Block Island History

Block Island History

Block Island is best known by locals as the "Block". This unique island is shaped like a teardrop, perhaps the last teardrop of the glacier that created it. It is estimated that the Island was formed about 20,000 years ago or so, when one of those north glaciers scoured the Northeast, similarly to those giant bulldozers out there, depositing a massive mound of rock, soil and rubble, the main composition of Block Island's earth.

Sitting 12 miles south of Point Judith, Rhode Island, Block Island spans 3 miles east to west and 7 miles north to south, surrounded by stretches of tide-swept, sandy bottom, but broken by patches of vegetation and stone. It was not until 1524, when the Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazano first sighted the island.

Giovanni da Verrazzano (the original Florentine spelling) was born in Tuscany, Italy in 1485. Sailing under the Verrazzano was the first European to sight not only Block Island, but also Narragansett and New York bays. Although Giovanni da Verrazzano died in 1528 in the Lesser Antilles, it was not until 1614 when another European arrived here.

In 1613, Amsterdam was eager to establish a fur trade with the Native Americans sent two navigators to explore the region formerly discovered by Henry Hudson. The next year they arrived near Albany, and shortly after discovering the Connecticut River, then Block Island was charted by the Dutch explorer Adriaen Block, after whom the island was named.

A brief chronology written by author Robert M. Downie, published under the fair use license, gives us a glimpse into Block Island’s history. Let us look at an overview of the chronology:

1524 First sighted by Giovanni da Verrazano

1614 The island was named it after rediscovering of Adriaen Block

1636 Block Island was taken in combat by Massachusetts soldiers

1661 The first settlement was recorded, being 16 families Massachusetts

1664 Rhode Island integrated Block Island as part of this English colony

1672 New Shoreham was the name adopted by the first island's government

1687 A settler died, Margaret Guthry buried, the oldest identifiable gravestone today

From 1690 to 1704, England was at war with France. During this period of time, Block Island was invaded by pirates and privateers. In 1699, the pirate Captain Kidd visited the Island and stayed there for almost a whole month before his capture in Boston. This history of the island remained quiet until the 18th century.

In 1723, the greatest pirate battle in America took place off the Island, resulting in 26 pirates hung on the gallows in Newport the following month.

It was not until 1737 when the first emigrant wrecked ship was recorded, Princess Augusta, apart of this nothing happened as remarkable as the American Revolution from 1775 to 1783, when the island remained neutral in all the battles, trading with both sides.

In the 19th century, from 1812 to 1815 Block Island returned to status of 35 years earlier during the war against British, continuing with the island active chronology that century as follow:

1832 Was the year for the first postmaster appointed, setting an office in his bedroom

1867 North Light House was built, becoming the fourth lighthouse at Sandy Point, although the station was build earlier.

1870 Old Harbor was created after the breakwater success on east side

1875 First Victorian hotels and stores began to be built in Old Harbor, activity that was continued during the next decades

1875 Was also the year in which the actual Island Free Library was founded

1875 Another relevant year for building, with the Southeast Light House and station completed

1895 Work dug Great Salt Pond channel succeeded, creating the New Harbor.

1907 Hundreds dead after the steamer Larchmont sank off Block Island, and many locals became heroes.

After these facts, nothing worse than the World War I from 1917 to 1918. The island population was barely 1,000 inhabitants during this period, from which 63 went to war. During peace in 1933, the actual Block Island School was built, replacing 5 scattered, one-room schools.

Then war began again. From 1941 to 1945, the World War II claimed 95 islanders off the 700 after the population was reduced in previous years. During that period of time, 2 US aircraft carriers were named “Block Island”, and one of them sank 7 U-boats.

Once again, peace brought progress to Block Island and history continued being written.

1950 Was witness of the first State airport opening, replacing informal grass fields in use since 1920s.

1960 Winter population plunged to 486 inhabitants, the lowest population in the island since the 1770s.

1972 Block Island Conservancy was founded; and one third of the island is saved from development.

1974 Old Harbor Village was declared a National Register historic site.

1993 Southeast Lighthouse was moved 245 feet from eroding bluffs.

2000 For the first time since the 1930s, Block Island's winter population surpassed 1,000 inhabitants.