A Brief History of Martha's Vineyard

Prior to the arrival of European settlers, Native Americans known as the Wampanoag tribe called this island home. Around 1602 English explorer Bartholomew Gosnold found the Vineyard on his way to Virginia. He named this beautiful land after his daughter Martha & the local vegetation that grew here. 'Great Harbor', which today is now called Edgartown, was the first area to be inhabited by the settlers.

Over the next two centuries most Islanders made their living off the sea, either from fishing, whaling or merchant sailing. Many of the Ship's Captains built beautiful homes close to the island's harbors. You can still enjoy many of these traditional Captian's homes today, with thier beautiful period detailing and style.

During the early 1800's the island started to become known as a summer resort, where influential people up and down the East Coast came to rest and enjoy the Island's beauty. Since then tourism has steadily increased over the years to become the Island's economic backbone.

Today our stunning island is made up of six unique towns each one offering its own special views, landscapes and style.