Dukes County

Dukes County is an administrative division encompassing Martha's Vineyard and the Elizabeth Islands along the Massachusetts coast. The territory includes multiple islands with distinct communities, where residents live and work in a primarily coastal environment.

The administrative division was established in 1695 to govern Martha's Vineyard and surrounding islands as a single unit. This creation provided organized governance for scattered island communities in the region.

The county maintains strong maritime traditions through its year-round fishing activities, boat building practices, and seasonal community gatherings at the waterfront.

Visitors can access the various islands, each with its own transportation connections, which affects travel planning. It is helpful to research available connections between the islands before your visit.

The territory includes the Elizabeth Islands, a chain of 13 separate islands stretching southwest from Cape Cod. This island group forms a geographically distinct part of the region with its own ecosystems.

Location: Massachusetts

Inception: 1695

Capital city: Edgartown

Shares border with: Barnstable County, Plymouth County, Bristol County, Nantucket County

Website: http://dukescounty.org

GPS coordinates: 41.41484,-70.61268

Latest update: December 17, 2025 11:19