Block IslandEdit
Block Island is a small Atlantic island off the coast of Rhode Island that functions as a distinct community within the state. Located about 13 miles south of the mainland, the island covers a little over 10 square miles and is governed as the town of New Shoreham. Its year-round population runs just over a thousand, with a seasonal swell as vacationers, retirees, and seasonal workers come and go. The economy rests on tourism, hospitality, and local services, with fishing and small-scale commerce providing steadier underpinnings. The landscape runs from soft dunes and beaches to rugged bluffs, including the notable Mohegan Bluffs along the southeastern shore. Conservation areas such as the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge protect critical habitat for migratory birds and shorebirds, while suburban-style development has remained modest by regional standards. In recent years Block Island has gained wider recognition for a major energy project that is part of a broader push toward local energy resilience: the Block Island Wind Farm, installed off the coast in 2016, which powers a significant portion of the island's electricity. The island’s main village is Old Harbor (Block Island), a working harbor and commercial hub for residents and visitors alike.
Geography and demographics
Block Island sits in the western Atlantic and is characterized by a mix of sandy beaches, coastal dunes, heath, and windswept bluffs. The most dramatic landform is the cluster of sea cliffs and terraces at the Mohegan Bluffs, which attract visitors for their panoramic views and sea-cave formations. The shorelines host a variety of habitats that support shorebirds and other wildlife, some of which are protected within the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge and related conservation areas. The island’s climate is moderated by the surrounding ocean, producing milder winters and cooler summers than inland parts of the region.
The population is heavily skewed toward permanent residents in the off-season, with a pronounced summer influx of seasonal residents and tourists. Property ownership and seasonal rental demand shape local politics and land use, even as the island maintains offshore access, a year-round school system, and essential services. Transportation to and from the mainland is dominated by ferries operating from Point Judith and nearby ports, along with a small airstrip that accommodates limited air service. The main local economy continues to rely on small businesses, lodging, and food service, with fishing remaining a traditional contributor to life on the island.
History
Long before European contact, Narragansett and other Indigenous groups used Block Island as seasonal grounds and fishing grounds. European interest began in the 17th century, and the island was named after the Dutch explorer Adriaen Block who charted coastal waters in the early 1600s. Over the ensuing centuries Block Island developed as a maritime community, balancing a fisheries-based economy with agricultural activity and, later, tourism. The island’s governance has always reflected its status as a small, relatively autonomous outpost, culminating in its current status as the town of New Shoreham within Rhode Island.
The shift from a primarily working harbor to a year-round community intertwined with seasonal tourism brought changes in land use, housing, and infrastructure. The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw efforts to preserve the island’s character while accommodating growth, particularly in the harbor area of Old Harbor and in the preservation of natural areas such as the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge.
Economy and energy
Block Island’s economy remains anchored in tourism and the services that support it. Visitors come for beaches such as Ballard’s Beach, with its promenade and lodging options, as well as day trips to scenic points like the Mohegan Bluffs and local lighthouses. The island hosts a range of restaurants, shops, and cultural activities that cater to summer and shoulder-season visitors, while a stable year-round resident community keeps essential services functioning.
A landmark development in the island’s energy landscape is the Block Island Wind Farm, the first offshore wind installation in the United States. The project provides a substantial portion of the island’s electricity, reducing dependence on imported diesel fuel and contributing to longer-run price stability for residents and businesses. Proponents argue that the wind farm demonstrates prudent use of U.S. energy resources, resilience in the face of fuel-price volatility, and a model for regional offshore wind development. Critics have pointed to concerns about the visual impact on seascapes, potential effects on birds and other wildlife, and questions about the economics of the project. From a practical standpoint, supporters emphasize energy security and local reliability, while conceding that all large-scale energy projects carry tradeoffs. The discussion surrounding offshore wind on Block Island reflects broader debates about balancing environmental stewardship, local autonomy, and energy independence, a set of issues that continues to shape local policy and development decisions.
Beyond energy, the island maintains a diverse mix of small businesses, seasonal attractions, and housing that accommodates residents and visitors. The island’s connection to the mainland—through ferries linking to Rhode Island ports—remains essential for commerce, healthcare, and daily life, underscoring the importance of reliable transportation infrastructure to the island’s economic vitality.
Culture and communities
Block Island sustains a distinct community culture formed around its harbor life, outdoor recreation, and a pace that emphasizes the value of local institutions. The island’s cultural calendar features seasonal markets, maritime heritage programs, and community events that draw residents and visitors alike to public spaces along the waterfront and in the inland districts. The local media ecosystem includes outlets such as the Block Island Times, which covers town governance, development, and community news, helping to connect the island’s dispersed population.
The relationship between tourism, housing, and local business is a constant theme in island life. While the seasonal economy provides vitality and employment, it also drives concerns about affordable housing for year-round residents and the balance between preserving character and allowing economic opportunity. This balance is a common topic within discussions of New Shoreham’s land-use planning and zoning, where residents weigh the benefits of development against the costs to community identity and public services.
Environment and conservation
Block Island hosts a range of natural features that underpin its appeal and ecological value. The Mohegan Bluffs are a signature landscape element, offering dramatic vistas and access to coastal ecosystems. The island’s beaches, dunes, and heath habitats support migratory birds and native plants, much of which falls within protected or managed areas such as the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge and nearby conservation zones. Active stewardship—through state and local programs—seeks to maintain water quality, protect wildlife habitat, and manage coastal erosion, all while allowing people to enjoy the island’s natural beauty.
The offshore wind farm sits at the intersection of energy policy and environmental stewardship. Proponents frame it as a pragmatic solution to diesel dependence and a hedge against fossil-fuel price shocks, while opponents emphasize the importance of minimizing ecological disruption and preserving viewsheds. In this context, Block Island serves as a testing ground for how a small community can pursue energy innovation while sustaining its natural and cultural resource base.