What is Block Island?
'''Block Island''' is an [[United States|American]] coastal [[island]] just offshore of the [[U.S. state]] of [[Rhode Island]]. The island is almost nine miles south of the United States mainland. It is fourteen miles east of the [[Montauk, New York|Montauk Point]] area of [[Long Island]] in [[New York (state)|New York]]. It was named in the 1600s for the [[Netherlands|Dutch]] explorer Adriaen Block.<ref>{{cite web|title=Block Island History|publisher=Block Island Tourism Council|url=https://www.blockislandinfo.com/island-information/history|access-date=July 19, 2021|archive-date=July 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719162308/https://www.blockislandinfo.com/island-information/history|url-status=dead}}</ref> Block Island is included in [[Washington County, Rhode Island|Washington County]] in southwestern Rhode Island. It shares the same area as the town of [[New Shoreham, Rhode Island|New Shoreham]]. Block Island is a popular destination for [[tourism|tourists]] during the summer. It is known for beaches, bicycling, hiking and sailing.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ten Things to Do on Block Island|publisher=New England with Love|url=https://newenglandwithlove.com/things-to-do-on-block-island|access-date=July 19, 2021}}</ref> Other popular events include the [[Fourth of July]] Parade, celebration and [[fireworks]] every year. Block Island was incorporated under the [[Rhode Island General Assembly]] in 1672. The government of the island then adopted the name ''New Shoreham''. The original North Lighthouse was built in 1829. It was replaced in 1837 when the original was washed out to sea. But the replacement [[lighthouse]] suffered a similar fate to the original lighthouse. The modern lighthouse was constructed in 1867.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Historic Light Station Information|publisher=United States Coast Guard|url=https://newenglandwithlove.com/things-to-do-on-block-island|access-date=July 19, 2021}}</ref> Construction began on the Block Island six years later in 1873. The Block Island State Air