The Strangest Laws & Urban Legends of Martha’s Vineyard
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Martha’s Vineyard is known for its stunning beaches, charming towns, and rich history—but beneath its idyllic surface lies a world of bizarre laws, eerie ghost stories, and long-standing local legends. From forgotten colonial statutes to whispered tales of the supernatural, the island has its fair share of oddities.
If you’re fascinated by the weird and mysterious, buckle up! We’re diving into the strangest laws and most chilling urban legends of Martha’s Vineyard.
1. The Island’s Weirdest (and Oldest) Laws
Martha’s Vineyard has some unusual legal quirks, many dating back centuries. Some are still technically on the books—even if they’re no longer enforced.
No Whistling on Sundays (Edgartown)
One of the oldest (and oddest) laws in Edgartown prohibited whistling on Sundays. Rooted in Puritanical traditions, this rule was meant to keep the Sabbath quiet and solemn. While no one’s getting arrested for whistling today, it’s a fun relic of the past.
It’s Illegal to Bring a Rake to the Beach (Oak Bluffs)
A bizarre Oak Bluffs ordinance once banned bringing rakes to the beach. The reason? Officials feared people would use them to harvest clams illegally. While this law is rarely (if ever) enforced today, it’s still a head-scratcher.
No Carrying a Grapnel on Your Person (Vineyard Haven)
In the 1800s, Vineyard Haven had a law forbidding people from carrying a grapnel (a small anchor) unless they were a sailor. The law was likely meant to prevent theft from ships, but today, it’s just a funny footnote in local history.
The “No Sleeping in Your Car” Rule
Want to nap in your car after a long day at the beach? Think again. Sleeping in your vehicle overnight is technically illegal in some Vineyard towns—a rule aimed at preventing homeless encampments and unauthorized camping.
2. Creepy Urban Legends & Ghost Stories
Beyond strange laws, Martha’s Vineyard has its share of eerie tales—some rooted in history, others pure folklore.
The Ghost of the Charlotte Inn (Edgartown)
One of the island’s most famous haunted spots is the Charlotte Inn, a luxurious boutique hotel. Guests and staff have reported seeing the apparition of a woman in Victorian-era clothing wandering the halls. Some believe she’s a former resident who never left.
The “White Witch” of Chappaquiddick
Local legend tells of a ghostly woman in white who appears near the Dyke Bridge on Chappaquiddick—the same bridge where Ted Kennedy’s infamous 1969 car accident occurred. Some claim she’s a restless spirit tied to the island’s darker history.
The Cursed Grave of Mercy Lepage (Tisbury)
In the Tisbury cemetery, a tombstone for Mercy Lepage (d. 1798) bears a cryptic inscription: “Remember me as you pass by, as you are now, so once was I.” Some say that if you visit at night, you might hear whispers—or even feel an unseen hand on your shoulder.
The Phantom Ship of Vineyard Sound
Sailors have long told tales of a ghostly schooner that appears in the fog off the Vineyard’s coast. Some say it’s the Palatine, a real 18th-century ship that wrecked nearby, while others believe it’s an omen of storms to come.
3. Modern Mysteries & Unexplained Events
The 1969 UFO Sighting
In 1969, multiple Vineyard residents reported strange lights moving erratically in the sky. The incident was investigated but never fully explained—fueling speculation about extraterrestrial visitors.
The “Oak Bluffs Fortune Teller” Curse
Local lore warns of an old fortune teller in Oak Bluffs who would place curses on those who refused to pay for her readings. Some say her spirit still lingers near Circuit Avenue.
Fact or Fiction?
Whether you believe in ghosts or just enjoy a good mystery, Martha’s Vineyard’s strange laws and urban legends add an extra layer of intrigue to this already captivating island. Next time you visit, keep an eye out—you might just encounter something (or someone) unexpected.
Have you experienced anything strange on Martha’s Vineyard? Share your stories in the comments!