Old Harbor
Then ~ As far back as 1670, the first legislative act was developed for constructing a harbor, and mentioned no other reason for so doing other than the ''incouradging fishing designes." There was an old pier then built, and after fifty years of service, once the fishing business was well established, and in a legislative act in 1723, to aid in building a new pier, the General Assembly, with a reason for said act — '' For the want of a pier at said Island, for the encouragement of the navigation of this Colony, especially the fishery, which is begun to be carried on successfully." The existing breakwater was built in 1870, which led to the movement of the town center.
Now ~ The Old Harbor is now the home of the commecial ferry service to and from Point Judith, Rhode Island, as well as the center of town which has developed.
New Harbor Overlook
Then ~ In 1895 the channel was successfully opened between the Block Island Sound and Great Salt Pond creating the harbor. Amelia Earhart visited Block Island and SCUBA dove off of a submarine in Great Salt Pond in July of 1929.
Now ~ New Harbor is made up of three large landing marinas. There are 90 town moorings and a 75 acre anchorage that are first come first serve for vessels which are a major draw during the summer months. The Great Salt Pond is one of the most diverse and active shelfish beds on the east coast, attracting people from all walks of life to rake the beds.
North Lighthouse
Then ~ Present day building was constructed in 1867, it was the fourth to be built in that location after the necesity presented itself. Because of the small size of the Island, most nautical maps did not account for its presence before the 1600s. The outer shores of Block Island became a hot spot for piracy once word spread that shipwrecks were a frequent occurance. Shipwrecks such as the Larchmont and the Lightburne were major pirate attractions at the time.
Now ~ The Lighthouse is still active and is now a historic house museum the is funded through donations as well as the purchase of bricks for loved ones which are laid around the grounds.
South East Lighthouse
Then ~ Constructed in 1874 and moved away from the bluffs edge in 1993 for fear of further erotion. At the time is was the largest building to ever have been moved in one piece drawing the attention of Time magazine and making the cover.
Now ~ A fully opperational live in lighthouse, with a historic house museum use as well as the host to Block Island School's yearly grauations. If you listen for it on a foggy night the sounds of the fog horn can be heard from all points of Block Island.
Mohegan Bluffs
Then ~ Native on Native battle ground and sight of slaughter during most land conflicts, between the Naragansettet and the Manissean Indians. Housing some of the most trecherous terrain over its edges to exterminate their counterparts they would force them over the edge to their demise.
Now ~ Home of the first ever Deepwater Wind project on American Soil, five windmills have been installed to help relieve the cost of electicity on Block Islans as well as to reduce the use of harmful electricity production.
Rodman’s Hollow
Then ~ This 230-acre glacial outwash basin was the first land conservation area on the island, championed by Robert Lewis in 1971. Becoming the home to the wild deer population which was introduced to Block Island in the 1960s for personal hunting game.
Now ~ 44% of Block Island is now under protection from development. Housing the largest population of the state endangered bushy rockrose in Rhode Island, Rodman's Hollow is open to the public as a hiking area and utilized as a birdwatchers heaven.
Then ~ As far back as 1670, the first legislative act was developed for constructing a harbor, and mentioned no other reason for so doing other than the ''incouradging fishing designes." There was an old pier then built, and after fifty years of service, once the fishing business was well established, and in a legislative act in 1723, to aid in building a new pier, the General Assembly, with a reason for said act — '' For the want of a pier at said Island, for the encouragement of the navigation of this Colony, especially the fishery, which is begun to be carried on successfully." The existing breakwater was built in 1870, which led to the movement of the town center.
Now ~ The Old Harbor is now the home of the commecial ferry service to and from Point Judith, Rhode Island, as well as the center of town which has developed.
New Harbor Overlook
Then ~ In 1895 the channel was successfully opened between the Block Island Sound and Great Salt Pond creating the harbor. Amelia Earhart visited Block Island and SCUBA dove off of a submarine in Great Salt Pond in July of 1929.
Now ~ New Harbor is made up of three large landing marinas. There are 90 town moorings and a 75 acre anchorage that are first come first serve for vessels which are a major draw during the summer months. The Great Salt Pond is one of the most diverse and active shelfish beds on the east coast, attracting people from all walks of life to rake the beds.
North Lighthouse
Then ~ Present day building was constructed in 1867, it was the fourth to be built in that location after the necesity presented itself. Because of the small size of the Island, most nautical maps did not account for its presence before the 1600s. The outer shores of Block Island became a hot spot for piracy once word spread that shipwrecks were a frequent occurance. Shipwrecks such as the Larchmont and the Lightburne were major pirate attractions at the time.
Now ~ The Lighthouse is still active and is now a historic house museum the is funded through donations as well as the purchase of bricks for loved ones which are laid around the grounds.
South East Lighthouse
Then ~ Constructed in 1874 and moved away from the bluffs edge in 1993 for fear of further erotion. At the time is was the largest building to ever have been moved in one piece drawing the attention of Time magazine and making the cover.
Now ~ A fully opperational live in lighthouse, with a historic house museum use as well as the host to Block Island School's yearly grauations. If you listen for it on a foggy night the sounds of the fog horn can be heard from all points of Block Island.
Mohegan Bluffs
Then ~ Native on Native battle ground and sight of slaughter during most land conflicts, between the Naragansettet and the Manissean Indians. Housing some of the most trecherous terrain over its edges to exterminate their counterparts they would force them over the edge to their demise.
Now ~ Home of the first ever Deepwater Wind project on American Soil, five windmills have been installed to help relieve the cost of electicity on Block Islans as well as to reduce the use of harmful electricity production.
Rodman’s Hollow
Then ~ This 230-acre glacial outwash basin was the first land conservation area on the island, championed by Robert Lewis in 1971. Becoming the home to the wild deer population which was introduced to Block Island in the 1960s for personal hunting game.
Now ~ 44% of Block Island is now under protection from development. Housing the largest population of the state endangered bushy rockrose in Rhode Island, Rodman's Hollow is open to the public as a hiking area and utilized as a birdwatchers heaven.