavigating the island. Other popular events include the annual Fourth of July Parade and celebration. During these times the island's population can triple over the normal summer vacation crowd. CHRONOLOGY --- written by Robert M. Downie, author of two history books named "Block Island --- The Sea" (1998) and "Block Island --- The Land" (1999) CLIMATE Block Island's weather is greatly influenced by the surrounding ocean. Because the ocean stays cold during the Spring and Summer months, Block Island stays cooler than the mainland during this period. However, summers can still be hot on Block Island although July and August average in the mid and upper 70s instead of low and mid 80s that New York and New England experience. Block Island's record high temperature is 95°F. In comparison, Chester , Massachusetts , which is far inland, has a record high of 107°F. On the flipside, Block Island stays warmer than the mainland during the fall and winter months when the ocean remains relatively warmer than the mainland. Block Island's record low is -7°F while Chester's record low is -35°F. Block Island, RI Averages and Records . Accessed April 20, 2006. Chester, MA Averages and Records . Accessed April 20, 2006. Block Island's High and Low Temperature Averages and Precipitation Averages: BEACHES Crescent Beach can be viewed from the Pt. Judith Ferry on the way to the island. It contains three smaller beaches, '''Fred Benson Town Beach''' (still popularly known as State Beach due to its former status as one), '''Scotch Beach''', and '''Mansion Beach''', all of which are located on Corn Neck Road. State Beach is the only beach on the island with on-duty life guards, as well as a pavilion with food and beach rentals. The so-called '''Baby Beach''' begins at the Surf Hotel, near the Beachhead Restaurant on Corn Neck Rd. Scotch Beach is located just north of Fred Benson Town Beach and Mansion Beach is located north of Scotch Beach. On the south side of the island, Black Rock Beach is widely regarded as the best beach for surfing on the island due to its high surf. However, the beach tends to be very rocky and has a reputation for being a nude beach, despite laws against nudity on Rhode Island's beaches. It is located near the Mohegan Bluffs and Southeast Lighthouse. Coastguard Beach is situated between the Great Salt Pond and the ocean on the north west side of the island. It is a popular beach for fishing and walking, but not particularly good for swimming due to the large number of boats traveling nearby. TOURIST LOCATIONS Block Island contains a number of locations for tourists besides the beach. Southeast Lighthouse : Located directly off of Spring Street on the Mohegan Trail, visitors can climb a staircase to the top of the lighthouse during the summer. , and the native Manisee Indians in which the Mohegans were driven off the edge of the tall cliffs to their deaths on the beach below. Today, one can walk down a long staircase to the bottom of these clay cliffs and look out over the Atlantic. On clear days, Montauk, New York can be seen in the distance from the southwestern side of the island. North Lighthouse : Located at the very northern tip of Block Island, at the end of Corn Neck Road, the North Light warns boaters of a stretch of dangerous shallow waters. Farmers Market: Held every Saturday and Wednesday during the summer, the farmers market contains many island grown vegetables and island made goods, including bees-wax candles and honey. The times and location can vary, so check with the local newspaper, The Block Island Times, for more information. wreck 7 miles east of the island lies in 130 feet of water. Recreational divers frequently visit the wreck, though two have died there.1, page 194 TRANSPORTATION The island is connected by a ferry year-round to Point Judith , and in summer to New London, Connecticut , Montauk, New York , and to Newport, Rhode Island . There are several ferry services to Block Island. The traditional Ferry , takes about an hour to reach the island from Point Judith. A high speed Ferry on the same route takes 35 minutes. Another high speed ferry from New London, Connecticut to Block Island takes an hour and a half. New England Airlines offers regularly scheduled airline service to Block Island State Airport from Westerly, Rhode Island . REFERENCES
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