New Shoreham | USA Rhode Island

New Shoreham, Rhode Island, occupies the entirety of Block Island, located about 12 miles off the southern coast of Rhode Island in the Atlantic Ocean. Established in 1672, it is the smallest town in Rhode Island by population but offers a unique combination of coastal beauty, historic charm, and outdoor recreation. The town encompasses the island’s entire area, including its villages, beaches, lighthouses, and conservation lands, giving it a distinct, self-contained character that is both remote and inviting.

Historical Background

New Shoreham was settled by English colonists in the late 17th century and quickly became a maritime and fishing community. Its isolation helped preserve much of its natural environment, and many 18th- and 19th-century homes and structures remain, reflecting colonial and Victorian architecture. The island has a history of shipping, whaling, and later, tourism, with historic inns and hotels serving summer visitors for over a century.

Villages and Layout

The main village, Block Island Village, serves as the civic, commercial, and cultural hub. It features boutique shops, restaurants, galleries, and the town hall, with streets lined by historic homes and inns. Smaller settlements, like Old Harbor and New Harbor, provide marinas, coastal residences, and scenic waterfronts. Roads on the island are generally rural and winding, preserving the natural landscape and creating a sense of seclusion.

Beaches, Parks, and Outdoor Recreation

New Shoreham is renowned for its beaches and outdoor activities. Mohegan Bluffs offers dramatic coastal cliffs, stairways down to sandy shores, and sweeping Atlantic vistas. Southeast Light and North Light lighthouses are historic landmarks with panoramic views. Beaches such as Crescent Beach and Old Harbor Beach provide swimming, sunbathing, and family recreation. Hiking and biking trails traverse conservation lands, including Block Island National Wildlife Refuge, supporting birdwatching, kayaking, and exploration of dunes, salt marshes, and forested areas.

Maritime Culture and Tourism

Maritime life defines much of New Shoreham’s identity. Ferries from Point Judith and New London connect the island to the mainland, bringing both residents and seasonal tourists. Fishing, sailing, and boating remain central activities, while seasonal tourism supports inns, restaurants, and shops. The island’s compact size and pedestrian-friendly village create a lively yet contained summer atmosphere.

Architecture and Landmarks

New Shoreham preserves a mix of Colonial, Victorian, and early 20th-century architecture. Notable landmarks include the Southeast Lighthouse, North Lighthouse, and historic inns within Block Island Village. Residential homes are often clapboard structures with charming porches and gardens, reflecting New England coastal style. The island’s natural and built environments are closely intertwined, with stone walls, dunes, and wooded areas accentuating historic streetscapes.

Atmosphere and Visitor Experience

New Shoreham exudes a relaxed, island rhythm shaped by tides, seasons, and pedestrian life. Summers bring tourists and activity to the village, while spring and fall offer quiet reflection along beaches and trails. The scent of saltwater, the cry of gulls, and the sound of wind through coastal vegetation define the sensory experience. Walking or biking around the island provides constant visual variety, from sandy beaches to cliffs, marshes, and historic homes.

Closing Impression

New Shoreham is a uniquely insular Rhode Island town where maritime heritage, natural beauty, and historic preservation converge. Its beaches, lighthouses, conservation lands, and village streets offer a compact but rich New England experience. The town provides residents and visitors with a peaceful, scenic, and historically grounded island lifestyle, making it a distinct destination along Rhode Island’s southern Atlantic coast.