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A master plan of Wampanoag Tribal Lands was developed in 1993 for approximately 160 acres of the Wampanoag Tribal Trust Land, comprising of parcels I, IIA, IIB, and III. The Master Plan followed several years of investigative efforts and illustrates the present vision of the future tribal community in Gay Head.

The Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) and the Town of Gay Head entered into agreement in June of 1995 to jointly provide for the health, safety and welfare of persons on Tribal Lands by providing for the use of police, fire, and medical personnel and resources in the event of disaster, disorder, fire or other emergencies arising on Tribal Lands.

gay head massachusetts

The Aquinnah Cliffs were likely formed when these glaciers thrust various sedimentary layers upward into a landmass. Celebrations like Cranberry Day and The Legends of Moshup Pageant are held annually. Our Tribal Council consists of a chairperson, vice chairperson, secretary, treasurer, and seven council members, all popularly elected.

Many of these events occurred while sailing through the dangerous shoals of Cape Cod and the islands during fierce storms.

 

 

 

New England Lighthouses: Famous Shipwrecks, Rescues & Other Tales

This image-rich book contains over 50 stories of famous shipwrecks and rescues around New England lighthouses, and also tales of hauntings.

You'll find more details and imagery in the story of the coordinated rescue of survivors of the City of Columbus with the Wampanoag Lifesavers near Aquinnah Light.

You'll find this book and my lighthouse tourism books from the publisher Schiffer Books, or in many fine bookstores like Barnes and Noble.

 

 

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THE LAND

The Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Aquinnah are the legal caretakers of over 500 acres of land in Aquinnah, MA, which remains mostly undeveloped.

The Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Aquinnah are the legal caretakers of over 500 acres of mostly undeveloped land in Aquinnah, MA.

The entirety of Aquinnah and Noepe (Martha’s Vineyard) is the traditional and unceded territory of the Wampanoag people, who have lived here for over 12,000 years. You are not allowed to climb on the cliffs or remove any of the clay. I’m not sure about the exact location. While I am sure it gets quite crowded in the summer it’s nice that there is a good amount of real estate to work with.

Lighthouse Keeper Horatio N. Pease witnessed the wreck as dawn broke and notified Chief Simon Johnston of the Gay Head Life Saving Station nearby to arrange rescue crews of Wampanoag volunteers.

Keeper Pease and Chief Johnston coordinated three lifeboat crews of the Wampanoag Native Americans from Gay Head Light and the station to rescue those that were able to hang on long enough to the rigging to be rescued.

These narratives offer a glimpse into the past, intertwining factual events and history with maritime legends, myths, and lore. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. One day, Moshup was making his way across the mainland to the headlands of the Aquinnah Cliffs.

Read my bio.

Gay Head (Aquinnah) Lighthouse

Aquinnah, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
Built in 1799

Location:

Located at the extreme western tip of Martha's Vineyard in the Native American region of Aquinnah.

The common lands include the Gay Head Cliffs, Herring Creek, and Lobsterville. These eleven giants of sail were built to carry massive quantities of coal and building supplies, and measured longer than a football field!

This self-published book, balanced with plenty of color and vintage images, showcases the historical accounts that followed each of these eleven mighty ships.

There was a storm brewing off the coast, and it painted this cool gray backdrop against the clay cliffs and the aqua waters below, about 150 feet down. In 2015, the lighthouse was moved away from the sandy cliffs to its current location. Land and resource management strategies rely on sustainable practices which are shared with other towns and conservation groups on the island.

Fighting gale force winds in the early morning hours before sunrise, on January 18, 1884, the passenger steamer ran aground on the ledge.

These stunning cliffs of sand were formed during the last glacial period. Over the years many more of these organized rescues were made between the life saving branches of service. After the arrival of the English, these lands became reduced in size.

Our Tribal Council is elected by enrolled members of our tribe to represent us in all tribal affairs.

The Wampanoag Tribal Council is a popularly elected representative tribal government, whose meetings are open to all members to encourage community involvement in all phases of community development.