Block Island

Images of America: Rhode Island

by Donald A D'Amato ., Henry A.L. Brown

Treasured by locals and visitors alike, the charm of Block Island, Rhode Island, first developed as a summer resort in the late 1800s, is shown here throughout its history, from its begininning in 1637, to farming and fishing community, to summer scenes of the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries.


Block Island explores the evolution of the small, 7-by-3-mile island that lies between Point Judith, Rhode Island, and Montauk Point, New York. In 1637, Block Island, also known as New Shoreham, was claimed by Massachusetts soldiers who took the land away from the Manisses Indians. When the island was sold to 16 proprietors in 1660, the history of Block Island as part of Rhode Island began. At any time of the year, Block Island has a special look and charm of its own. In addition to its beautiful sandy beaches and thundering surf, the island is plentiful with rolling hills, fertile valleys, and ponds. Within these pages, meet the early residents of the island and learn how this farming and fishing community first developed as a summer resort destination in the late 1800s. Summer scenes from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, including views of the steamers that arrived daily carrying thousands of passengers from New York, Connecticut, and other parts of Rhode Island, are also featured in this collection.

128 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1999

Reviews

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I once spent a long weekend on Block Island, and I loved it. This book told me more about the history of the island and brought back a lot of good memories.

[Amanda Morehouse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of photos showing the way the island use to be. I was hoping for more text to read

[Rilla Schulte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love anything about BI! Great book!

[Alan Rathbun · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some interesting pictures but not many stories to connect the dots. All the pictures seen to be in random order as well. Nonetheless, it’s an interesting look at some aspects of the island.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This summer we took the boys on a ferry ride to Block Island & toured around the island for a day. It was nice to read up on some of its history and see so many photographs as well.

[Josine van Heek]

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