Frequently Asked Questions about Martha's Vineyard
Where did the name Martha's Vineyard come from?
Where did the name Dukes County come from?
Who were the first English colonists to settle on the Island?
Why was the deaf population so high on Martha's Vineyard?
Why did so many African Americans come to Martha's Vineyard?
Where did the name Martha's Vineyard come from?
English explorer Bartholomew Gosnold is credited with giving Martha's Vineyard its name. After visiting the area in 1602, he returned to England and published a book describing the voyage. It was here in this book that he referred to the island as "Martha's Vineyard." Martha was the name of Gosnold's mother- in-law, who supposedly helped finance the voyage, and it was also the name of his infant daughter. At the time of the voyage, and still today, wild grapevines grow throughout the island giving the Vineyard name.
Where did the name Dukes County come from?
While English settlers from Massachusetts originally founded Martha's Vineyard, it was never officially incorporated as part of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The non-elected representatives of the island in the later seventeenth century wanted to incorporate into the state of New York due to personal preference and a feeling of disinterest from Massachusetts. In 1668, Chappaquiddick, Nomansland, and Martha's Vineyard officially became Dukes County. It was given this name because at the time, the governor of New York, in an attempt to show loyalty to the English crown, created the counties of Dukes, Duchesses, Kings, and Queens. Martha's Vineyard officially became a part of New York in 1671, but went back to Massachusetts in 1685.
Who were the first settlers on the Island?
Thomas Mayhew Sr. and Jr. were English settlers in Massachusetts. In 1641, they jointly purchased the rights to settle on Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, and the Elizabeth Islands for approximately 40 pounds. In 1642, the Mayhew's and about forty other English families came to live on the island. The Mayhew's retained their financial and political control and prestige for many generations and led the missionary movement to convert the Wampanoag.
Who are the Wampanoag?
The Wampanoag and their ancestors have lived on Martha's Vineyard for more than 10,000 years. In 1987 the tribe received federal recognition. Today, the tribe remains a vibrant part of the Vineyard community, with educational programs, celebrations, and other programs offered through the Aquinnah Cultural Center. For more information on the tribe, please visit www.wampanoagtribe.net.
Why was the deaf population so high on Martha's Vineyard?
During the latter part of the nineteenth century, there was a sizeable rate of hereditary deafness on Martha's Vineyard, most of whom were living in the town of Chilmark. At the turn of the twentieth century, 1 in 155 people were born deaf, more than twenty times the national average. The origin cannot be traced to a single ancestor, however, the people carried on normal lives and used a unique sign language they called Martha's Vineyard Sign Language to communicate. As the popularity of the tourism industry increased and the focus on fishing and farming decreased, there were fewer jobs available for members of the deaf community, and they began migrating off the island.
Why did so many African Americans come to Martha's Vineyard?
African Americans have been part of the Vineyard population since at least the early 1700's. During the nineteenth century, many African Americans came to the island to attend religious camp meetings, and created a sizeable summer community in what is now Oak Bluffs. This location was attractive because it remained an integrated community for all and did not segregate or discriminate based on race. Many jobs were available, and all African Americans could own land. Today, visitors can walk the African American Heritage Trail to learn more.