📍 Location & Geography
Nantucket is a small, isolated island located off Cape Cod, Massachusetts. It is about 30 miles south of the mainland and is part of Nantucket County. The island is about 14 miles long and 3.5 miles wide at its widest point, covering a total area of about 105 square miles. It is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and is known for its picturesque beaches, sand dunes, and harbors.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Nantucket, Massachusetts are approximately 41.2835° N latitude and 70.0994° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Nantucket is part of the New England region of the United States. It is the only location within Nantucket County, which is the smallest county in Massachusetts by land area. The island is divided into three main areas: the town of Nantucket, and the villages of Siasconset and Madaket.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population of Nantucket was approximately 11,399. The population can swell to up to five times that number during the summer tourist season. The population is relatively diverse, with a mix of Caucasians, African Americans, Hispanics, and other ethnic groups. The median age of residents is around 39 years old.
🏛️ History
Nantucket was originally inhabited by the Wampanoag people and was known as “Canopache,” meaning “place of peace.” English settlers arrived in the mid-17th century and established a colony. The island became a major whaling hub in the 18th and 19th centuries, a history that is well-documented in the island’s Whaling Museum. The historic district of Nantucket town is a National Historic Landmark, known for its well-preserved late 18th and early 19th-century architecture.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Nantucket is known for its natural beauty, including its sandy beaches, salt marshes, and heathlands. The island is home to several protected areas, such as the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge and the Nantucket National Wildlife Refuge. The island’s diverse habitats support a wide variety of wildlife, including numerous bird species. Nantucket is also known for its strict building codes, which help to preserve the island’s historic and natural character.
🏫 Education
Nantucket has a strong education system, with the Nantucket Public Schools district operating the island’s public schools. The district includes an elementary school, intermediate school, and high school. There is also a private school, the Nantucket New School, and a community school that offers adult education classes. Nantucket also has a public library, the Nantucket Atheneum, which offers a variety of educational programs.
🚧 Transportation
Nantucket is accessible by both sea and air. The island has a ferry service that connects it to the mainland, and the Nantucket Memorial Airport provides flights to several regional destinations. On the island, public transportation is provided by the Nantucket Regional Transit Authority, which operates bus routes throughout the island. Biking is also a popular mode of transportation, with numerous bike paths crisscrossing the island.
📜 Trivia & Events
Nantucket hosts several annual events, including the Nantucket Film Festival and the Nantucket Wine Festival. The island is also the setting for the popular Christmas carol “I Saw Three Ships.” Nantucket has been featured in numerous films and books, and is known for its unique “Nantucket Reds” pants, which are a popular souvenir among visitors. The island is also known for its historic lighthouses, including the Sankaty Head Light and the Brant Point Light.