NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Block Island (Rhode Island)

Block Island is an island in the Atlantic Ocean, a fragment of glacial terminal moraine approximately ten miles off the coast of Rhode Island, of which it is part, and from which it is separated by Block Island Sound. Block Island is shown off the coast of Rhode Island in the United States. ... Block Island is shown off the coast of Rhode Island in the United States. ... Moraine is the general term for debris of all sorts originally transported by glaciers or ice sheets that have since melted away. ... State nickname: The Ocean State, Little Rhody Other U.S. States Capital Providence Largest city Providence Governor Donald Carcieri Official languages None Area 4,005 kmÂ² (50th) - Land 2,709 kmÂ² - Water 1,296 kmÂ² (32. ... Block Island Sound, shown shaded in red, between the coast of the Rhode Island and Block Island. ...

In 1524, it was sighted by Giovanni da Verrazano, and in 1614, it was charted by the Dutch explorer Adriaen Block, after whom it is named. At the time of the arrival of the Europeans, it was occupied by a branch of the Narragansett people who called the island "Manisses". English settlers from the mainland first arrived in 1661, when the island was part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The island became part of the state of Rhode Island in 1672. Events March 1, 1524/5 - Giovanni da Verrazano lands near Cape Fear (approx. ... Giovanni da Verrazzano (c. ... Events April 5 - In Virginia, Native American Pocahontas marries English colonist John Rolfe. ... Blocks map of his 1614 voyage, with the first appearance of the term New Netherland Adriaen Block (fl. ... The Narragansett tribe, or more accurately Nahahiganseck Sovereign Nation, controlled the area surrounding Narragansett Bay in present-day Rhode Island, and also portions of Connecticut, and eastern Massachusetts. ... Royal motto: Dieu et mon droit (French: God and my right) Englands location within the UK Official language English de facto Capital London de facto Largest city London Area - Total Ranked 1st UK 130,395 kmÂ² Population - Total (2001) - Density Ranked 1st UK 49,138,831 377/kmÂ² Ethnicity... Events January 6 - The fifth monarchy men unsuccessfully attempt to seize control of London. ... The Massachusetts Bay Colony (sometimes called by the name Massachusetts Bay Company, for the institution that founded it) was the direct predecessor of the Province of Massachusetts Bay and then the state of Massachusetts. ... Events England, France, Munster and Cologne invade the United Provinces, therefore this name is know as ´het rampjaar´ (the disaster year) in the Netherlands. ...

The only town on the island is New Shoreham. The island is a popular summer tourist destination and is known for its excellent bicycling. A historic lighthouse on the northern tip of the island was built in 1872. The northern area is an undeveloped natural area and resting stop for birds along the Atlantic flyway. The island is connected by a ferry year-round to Point Judith, and in summer to New London, Connecticut, Montauk, New York and to Providence, Rhode Island. New Shoreham is a town located on Block Island in Washington County, Rhode Island. ... 1872 was a leap year starting on Monday (see link for calendar). ... Categories: US geography stubs | Rhode Island geography | Headlands ... View of New London from across the Thames River New London, Connecticut is a city in New London County, at the mouth of the Thames River and on the northeastern shore of Long Island Sound. ... The Montauk Lighthouse Montauk is a census-designated place and hamlet located in Suffolk County, New York. ... Providence is the capital and largest city in Rhode Island, a state of the United States of America. ...

Additionally, every other summer the island hosts Block Island Race Week, a highly competitive, week long sailboat racing event where captains and crew compete in various classes, racing to and from the island, as well as around its perimeter. During this time the islands population can triple over the normal summer vacation crowd.

External links

gotBlockIsland.com Block Island directory
BlockIslandInfo.com
Block Island Times Newspaper site
Providence, RI site on Block Island history
Block Island Race Week Official site for Race Week

Categories: Washington County, Rhode Island

Results from FactBites:

Block Island, Rhode Island (365 words)
	Block Island RI A short ferryboat voyage or even shorter plane flight takes you to this delightful Rhode Island island for hiking, bicycling, beaches, good meals, and perhaps a night or two in an authentic old Victorian hotel.
	The voyage to Block Island is pleasant enough, with plenty of room to sun on the top-deck benches, and a small bar and snack counter on board.
	On Block Island the pace is relaxed, and islanders have a strong sense of community.

The Nature Conservancy in Rhode Island - Block Island (278 words)
	We have conserved areas throughout the island to provide habitat for migrating birds and endangered plants and animals.
	Cooperation between Block Island Conservancy, the Block Island Land Trust, the Town of New Shoreham, the State of Rhode Island, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy and others have preserved more than 40% of this 6,200 acre-island.
	There are approximately 25 miles of walking trails on Block Island open to the public, free of charge.

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