The Mansion
Then ~ Built in the late 1880s by Edward Searles and his wife. She was a widow of railroad magnate Mark Hopkins and once described as the “richest woman in America,” the structure once followed the “English Mannerist” theme. The mansion burned to the ground in 1963 and the land was purchased by the town in 1984 for pubilc use.
Now ~ Used as the public beach access and parking area for Mansion Beach. The foundation of the mansion was cleared of brush in the winter of 2013 to reveal the remainder of what was left behind after the fire.
Hurricane Breaking Point
Then ~ Home of the Trustram Dodge marker stone, this was a point where the islanders often attempted to break through the thin strip of land between the Atlantic Ocean and the natural waterbodies the Island posesses. This occured before the bearkwalls were constructed to enclose the Old Harbor.
Now ~ The point on Block Island where Hurricane Sandy caused the most damage, the Island was split into two seperate islands temporarily as the ocean rose above its natural sea level and covered the roadlength that separated the bodies of water.
Clayhead Trail
Then ~ 190 acres of conserved land possessing cliffs that have produced the red clay used to create old island potery and tools needed by the original inhabitants to survive.
Now ~ Sought out by birdwatchers and wanderers this maze is a way to view the northeast side of the island and the Atlantic Ocean that meets the horizon uninterupted.
Block Island Weather Bureau
Then ~ Built in 1903 and used until 1950 this property was the home of the weather station of this island.
Now ~ It is now a residential home that is known for hosting a haunted house through the grounds during the Halloween season.
Block Island State Airport
Then ~ Grass field used since 1920 until a proper landing strip was installed in 1950. Before the State airport was installed Amelia Earhart flew to the island for a visit in 1929.
Now ~ The home of New England AIrlines, the only airline to transport people from Westerly, Rhode Island daily on a runway that is 2,502 feet long.
Sacred Labyrinth
Then ~ The labyrinth, unlike a maze, is a single winding path that leads to the center point and back out. Walking the labyrinth is a universal ritual that has survived unchanged for thousands of years. People report that labyrinths can heal the body and soul. It was dug by hand by islanders as a means of relaxation.
Now ~ A main attraction for tourists and islanders alike, it is a beautiful way to relax and enjoy the views of the island as you center your body.
Then ~ Built in the late 1880s by Edward Searles and his wife. She was a widow of railroad magnate Mark Hopkins and once described as the “richest woman in America,” the structure once followed the “English Mannerist” theme. The mansion burned to the ground in 1963 and the land was purchased by the town in 1984 for pubilc use.
Now ~ Used as the public beach access and parking area for Mansion Beach. The foundation of the mansion was cleared of brush in the winter of 2013 to reveal the remainder of what was left behind after the fire.
Hurricane Breaking Point
Then ~ Home of the Trustram Dodge marker stone, this was a point where the islanders often attempted to break through the thin strip of land between the Atlantic Ocean and the natural waterbodies the Island posesses. This occured before the bearkwalls were constructed to enclose the Old Harbor.
Now ~ The point on Block Island where Hurricane Sandy caused the most damage, the Island was split into two seperate islands temporarily as the ocean rose above its natural sea level and covered the roadlength that separated the bodies of water.
Clayhead Trail
Then ~ 190 acres of conserved land possessing cliffs that have produced the red clay used to create old island potery and tools needed by the original inhabitants to survive.
Now ~ Sought out by birdwatchers and wanderers this maze is a way to view the northeast side of the island and the Atlantic Ocean that meets the horizon uninterupted.
Block Island Weather Bureau
Then ~ Built in 1903 and used until 1950 this property was the home of the weather station of this island.
Now ~ It is now a residential home that is known for hosting a haunted house through the grounds during the Halloween season.
Block Island State Airport
Then ~ Grass field used since 1920 until a proper landing strip was installed in 1950. Before the State airport was installed Amelia Earhart flew to the island for a visit in 1929.
Now ~ The home of New England AIrlines, the only airline to transport people from Westerly, Rhode Island daily on a runway that is 2,502 feet long.
Sacred Labyrinth
Then ~ The labyrinth, unlike a maze, is a single winding path that leads to the center point and back out. Walking the labyrinth is a universal ritual that has survived unchanged for thousands of years. People report that labyrinths can heal the body and soul. It was dug by hand by islanders as a means of relaxation.
Now ~ A main attraction for tourists and islanders alike, it is a beautiful way to relax and enjoy the views of the island as you center your body.