Edgartown, Massachusetts
Dukes county. County town and port of entry on the island of Martha's vineyard—91 miles S.E. from Boston, 20 N.W. by W. from Nantucket, 28 S.E. by E. from New Bedford, 20 S. from Falmouth, and 495 from Washington. First settled, 1641. Incorporated, 1671. Population, 1837, 1,625. Edgartown (Old Town) harbor is on the east side of the town, in lat 41°25'N.; lon. 70°25'W. This township includes the fertile island of Chappequiddick, on the southeast, on which are some Indians. This island is 5 miles in length and 2 1/2 in breadth. It is very pleasant and forms Old Town harbor. Eight whale ships belong to this place and a number of coasting vessels. This is said to be the only place in the state where grouse [the Heath Hen] are native. The value of sperm oil imported, in the year ending April 1, 1837, was $65,598. The value of salt, oil casks, boats and hats manufactured the same year, was $7,260. The value of wool, the product of 2,150 sheep, was $1,590.
