Block Island, Island in Washington County, United States.
Block Island is an island in Washington County lying off the coast of Rhode Island, positioned roughly 10 miles south of the mainland in the Atlantic Ocean. The landmass covers about 10 square miles and splits into several settlements, with Old Harbor serving as the central village containing most services and arrival points.
Indigenous communities inhabited this land for many centuries before European settlers arrived in the 17th century and displaced the native population. The 19th century saw the place develop into a popular summer retreat for wealthy families from East Coast cities.
The original name Manisses comes from the Narragansett language and means island of the little gods, a title that reflects how native groups viewed this windswept land. Wooden shingle cottages painted in soft colors fill the narrow lanes around Old Harbor, where locals still gather at the dock to watch ferries arrive each afternoon.
Ferries run throughout the year from Point Judith, with added seasonal routes from other ports during summer months. Bicycles and mopeds are common ways to move around once on the ground, as many roads feel narrow and hilly.
On some winter days seals can be spotted basking on rocks along the shore, especially on the less visited western side. Several lighthouses dot the shoreline, including the Southeast Lighthouse which stands close to the cliff edge and has been moved back at times.
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