HughI am Hugh Lloyd-Thomas. I am your Tour Guide from Discover Nantucket Tours.
Nantucket Island is a treasure trove of history, nature, and surprising stories! Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for another magical season, here are some fascinating facts to deepen your appreciation of this unique island:
- A Natural Air Conditioner and Heater: Thanks to its proximity to the Gulf Stream, Nantucket stays about 10 degrees warmer than the mainland during the winter and 10 degrees cooler during the summer.
- Born from Ice: The island came into existence about 12,000 to 10,000 years ago, shaped by the retreat of massive glaciers.
- A Name Change: Nantucket’s main town was originally called Sherburne but officially changed its name to Nantucket in 1795.
- Car-Free Living: Believe it or not, cars were not allowed on Nantucket until 1918!
- Shipwreck Graveyard: Surrounding Nantucket are the remains of over 700 shipwrecks, adding to the island’s rich maritime history.
- “Faraway Land”: The word “Nantucket” is a rough interpretation of an Algonquin term meaning “Faraway Land.” Before English settlers arrived in 1659, around 3,000 Wampanoags called the island home.
- Historic Architecture: There are over 800 buildings on Nantucket that predate the Civil War — one of the highest concentrations in the country.
- Discovery and Colonization: Excluding the Wampanoag’s long history, the island was “discovered” by Bartholomew Gosnold in 1602. He would later help colonize Jamestown, Virginia.
- A Famous Birthplace: Benjamin Franklin’s mother, Abiah Folger, was born on Nantucket in 1667.
- Retail Roots: Rowland Hussey Macy, founder of Macy’s department store, lived and operated a dry goods store on Nantucket before moving to New York City in 1858.
- Pure Water: Thanks to a glacier-formed aquifer, Nantucket’s groundwater is so pure that the town doesn’t need to add chlorine to its water supply.
- Botanical Diversity: Nantucket boasts the greatest variety of vegetation of any similarly sized area in the United States, although many species were introduced by settlers over the years.
At Discover Nantucket Tours, we love sharing the stories that make this island truly special. Ready to explore more? Book a tour with us and experience the incredible history, natural beauty, and charm of Nantucket Island firsthand!
Book Your Nantucket Tour Now! (Click Here)
