Edgartown ★ Edgartown includes the separate island of Chappaquiddick David Welch L.A. Brown L.A. Brown T he first of the Island towns, founded by whaling captains, the town center has retained its integrity, and the densely populated streets are lined with historic whaling captains’ homes – some privately owned, and some turned into little shops, cafes, restaurants and inns. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle, grab a bike and hop on the On Time Ferry to Chappaquiddick Island in Edgartown DID YOU KNOW... Edgartown was called Great Harbor by the first settlers in 1642. To win the favor of King James II of England, the people wanted to rename the town for the King. Not wanting another Jamestown, they changed the name to honor the King’s infant son Edgar. Unfortunately, young Edgar died at the tender age of four, so there never was a King Edgar. We have the only Edgartown we know of. From “Tommy’s Tour of the Vineyard” by Thomas Dresser, a written tour of the Vineyard available in bookstores locally. 32 Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce Osborne Wharf in Edgartown, circa 1850, at the height of the Whaling Era Charlie Utz Marnely Murray TOWNS
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