350th Anniversary of Block Island, Rhode Island

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Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, I rise today to join my colleague Senator Reed in commemorating the 350th anniversary of Block Island and thank him for his leadership in this moment of recognition.

Every Rhode Islander can recall their first trip to Block Island. For most it starts with a drive down to Galilee where countless visitors have boarded the Block Island ferries--the Carol Jean, the Block Island, and the Anna C. The ride from Galilee lasts about an hour, winding out of the Pt. Judith harbor of refuge and into the open ocean. And as the mainland--with all its cares and concerns--slips away off the stern a small speck on the horizon ahead grows larger with each passing minute. Soon the great bluffs of the island come into view, followed by the friendly hustle and bustle of Old Harbor.

As the ferry pulls into dock, the full scene unfolds: the National Hotel, Ballard's Inn, the docks and moorings, and all the shops and restaurants along Water Street. As you step ashore, you can't help but feel enchanted by the scene. A mere 12 miles separate the island from the mainland of our Ocean State, but it can easily seem a world away.

Generations of young Rhode Islanders have made that trip, and most of them will continue returning, year after year, only to find with a sigh of relief that the scene is just as they left it. It is no wonder that the Nature Conservancy has named Block Island as one of the Earth's ``Last Great Places.''

Formed by a receding glacier thousands of years ago, the land was first inhabited by the Narragansett Indians, who named their home ``Island of the Little God.'' It took its modern name from Adrian Block, a Dutch explorer who charted the island in 1614. It was later settled by a group of families from Massachusetts in 1661--350 years ago this year. In the centuries since, Block Island has been occupied by British Redcoats during the War of 1812, served as home to artillery spotters in World War II, and become a favorite destination for sailors, fishermen, and families across the region.

Today the island is a mainstay of Rhode Island's tourism industry. The Southeast Lighthouse is one of the many ``must-see's'' for Ocean State tourists, right up there with historic Newport and Slater Mill. And the jobs generated by Block Island--from the ferry workers to the shop owners--are a real help to our economy in these tough times.

Today I join with Senator REED to commemorate 350 years of history for the people of New Shoreham. Congratulations on this historic milestone.

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