1887 Map of Gay Head

About this map

The southwestern reaches of Marthas Vineyard and the string of the Elizabeth Islands define this maritime survey, showcasing the coastal landscape before modern development. At the western tip of the Vineyard, the striking Gay Head Cliffs and the Gay Head Light stand as critical navigational markers where Vineyard Sound meets the Atlantic Ocean. The interior of Chilmark is characterized by its high points like Prospect Hill and Peaked Hill, while the coast is a complex network of ponds including Menemsha Pond and Squibnocket Pond. Across the sound, the Elizabeth Islands stretch toward the mainland, with Naushon Island and Pasque Island separated by narrow passages like Robinsons Hole. This 1887 survey, partially revised in 1917, documents the isolation of No Mans Land and the early layout of coastal settlements like Nashaquitsa and Squibnocket.