Nantucket is known for its stunning beaches, historic charm, and exclusive real estate, but there’s more to this island than meets the eye. Beyond the cobblestone streets and cedar-shingled homes, Nantucket has a rich history and unique quirks that many visitors and even longtime residents might not know. From its past as the whaling capital of the world to its surprising geographic features, these fun facts about Nantucket will give you a deeper appreciation for this one-of-a-kind coastal destination.
1. Nantucket Was Once the Whaling Capital of the World
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Nantucket was the global hub of the whaling industry, with its economy thriving on the hunting of sperm whales for oil. At its peak, the island was home to over 150 whaling ships, sending crews around the world in search of whales. The industry made Nantucket one of the wealthiest places in America, and traces of this history remain throughout the island today.
The story of Nantucket’s whaling past even inspired Herman Melville’s classic novel Moby-Dick. The novel's fictional ship, the Pequod, was modeled after real-life Nantucket whaling vessels. Visitors can explore this legacy at the Whaling Museum, which houses artifacts, scrimshaw, and even a massive sperm whale skeleton.
The story of Nantucket’s whaling past even inspired Herman Melville’s classic novel Moby-Dick. The novel's fictional ship, the Pequod, was modeled after real-life Nantucket whaling vessels. Visitors can explore this legacy at the Whaling Museum, which houses artifacts, scrimshaw, and even a massive sperm whale skeleton.
2. Nantucket Has One of the Oldest Operating Lighthouses in America
Brant Point Lighthouse, located at the entrance to Nantucket Harbor, is the second-oldest lighthouse in the United States. First built in 1746, it has been rebuilt multiple times over the centuries due to fires and storms, but it remains an essential part of the island’s maritime identity.
One of the more fun facts about Nantucket is the local superstition that says if you throw a penny into the water as you leave the harbor, it guarantees a return visit. Many visitors and residents still follow this tradition today, tossing coins into the water near Brant Point as they depart.
One of the more fun facts about Nantucket is the local superstition that says if you throw a penny into the water as you leave the harbor, it guarantees a return visit. Many visitors and residents still follow this tradition today, tossing coins into the water near Brant Point as they depart.
3. The Entire Island Is a National Historic Landmark
Unlike most places where only certain buildings or districts receive historic designations, the entire island of Nantucket is listed as a National Historic Landmark. This designation recognizes the island’s well-preserved 18th- and 19th-century architecture, with its charming cobblestone streets, historic whaling captain’s homes, and strict building codes that maintain Nantucket’s distinct character.
Because of these regulations, new construction and renovations must adhere to strict design guidelines, ensuring that the island retains its traditional, gray-shingled aesthetic. This is one of the reasons Nantucket looks much the same today as it did over a century ago.
Because of these regulations, new construction and renovations must adhere to strict design guidelines, ensuring that the island retains its traditional, gray-shingled aesthetic. This is one of the reasons Nantucket looks much the same today as it did over a century ago.
4. Nantucket’s Isolation Shapes Its Unique Lifestyle
While Nantucket is just a ferry ride from Cape Cod, its geographic isolation makes it feel like a world of its own. Located 30 miles off the coast, Nantucket is the farthest offshore island in Massachusetts and one of the most self-sustaining communities in New England.
Unlike Martha’s Vineyard, which has multiple ferry routes and a larger year-round population, Nantucket has only two main ferry lines and one small airport, making access more limited—especially in winter.
This natural separation from the mainland is part of what gives Nantucket its close-knit community and exclusive feel. Residents embrace a slower pace of life, and visitors often describe the experience of arriving on Nantucket as like stepping back in time. The island’s remoteness has helped preserve its historic charm, strong traditions, and untouched natural beauty, making it a truly special place to call home.
Unlike Martha’s Vineyard, which has multiple ferry routes and a larger year-round population, Nantucket has only two main ferry lines and one small airport, making access more limited—especially in winter.
This natural separation from the mainland is part of what gives Nantucket its close-knit community and exclusive feel. Residents embrace a slower pace of life, and visitors often describe the experience of arriving on Nantucket as like stepping back in time. The island’s remoteness has helped preserve its historic charm, strong traditions, and untouched natural beauty, making it a truly special place to call home.
