New Shoreham - Block Island

For more Community Information Visit:	Population:	1,010 (As of April 1, 2000)

	Incorporated in:	1672

Block Island Web Links

New Shoreham, known as "Manisses" by the Narragansett Indians, was named for Shoreham in Sussex County, England. Giovanni da Verrazzano, an Italian explorer sailing under the French flag in 1524, compared this 10 square mile island to the Island of Rhodes. The island is popularly known as Block Island, named after the Dutch navigator Adrian Block, who visited there in 1614. The first white settlers arrived in 1661. In 1664, Block Island came under the jurisdiction of the Rhode Island Colony, and it was formally incorporated in 1672.

The island is located at the mouth of Long Island Sound, 14 miles east of Montauk Point, and from its shore Fisher's Island, Watch Hill, Point Judith, Narragansett Pier and Newport are visible.

In the summer months, the population of the island is increased several fold by visitors from all over. Summertime daily ferry service is available between the island and Point Judith, Newport and Providence. There is also a daily sailing from New London, Connecticut.

Block Island had no natural harbor. The Old Harbor was completed in 1876 and the New Harbor, in 1900. All ferries dock at Old Harbor.

At the State Airport, both scheduled flights and chartered service provide additional transportation to and from the island.

New Shoreham's principle year-round industry is fishing. The catch finds a ready market in Newport, Providence, New York and Boston. During the summer the tourists trade makes this island a lively paradise.

BLOCK ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY. (1872) Old Town Road. Permanent and special exhibits. OPEN: Jun-Sep, 10-4 p.m. daily, and by appt. 466-2481.

MOHEGAN BLUFFS AND SOUTHEAST LIGHTHOUSE. (1875) The bluffs rise abruptly to a height of about 200 feet above the sea and stretch for nearly three miles along the southern shore, offering spectacular scenery. The lighthouse, visited by President Grant, has the most powerful electric beacon on the eastern United States coast. Nature programs at the bluffs. Rugged and Refined exhibit, sponsored by the Block Island Historical Society. OPEN: Jul-Sep, 10-4 p.m. 466-5200, 800-383-BIRI.

RODMAN'S HOLLOW. A deep glacial depression, from the edge of which an unusual vista of the ocean may be enjoyed. Only U.S. habitat of a small-mouth Block Island meadow vole; 47-acre reforestation project.

SETTLERS' ROCK. On the shore of Cow Cove. A monument lists the names of Block Island's first settlers at their landing place, April, 1661.

THE LOST MANISSEAN INDIAN EXHIBIT. West Side Road. Exhibit features arrowheads, ax heads, knives, and ancient mortar and pestal, dating back 450 years. Painted hieroglyphics explain the life of the ancient Indian. OPEN: Memorial Day-Labor Day, daily, 9-5 p.m. 466-5060.

Population: The population count for the Town of New Shoreham as of April 1, 2000, was 1,010. This represented a 20.8% change (174) from the 1990 population of 836.

Population Density: New Shoreham contains 25.214 square kilometers of land area (9.735 Sq. Miles) and 258.331 square kilometers of water area (99.742 Sq. Miles). Total area is 283.545 square kilometers or 109.477 square miles.

The 2000 population density of New Shoreham is 80.8 persons per square mile of land area.

Age Distribution: In 2000, 825 persons residing in New Shoreham were 18 years of age or older.

Population:	1990	2000	Change
Total	836	1,010	174

Location:	Washington County
Form of Government:	Town Manager and Five member Town Council
Council Meetings:	The first Monday of each month at 7:30 pm and the third Wednesday at 7:30 pm.
Fiscal year begins:	July 1

Race	1980	1990	Change
White	619	820	210
Black	1	7	6
American Indian/Eskimo	0	1	1
Asian/Pacific Islander	0	7	7
Asian/Pacific Islander	0	7	7
Other	0	1	1
Total	620	836	216

In 1990, 8 persons of Hispanic origin resided in the Town. This represented a 166.7% (5) from the 1980 Hispanic population of 3.