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Nantucket
Mass is a 50-square mile island of incredible natural beauty and unspoiled
historic charm, situated 30 miles out to sea south of Cape Cod. The charm
of Nantucket is embodied in its well-preserved architecture and its protected
moors, plains and beaches. For more than 150 years Nantucket served as
the center of the world's whaling industry.
In recognition of this heritage,
the U.S. Department of the Interior designated the town a National Historic
Landmark in 1966. The Nantucket economy is based upon tourism and second-home
development. Connected to Hyannis by two ferry services and several airlines,
the island summer population peaks at approximately 40,000 in August. Residents
and visitors alike enjoy Nantucket's many bike paths and beaches, as well
as seasonal events including the Daffodil Weekend, Harborfest and the Cranberry
Festival.
Nantucket's special environment is
well-cared for by the efforts of several environmental and planning organizations,
including the Nantucket Planning and Economic Development Commission, Nantucket
Conservation Foundation (owner of 8200 acres of island open space) and
the Nantucket Land Council. The Nantucket Land Bank was founded in 1984
as the nation's first local land trust; utilizing funding from a local
real estate transaction fee, the Land Bank has purchased over 1000 acres
of open space to date.
Nantucket Mass is located in Nantucket
is situated about 16 miles south of the Cape Cod shore line in the Atlantic
Ocean. It is the largest island in the group that forms the county, at
its greatest extremes running about 15 miles from east to west and 10 miles
from north to south. |