Nonamesset Island

Nonamesset Island is the easternmost island within the Elizabeth Islands, an archipelago located in Buzzards Bay off the coast of Massachusetts. Part of the town of Gosnold in Dukes County, it lies just south of the Cape Cod community of Woods Hole. The island's strategic position and natural features have shaped its history, from early indigenous use to its role in coastal defense and private conservation.

Geography

Nonamesset Island is situated at the mouth of Great Harbor, providing a sheltered anchorage near the bustling marine science hub of Woods Hole. The island's topography is characterized by rocky shores, modest bluffs, and a mix of wooded and open areas. Its proximity to other islands in the Elizabeth Islands chain, such as Uncatena Island and Vineyard Sound, places it within a dynamic coastal environment influenced by the currents of Buzzards Bay. The surrounding waters, including the passage known as Quick's Hole, are significant for regional navigation and maritime activities, connecting the bay to Vineyard Sound.

History

The island's history is intertwined with the broader narrative of the Elizabeth Islands and Cape Cod. Prior to European contact, the region was inhabited by the Wampanoag people, who utilized the islands for seasonal resources. In the colonial era, the islands were part of a 1641 grant by the Plymouth Colony to Thomas Mayhew. During the American Revolutionary War, the waters around Nonamesset Island saw activity, and in the War of 1812, the island was briefly occupied by British forces from the HMS *Nimrod* during a raid on Falmouth. In the 20th century, the island was privately owned by the Benson family of New York City, who used it as a summer retreat before its later transfer to a conservation trust.

Ecology

The island supports a coastal ecosystem typical of southern New England. Its undeveloped landscape includes successional fields, shrublands, and woodlands featuring species like Eastern red cedar and black cherry. The island provides important habitat for migratory birds along the Atlantic Flyway and is part of a regionally significant archipelago for breeding and resting species. The surrounding marine environment, including eelgrass beds in the shallows, offers nursery grounds for fish and shellfish, contributing to the ecological health of Buzzards Bay. Conservation management focuses on controlling invasive plant species and preserving the natural character of the island.

Ownership and access

Nonamesset Island is owned and maintained by the Buzzards Bay Coalition, a nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to protecting the waters and watershed of Buzzards Bay. Acquired to ensure permanent preservation, the island is managed as a natural area with public access for passive recreation, such as hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking. Access is primarily by private boat, with a small dock available on the northern shore. The island is not inhabited, and there are no public facilities, aligning with the conservation ethos of minimizing human impact while allowing for low-impact public enjoyment of this protected coastal asset.

Category:Islands of Dukes County, Massachusetts Category:Elizabeth Islands Category:Islands of Buzzards Bay