📍 Location & Geography
Vineyard Haven is a community within the town of Tisbury, located on Martha’s Vineyard in Dukes County, Massachusetts. It is situated on the northeastern shore of the island. The town is known for its beautiful harbor, which is considered one of the major entry points to Martha’s Vineyard.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts are approximately 41.4582° N latitude and 70.6030° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Vineyard Haven is part of the New England region of the United States. It’s located in the southeastern part of Massachusetts, on the island of Martha’s Vineyard. The total area of Vineyard Haven is approximately 4 square miles, most of which is land, with a small portion being water.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2010 census, Vineyard Haven had a population of approximately 2,114 people. The population is fairly diverse, with a mix of different races and ethnicities. The median age of residents in Vineyard Haven is around 43 years.
🏛️ History
Vineyard Haven was originally known as Holmes Hole, after the English explorer John Holmes who visited the area in 1642. It was officially incorporated as a district of Tisbury in 1871. The town played a significant role in the maritime history of New England, serving as a prominent port for whaling ships in the 19th century. The name was changed to Vineyard Haven in 1871, and it has since become a popular destination for tourists and summer residents.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Vineyard Haven is known for its beautiful coastal scenery and abundant natural beauty. The town is home to several parks and nature reserves, including the Tisbury Water Works and the Lake Tashmoo Town Beach. The area is also known for its diverse wildlife, with numerous bird species making their home on the island.
🏫 Education
Education in Vineyard Haven is managed by the Martha’s Vineyard Public Schools district. The town is served by Tisbury School, which offers education from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. For high school, students attend Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School, located in the nearby town of Oak Bluffs.
🚧 Transportation
Vineyard Haven is accessible by ferry from the mainland, with the Vineyard Haven Harbor serving as the primary point of entry for many visitors to Martha’s Vineyard. The town is also served by Martha’s Vineyard Airport, located in the nearby town of West Tisbury. Within the town, public transportation is provided by the Vineyard Transit Authority, which operates bus routes throughout Martha’s Vineyard.
📜 Trivia & Events
Vineyard Haven is home to the annual Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival, which attracts filmmakers and enthusiasts from around the world. The town is also known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries and studios located throughout the area. In addition, Vineyard Haven is the setting for several works of literature, including novels by Judy Blume and Philip R. Craig.