The Rise of Tourism on Martha's Vineyard [Paperback]

Now known as a resort community and vacation destination, Marthas Vineyard was once a simple fishing and whaling community. From the popularity of the Methodist Campground, founded in 1835, the Vineyard soon blossomed into a summer vacation mecca, welcoming visitors to its quaint villages and scenic seashores. As whaling lost its economic dominance, tourism became the catalyst for a revived prosperity on the Vineyard. President Grants visit to the Vineyard in 1874 drew national attention and marked the beginning of several presidential visits to the island. By 1900, Oak Bluffs had developed an amusement park atmosphere with the iconic Flying Horses, toboggan slide and grand seaside hotels. Join local historian Tom Dresser as he reveals the islands transformation into a premier tourist destination.For years, Tom Dresser drove a tour bus around Marthas Vineyard. An earlier booklet, Tommys Tour of the Vineyard (2005), followed the prescribed tourist bus route. The Rise of Tourism is his twelfth book with The History Press. Tom lives with his wife of twenty years, Joyce; together they enjoy spending time with grandchildren, going for long drives, long walks and long soaks in the hot tub.??Visit thomasdresser.com or contact the author at thomasdresser@gmail.com.??Also by Thomas Dresser: Mystery on the Vineyard African Americans of Marthas Vineyard The Wampanoag Tribe of Marthas Vineyard Disaster off Marthas Vineyard Women of Marthas Vineyard Marthas Vineyard in World War II??Music on Marthas Vineyard Marthas Vineyard: A History Hidden History of Marthas Vineyard Whaling on Marthas Vineyard A Travel History of Marthas Vineyard