📍 Location & Geography
West Tisbury is a charming town located in Dukes County, Massachusetts, United States. It is situated on the western side of the island of Martha’s Vineyard, which is part of the Elizabeth Islands chain. The town is bordered by Vineyard Sound to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the south, and the towns of Chilmark to the west and Tisbury to the east. West Tisbury encompasses a total area of 34.0 square miles, of which 26.4 square miles is land and 7.6 square miles is water.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of West Tisbury, Massachusetts are approximately 41.38 degrees north latitude and 70.68 degrees west longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
West Tisbury is part of the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is located in Dukes County on Martha’s Vineyard, the third largest island on the East Coast of the United States. The town is part of the Vineyard Haven, MA Metropolitan Statistical Area.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population of West Tisbury was approximately 2,800 residents. The town is known for its diverse community with a mix of year-round residents and seasonal visitors. The racial makeup of the town is predominantly White, with a small percentage of African American, Asian, Hispanic, and other races.
🏛️ History
West Tisbury was first settled by English settlers in 1669 as part of the town of Tisbury. The town was officially incorporated in 1892 when it was separated from Tisbury. The town has a rich agricultural history and was known for its sheep farming in the 19th century. Today, it is known for its rural character, historic homes, and beautiful landscapes.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
West Tisbury is renowned for its natural beauty, featuring a mix of rolling hills, open fields, and dense woods. The town is home to several nature reserves, including the Long Point Wildlife Refuge, Cedar Tree Neck Sanctuary, and the Polly Hill Arboretum. These areas offer hiking trails, bird watching, and stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. The town also has several beautiful beaches, including Lambert’s Cove Beach and Long Point Beach.
🏫 Education
Education in West Tisbury is managed by the Martha’s Vineyard Regional School District. The town has one elementary school, the West Tisbury School, which serves students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. High school students attend the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School located in the neighboring town of Oak Bluffs.
🚧 Transportation
Transportation in West Tisbury is primarily by car, with State Route 28 and State Route 118 serving as the town’s main thoroughfares. The Martha’s Vineyard Airport, located partially in West Tisbury, provides air travel to and from the island. The Vineyard Transit Authority provides public bus transportation throughout the island, including West Tisbury.
📜 Trivia & Events
West Tisbury hosts several annual events, including the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair, which takes place in August and features livestock shows, local food, and craft exhibits. The town is also home to the West Tisbury Farmer’s Market, one of the oldest farmer’s markets in Massachusetts. A notable trivia about West Tisbury is that it was the summer residence of former U.S. President Barack Obama and his family.