Edgartown

www.ci.edgartown.ma.us


One of new England’s most elegant communities, the town of Edgartown was the island’s first colonial settlement, and it has been the county seat since 1642. The stately white Greek revival houses built by the whaling captains have been carefully maintained. They make the town a museum-piece community, a seaport village preserved from the early 19th century.

Main Street is a picturebook setting with its harbor and waterfront. The tall square-rigged ships that sailed all the world’s oceans have passed from the Edgartown scene, but the heritage of those vessels and their captains has continued. For the past hundred years, Edgartown has been one of the world’s great yachting centers.

Many houses in Edgartown predate the whaling era. The majority of these are private residences. The Vincent house, built in 1672, is said to be the oldest house on the island.
The famous Old Whaling Church with its six massive columns commands Main Street. Built in 1843 at the height of the whaling industry, it was given to the Martha’s Vineyard Preservation Trust and turned into a performing arts center.

There are many excellent beaches in the Township of Edgartown. They are favorite spots for bluefish and bass fishermen, especially those located on adjacent Chappaquiddick Island.

The preceding narrative was provided by the Town of Edgartown official Web site.




For more information visit the Department of Housing and Community Development site for Edgartown, MA www.state.ma.us/dhcd/iprofile/089.pdf