Shelter Island

Shelter Island is a town and island located in Suffolk County, New York, separated from the North Fork and South Fork of Long Island by Peconic Bay and Gardiners Bay. The island is situated near Greenport, New York, and is connected to the rest of Long Island by ferries that travel to Southold, New York and North Haven, New York. The island's proximity to New York City and The Hamptons makes it a popular destination for tourists and seasonal residents, including Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Alec Baldwin. The island is also home to the Shelter Island Yacht Club, which has hosted numerous America's Cup sailors, including Ted Turner and Dennis Conner.

Geography

Shelter Island is located in the eastern part of Long Island Sound, near the Connecticut border, and is part of the Peconic Bay region. The island is surrounded by Gardiners Bay to the east, Peconic Bay to the west, and Long Island Sound to the north. The island's terrain is characterized by glacial deposits, including drumlins and eskers, which were formed during the last ice age. The island's highest point is Crescent Beach, which offers stunning views of The Hamptons and Montauk Point. The island is also home to several nature preserves, including the Mashomack Preserve, which is managed by The Nature Conservancy and features trails and habitats for osprey, bald eagles, and white-tailed deer.

History

Shelter Island has a rich and diverse history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Native American Manhanset tribe, who were part of the Algonquian-speaking peoples. The island was later settled by English colonists, including Lion Gardiner, who purchased the island from the Manhanset in 1639. The island played a significant role in the American Revolution, with George Washington and Benjamin Tallmadge using the island as a base for Continental Army operations. The island was also an important stop on the Underground Railroad, with Harriet Tubman and other abolitionists helping slaves escape to Canada through the island. The island's history is preserved at the Shelter Island Historical Society, which features exhibits on the island's Native American heritage, colonial history, and maritime industry.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Shelter Island was 1,602, with a median age of 54. The island has a diverse population, with residents including artists, writers, and musicians, such as Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning, who were part of the Abstract Expressionist movement. The island is also home to a number of families who have lived on the island for generations, including the Gardiner family, who have been on the island since the 17th century. The island's population is served by the Shelter Island School District, which includes Shelter Island School and is part of the New York State Education Department. The island is also home to a number of community organizations, including the Shelter Island Lions Club and the Shelter Island Fire Department.

Transportation

Shelter Island is accessible by ferry from Southold, New York and North Haven, New York, with service provided by the Southold Ferry and the North Haven Ferry. The island is also connected to the rest of Long Island by New York State Route 114, which runs from Greenport, New York to East Hampton, New York. The island has a number of bike trails and hiking trails, including the Shelter Island Trails system, which offers stunning views of Peconic Bay and Gardiners Bay. The island is also served by the Suffolk County Transit system, which provides bus service to Riverhead, New York and other destinations on Long Island.

Tourism

Shelter Island is a popular tourist destination, with visitors drawn to the island's natural beauty, rich history, and cultural attractions. The island is home to a number of beaches, including Crescent Beach and Wades Beach, which offer stunning views of The Hamptons and Montauk Point. The island is also home to a number of museums and galleries, including the Shelter Island Historical Society and the Shelter Island Arts Center, which feature exhibits on the island's Native American heritage, colonial history, and maritime industry. The island hosts a number of events and festivals throughout the year, including the Shelter Island Fireworks display and the Shelter Island Marathon, which attract visitors from New York City and other destinations. The island is also a popular destination for weddings and honeymoons, with its stunning natural beauty and romantic atmosphere making it an ideal location for couples looking to tie the knot. Category:Islands of New York