History of New Shoreham, Rhode Island, USA

In 1614, Adrian Block, a Dutch explorer sailed to the island and gave it his name. He called it Block Island and it was in 1661 that the Island was settled.

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In 1829, the federal government built the Island’s first lighthouse on Sandy Point. Four lighthouses have since been built at this location. The present lighthouse, the Northlight, was built in 1867 and is open to the public for tours.

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1839 - New Shoreham
New Shoreham, Rhode Island
Newport county. This town comprises the island of Block Island. The island lies in the open sea, about 14 miles S.S.W. from Judith Point and 13 N.E. from Montauk Point on Long Island, N.Y. It is about 8 miles in length, and varies from 2 to 4 miles in width. It has several ponds, which cover about a seventh part of the island. The surface of the town is uneven; in some parts elevated. The soil is a sandy, gravelly loam, and quite productive. This island was once famous for its cattle and good dairies. The people are mostly fishermen: they have no harbor, and peat is their only fuel. Population, 1830, 1,185. Incorporated, 1672. Its indian name was Manisses.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839

In 1854, the Spring House Hotel was built. It is the oldest hotel on the Island and is still open to the public.

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Nicholas Ball built the Oceanview Hotel, the largest hotel on Block Island, in 1872.
He made his fortune in the California Gold Rush of the 1840’s. President Ulysses S. Grant stayed at the Oceanview Hotel and held a special session with the U.S. Supreme Court so its members would not have to interrupt their vacations by returning to Washington. The Oceanview Hotel burned to the ground in 1966.
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In 1873, the Southeast Light was built on the cliffs 150 feet above sea level. It cost $75,000. In 1993, the Southeast Light was moved back 200 feet to escape the eroding bluffs. At the time it was the largest building to be moved in one piece.

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In 1896, the Women’s Christian Temperance Union erected the statue of Rebecca, which stands in the center of town. Rebecca of the Well, as noted in Book of Genesis, is carrying water for people and animals.

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1907 - 150 PERISH IN SEA DISASTER
Either Drown or Freeze to Death After Collision

CRASH COMES IN THE DARK

Survivor, Insane from Cold, Commits Suicide

48 BODIES ARE RECOVERED

Believed Passengers and Crew of Steam Larchmont, Struck by Schooner Harry Knowlton, Numbered 200, of Which Only 19 Have Been Found Alive - Accident Off Rhode Island Coast - Thinly Clad, Panic-stricken Passengers Rush to Decks - Many of Those Who Take to Lifeboats Are Killed by Zero Weather.

Vessels Blame One Another - Survivors Unable to Tell Detailed Stories - Passenger List in the Pursers' Safe in the Sunken Ship

LARCHMONT DISASTER TOTALS

Estimated dead -------- 150
Saved -------- 19
Bodies recovered -------- 48
Known missing -------- 51
Crew missing -------- 11

Block Island, R. I., Feb 12 - About 150 persons went to their death in Block Island
Sound last night as a result of a collision between the three-masted schooner Harry
Knowlton and the Joy Line steamer Larchmont, inbound from Providence to New York.

It is ... Read MORE...

1911 - RESCUE 10 MEN FROM WRECK. Life Savers at Block Island Bring Ashore Crew of the Randall.
BLOCK ISLAND, R. I. Dec. 28. - The four-masted schooner Mary Adelaide Randall of Port Jefferson, N. Y., coal laden, was cast upon the ledges west of Block Island by a terrific northwesterly gale early to-day, and four hours later ten men of the crew were rescued by the Block Island life savers.

The rescue was accomplished only after the life saving crew had tried repeatedly to reach the stranded craft. The Randall was bound from Norfolk for New London, Conn.

The 4 A. M. patrol of the Block Island station had just started out on his beat when he discerned the outlines of a schooner driving toward the west beach. He burned his signal light and called up the station, but before the life savers reached the scene the schooner had struck the ledges and was being ground to pieces. The vessel was carried to within a quarter of a mile of the beach, when she filled and sank. Her position was so uncertain and the gale so strong that the life savers had to wait until daylight before... Read MORE...

1925 - U.S. SUBMARINE S-51 SUNK, 37 LIVES LOST; HIT BY STEAMSHIP OFF BLOCK ISLAND WHILE SUBMERGED ON PRACTICE CRUISE
PROVIDENCE, R. I., Sept. 25 (AP) — The steamship "City of Rome" was in collision and sunk the submerged submarine S-51, twenty miles east of Block Island, at about 7:30 o'clock tonight. Thirty-seven men aboard the submarine are reported drowned. Three men were picked up by the "City of Rome," which sent a message to the submarine base at New London, reporting the accident.

Lieutenant H. Dobson was the commander of the submarine. Lieutenant Dobson is from New York State, according to the naval records. The S-51 is of the first line of that class of ships in the Navy. She was attached to the patrol force operating in the Atlantic under the flagship "U.S.S Camden," and was a member of Division 2, stationed at New London.

The "City of Rome" was on her way from Savannah to Boston and was due in the latter city today. The S-51 was in Providence on Oct. 26, 1922, and took a party including former Governor Emery J. San Souei and Mayor Joseph H. Gainer on a trip from the State Pier down... Read MORE...

The Block Island State Airport was open and ready for use in 1950. Before this time, airplanes landed in the Sheep Meadow and in Minister’s Lot on Corn Neck Road.

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Here's a list of places to go and things to do in New Shoreham, Rhode Island:
Block Island Southeast Light: Start your visit with a trip to the iconic Block Island Southeast Light. This historic lighthouse offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding landscape. You can even take a guided tour to learn about its history and significance.

Mohegan Bluffs: These towering clay cliffs are a must-see natural wonder on Block Island. You can descend the steep staircase to the beach below, where you'll find some of the island's best ocean views. It's an excellent spot for photography and exploring the coastline.

Beaches: Block Island boasts beautiful beaches, each with its own unique charm. Some popular options include Mansion Beach, Crescent Beach, and Ballard's Beach. Whether you're into sunbathing, swimming, or beachcombing, you'll find a beach that suits your preferences.

Hiking and Biking: The island offers a variety of trails for hikers and bikers. Rodman's Hollow Nature Preserve is a favorite for its scenic walking trails through lush... Read MORE...