Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a 100 square mile (259 km²) island off the southern coast of Cape Cod, and is often known simply as "the Vineyard". Located in the state of Massachusetts, the Vineyard makes up most of Dukes County, Massachusetts (the rest of the county consists of Cuttyhunk and the other Elizabeth Islands). It was home to one of the earliest known deaf communities, and consequently a special dialect of sign language, Martha's Vineyard Sign Language, developed on the island. The island is now primarily known as a summer colony.

Political geography

Martha's Vineyard is made up of six towns:

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• Tisbury, including the main village of Vineyard Haven in the town center.
• Edgartown, which includes Chappaquiddick Island.
• Oak Bluffs, often mistakenly referred to as Oaks Bluff.
• West Tisbury.
• Chilmark, including the fishing village of Menemsha.
• Aquinnah, formerly known as Gay Head.