When Did Nantucket Become a Tourist Destination?

By Robert Palmer

Nantucket, an island located off the coast of Massachusetts, has a long and storied history. It was first inhabited by Native Americans, who called it “Natochet” or “faraway land”.

The island was then colonized by English settlers in the early 1600s. It quickly became a hub for whaling activities, and its population grew to over 10,000 people in the mid-1800s.

In the late 1800s, Nantucket began to change as more tourists began to visit the island. The increased number of visitors led to an increase in hotels, inns, and other tourist attractions.

Many of these establishments were built on the waterfront and offered views of the harbor and Atlantic Ocean. At this time, Nantucket also saw an influx of artists and writers who sought out its natural beauty and charm as a source of inspiration for their works.

In 1894, Nantucket became a town with its own government. This opened up even more possibilities for tourism on the island.

Over the next few decades, more hotels were built to accommodate visitors from across the country and around the world. The quaint streets of downtown Nantucket soon became lined with shops selling souvenirs and locally made products such as whalers’ hats and scrimshaw jewelry.

The 20th century saw even more changes come to Nantucket as it transitioned from a whaling port into a popular tourist destination. In 1965, Nantucket Memorial Airport opened for commercial flights bringing travelers from all over New England and beyond directly to the island’s doorstep. In addition, ferries connecting Nantucket with other cities on Cape Cod began operating regularly in 1978.

Today, Nantucket’s popularity continues to grow as people come from near and far to experience its unique culture and stunning landscapes. With its sandy beaches, historic lighthouses, cobblestone streets lined with charming restaurants and shops – it is easy to understand why so many have fallen in love with this idyllic island.

Conclusion:

Nantucket has been an attractive destination since colonial times when it was settled by English colonists in 1659; however it wasn’t until late 1800s that it really began attracting tourists from around the world looking for a beautiful getaway spot close to home . Since then Nantucket has continued to grow as a tourist destination thanks largely due to its convenient access via plane or ferry service from other cities along Cape Cod.