Gosnold
A town by definition, geographically Gosnold consists of the nine Elizabeth Islands stretching from Woods Hole, Mass., in a southerly direction, roughly parallel to the western side of Martha's Vineyard Island. Gosnold separates Vineyard Sound from Buzzards Bay. Although homes are scattered across the island chain, Gosnold's tiny population is concentrated on the southernmost island of Cuttyhunk.
Gosnold was once part of the Town of Chilmark, but won its independence from Chilmark, becoming a town of its own in 1863. That independent spirit prevails to this day among the less than 50 people who live year-round on Gosnold.
Cuttyhunk is serviced by a ferry from New Bedford and by several small boats from Menemsha, primarily the catamaran sailboat “Arabella.” Cuttyhunk has a cozy harbor. The little island attracts boaters and others seeking simplicity and solitude.