The entire chain of islands comprise the town of Gosnold, in Dukes County.
The islands, varying in size from a few acres to several thousand, now bear the following names, beginning at Woods Hole and going westward in sequence: Nonamesset, Uncatena, Monohansett, Naushon, Weepecket, Pasque, Nashawena, Penekese, Gull and Cuttyhunk.
The islands have been, since the first purchase by Thomas Mayhew in1641, a part of the political life of Martha's Vineyard and Duke's County, at first forming one of the outlying portions of the Manor of Tisbury, later of Chilmark and for the past quarter of a century as an independent township.
The Wampanoag tribe called the island Poccuohhunkkunnah. Most of the island is covered by scrub grass and woodlands. Its winter population numbers less than 100, and not much more than that in the summer. Although there is a small town at its east end, Cuttyhunk remains unspoiled and noncommercial.
The island is a bird a wildlife preserve and popular anchorage spot for cruising yachts and sports fishing.
It is privately owned, and going ashore without permission is prohibited.
It is privately owned, and going ashore without permission is prohibited.