Martha's Vineyard Island Trivia Quiz

Answer: Vineyard Haven

Vineyard Haven is a village in the town of Tisbury, Menemsha is a village in the town of Chilmark, and North Tisbury is a village in the town of West Tisbury.

Answer: Gay Head/Aquinnah Light

The Gay Head Light (now called Aquinnah Light) was considered one of the most important lighthouses when it was being manned because of the treacherous waters on its end of the Island. East Chop Light and West Chop Light are small in comparison to the light at Gay Head/Aquinnah. Cape Pogue Light is still in operation, but it is very difficult to get to on land.

Answer: Methodists

Oak Bluffs was committed to tourism from its beginnings. It has always appealed to day-trippers with its attractions. In the 1880's, the campground area of Oak Bluffs was a thriving area of Methodism.

Answer: agriculture

West Tisbury raised sheep as its primary industry. The wool from the sheep was used to make cloth and other fabric products, the hides were used for shoes and boots, and the mutton was used for consumption. My great-grandparents grew fruits and vegetables, and raised chickens for their eggs. Every morning, my great-grandfather would load the wagon and go to Edgartown to sell fresh produce and eggs to the hotels.

Answer: Edgartown

Edgartown was once the largest settlement on the Vineyard, as well as the wealthiest. Dukes County Courthouse is located in Edgartown and all county business is conducted in Edgartown.

Answer: steamship

The City of Columbus was traveling from Boston to Savannah, Georgia when the ship struck a ledge of submerged rocks. A giant wave struck the boat and swept many of the passengers into the freezing water. About 100 people were lost with 29 saved.

Answer: United States Coast Guard

The US Coast Guard has been a presence on Martha's Vineyard since 1895, responsible for all the lighthouses. My parents met on the Island when my father's Coast Guard unit was stationed there.

Answer: the Pockanocket

It is believed that some groups such as the Vikings visited the Island very early, but there are no written records to prove that. The Pockanocket tribe, whose leader was Massassoit (of Mayflower Pilgrim fame), are known to have lived on Martha's Vineyard.

The Pockanocket changed their name to Wampanoag. Although their numbers have severely declined, they still live on the island today.

Answer: glacial action

Martha's Vineyard was created as a result of glacial action about 10,000 years ago.

Answer: the ferry schedule

Residents have access to basic necessities, but for clothing needs, furniture, purchasing a car, and a medical specialist, they must go off the island.