The Towns
Each of our five towns has their own history and character. The island was originally inhabited by the Wampanoag Native American Tribe. Tribal lands and cultural activities are still a vibrant part of the island’s culture, especially in Aquinnah, where most of the tribal members reside. In the 19th century the island was a prominent force in the whaling industry, still evident in the architecture and charm of Edgartown. Widows walks top large sea captain homes bordering Edgartown’s historic harbor and lighthouse. Oak Bluffs is home to what was originally a Methodist colony of tents, now a brightly colored village of gingerbread homes and host to the Annual fireworks display. Menemsha is a picturesque fishing village and backdrop to many of the scenes in the movie Jaws. West Tisbury is known for its outdoor summer markets offering local organic produce and flowers and hosting the annual Agricultural Fair. Home of the Steamship Authority, Tisbury is the island’s most year round town, offering plentiful shopping, BYOB restaurants and the Tisbury Street Fair.