5. Nantucket’s Name Has Wampanoag Origins
Before European settlers arrived, Nantucket was home to the Wampanoag people, who lived on the island for thousands of years. The name “Nantucket” comes from the Wampanoag language and is believed to mean “faraway land” or “land of the first light.”
Although much of the island’s early Native American history has been overshadowed by its whaling past, there are still traces of Wampanoag's influence today. Historic sites, archaeological discoveries, and place names throughout the island reflect Nantucket’s indigenous roots.
Although much of the island’s early Native American history has been overshadowed by its whaling past, there are still traces of Wampanoag's influence today. Historic sites, archaeological discoveries, and place names throughout the island reflect Nantucket’s indigenous roots.
6. The Island’s Dunes and Beaches Are Constantly Changing
Nantucket is a barrier island, meaning it is made up of sand and shaped by the forces of wind, waves, and tides. Because of this, the island’s coastline is constantly changing. Erosion and shifting sands have moved the island several feet westward over the past century, and some of its beaches and dunes have dramatically altered shape over time.
One of the most striking examples of this change is Great Point Lighthouse. Originally built in 1784, it was destroyed by a storm in 1984 and had to be rebuilt further inland due to the shifting shoreline.
Because of Nantucket’s dynamic landscape, conservation efforts are crucial to protecting its beaches, marshes, and wildlife habitats. Organizations like the Nantucket Conservation Foundation work to preserve the island’s fragile ecosystems while allowing residents and visitors to continue enjoying its natural beauty.
One of the most striking examples of this change is Great Point Lighthouse. Originally built in 1784, it was destroyed by a storm in 1984 and had to be rebuilt further inland due to the shifting shoreline.
Because of Nantucket’s dynamic landscape, conservation efforts are crucial to protecting its beaches, marshes, and wildlife habitats. Organizations like the Nantucket Conservation Foundation work to preserve the island’s fragile ecosystems while allowing residents and visitors to continue enjoying its natural beauty.
7. Nantucket Has More Bikes Than Cars in the Summer
During the busy summer months, bicycles often outnumber cars on Nantucket’s streets. With narrow roads, limited parking, and a focus on preserving the island’s charm, biking has become one of the most popular ways to get around. Visitors and residents alike rely on the island’s extensive bike paths, which connect key destinations like Surfside Beach, Siasconset, and Madaket.
In addition to bikes, Moke electric cars have become a popular transportation choice. These small, open-air vehicles provide a sustainable and stylish alternative to traditional cars, allowing residents to explore Nantucket while reducing their carbon footprint. Many seasonal visitors leave their cars on the mainland and opt for bikes or Mokes instead, embracing the island’s relaxed, outdoor lifestyle.
In addition to bikes, Moke electric cars have become a popular transportation choice. These small, open-air vehicles provide a sustainable and stylish alternative to traditional cars, allowing residents to explore Nantucket while reducing their carbon footprint. Many seasonal visitors leave their cars on the mainland and opt for bikes or Mokes instead, embracing the island’s relaxed, outdoor lifestyle.
8. Nantucket Has the Highest Concentration of Pre-Civil War Homes in the U.S.
Nantucket boasts more than 800 homes built before the Civil War, making it the densest collection of historic homes in the country. Many of these properties once belonged to whaling captains and merchants, and they have been meticulously preserved over the years.
Homes in areas like Fair Street, Orange Street, and Cliff Road still feature original wide-plank floors, beamed ceilings, and antique fireplaces. Many have been carefully updated for modern living while maintaining their historic charm, making them some of the most coveted properties in Nantucket real estate.
Homes in areas like Fair Street, Orange Street, and Cliff Road still feature original wide-plank floors, beamed ceilings, and antique fireplaces. Many have been carefully updated for modern living while maintaining their historic charm, making them some of the most coveted properties in Nantucket real estate.
Explore Nantucket Living with Benjamin Lincoln
Whether you’re drawn to Nantucket’s history, its stunning coastal beauty, or its unique traditions, there’s always something new to learn about this remarkable island. If you’re considering making Nantucket your home, working with a local expert can help you find the perfect property that matches your lifestyle. Benjamin Lincoln specializes in Nantucket properties, offering deep local knowledge and personalized service. Contact him today to explore the island’s best homes and neighborhoods.
