Gosnold, Massachusetts
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Settled: 1641 – Incorporated: 1864 | |
| Zip Code(s): 02713 – Area Code(s): 508 / 774 | |
| Location | |
|---|---|
 Location in Massachusetts |
|
| Government | |
| County | Dukes County |
| Form of Government | Open town meeting |
| Geography | |
| Area | |
| Total | 140.2 mi² / 363.0 km² |
| Land | 13.3 mi² / 34.6 km² |
| Water | 126.8 mi² / 328.5 km² |
| Time zone | Eastern (UTC-5) |
| Summer (DST) | Eastern (UTC-4) |
| Population | |
| Total (2000) | 86 |
| Density | 6.4/mi² / 2.5/km² |
Gosnold is a town that encompasses the Elizabeth Islands, including Naushon Island, Pasque Island, Nashawena Island, Cuttyhunk Island and some adjacent smaller islands, in Dukes County, Massachusetts, United States. As of the 2000 census, the town population was 86, making it the least populous town in Massachusetts. Most of the residents live in the village of Cuttyhunk, while most of the land in the town is owned by the Forbes family.
Contents |
[edit] History
The Elizabeth Islands, including Cuttyhunk, were discovered in 1602 by Bartholomew Gosnold. Gosnold was first settled in 1641, the year of purchase by Thomas Mayhew Sr.. Constituting Dukes County, New York since 1683, the Elizabeth Islands, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket, were transferred to the newly created Province of Massachusetts Bay in 1691. Gosnold was officially incorporated in 1864.
[edit] Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 363.0 km² (140.2 mi²). 34.6 km² (13.3 mi²) of it is land and 328.5 km² (126.8 mi²) of it (90.48%) is water. It consists of a collection of small islands west of Martha's Vineyard.
[edit] Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there were 86 people, 46 households, and 21 families residing in the town. The population density was 2.5/km² (6.4/mi²). There were 215 housing units at an average density of 6.2/km² (16.1/mi²). The racial makeup of the town was 95.35% White, with no African Americans, Native Americans, Asians, or Pacific Islanders, and 4.65% from two or more races. None of the population is Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 46 households out of which 17.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 34.8% were married couples living together, 8.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 54.3% were non-families. 45.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.87 and the average family size was 2.71.
In the town the population was spread out with 17.4% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 32.6% from 25 to 44, 31.4% from 45 to 64, and 12.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 138.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 144.8 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $22,344, and the median income for a family was $27,500. Males had a median income of $21,875 versus $30,625 for females. The per capita income for the town was $15,265. There were 25.0% of families and 23.5% of the population living below the poverty line, including 40.0% of under eighteens and 22.2% of those over 64.
