West Tisbury, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

West Tisbury divided from Tisbury in 1892. The Wampanoag called the area, Takemmy, meaning, "where anybody goes to grind corn". Takemmy describes exactly the draw of the land. For centuries, West Tisbury, Massachusetts, has been the agricultural center of the island. Mills, salt works, and trap fishing were early businesses. One valuable product manufactured in the late 1800s was satinet, a heavy fabric used for wool in whalers' jackets.
Today, the centuries' old West Tisbury Agricultural Fair, known for its horse-drawing contest, continues to attract visitors. Daniel Webster once stayed at an old inn in Tisbury. Mile Standish, who boarded the Mayflower and was second to step on Plymouth Rock, had a son who built a home in West Tisbury. Joshua Slocum, the first man to ever single-handedly sail around the world, settled in West Tisbury but proved not to be a good farmer. He headed out again on his 36-foot long sloop called, "The Spray," and never returned again. As of 2000 Census, 2,467 people reside in West Tisbury.
Quintessential New England, white church, Greek revival houses, post office, old mill, farms, ponds, West Tisbury recalls a simpler past, without lacking any of modern life. Certain streets transport you through time. Music Street was named for its early musicians, their descendants still living there today. Sundays, several churches open their doors as the members spill in. Charming houses line Lambert's Cove. Once the anchorage of West Tisbury, Massachusetts, the cove buzzed with housed clay works, salt works, and trap fishing operations. No longer there, no longer a road to the harbor, a small path winds down to the public beach.
Cedar Tree Neck Nature Preserve is undisturbed land, teeming with ponds and brooks; no picnicking, swimming or fishing are allowed, only walking, so preserved is the land. Off of Christiantown Road, a tiny chapel, a stone pulpit, and tombstones memorialize the converted Wampanoag, who held service and were buried there, in the 17th century.
Whatever time of year you visit West Tisbury, Massachusetts, events are taking place for you to join in. Some of the major sponsors of the events are: West Tisbury Farmer's Market, MV Artisan's Festival, Polly Hill Arboretum, The IMP Program (Improv performances), Slow Food Martha's Vineyard, Vineyard Vibes, Martha's Vineyard Agricultural Society, Island Plan, and the Vineyard Nursing Association.
West Tisbury is on the quieter, artistic vibe of shopping. You are more likely to find local art, food markets, an antique dealer, art galleries, than the latest fashions. There are also less restaurants than most of the communities on Martha's Vineyard.
If you are looking to charter a boat or fish, West Tisbury shouldn't be your first choice. However, if you love horses, the only farms where to ride horses are in West Tisbury. Tennis courts are also in the vicinity, so you won't skip a beat. Nature walks through Polly Hill Arboretum make for a serene afternoon.
West Tisbury is living, breathing history. You'll see it in the land, architecture, streets, vegetation, and fields. To truly experience quintessential Martha's Vineyard, West Tisbury should be one of your vacation stops.