Chappaquiddick Island, Island in Dukes County, Massachusetts, USA.
Chappaquiddick Island is an island in Dukes County, Massachusetts, covering roughly 5.8 square miles (15 square kilometers) marked by salt marshes, ponds, cedar woods, meadows, and a narrow barrier beach. This beach connects the area to Martha's Vineyard and forms a natural passage between both locations.
European settlers arrived from 1642 onward and later established the neighboring community under the name Edgar, after the son of James II. The connection to the mainland shifted over the centuries through storms and natural processes.
The name comes from the Wampanoag language and means separated island, which reflects the land's connection to the original inhabitants still visible today. Many spots along the coast carry names that point to this early presence.
A small ferry service connects the area regularly with Edgartown, especially during summer months when more visitors travel through. The crossing takes only a few minutes and allows easy access to trails and natural areas.
The lighthouse at Cape Poge has stood at the northern tip since 1801 and still guides ships through the waters along the coast. Wasque Point on the southeastern side draws anglers hoping to catch striped bass and bluefish there.
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