Star Island
photo by Denise Wheeler
In the 1600s, Star Island was the busiest fishing port on the East Coast.
It was named by sailors who likened its shape to that of a star. From 1623 until 1872, Star was home to fishermen and their families and, in the 1700s, a township called Gosport.
When The Revolutionary War came, villagers were asked to leave Star since their loyalty to the American colonies was in doubt. After the war ended, few villagers returned.
In the 1800s, the island became a summer resort and visitors, including artists, writers and intellectuals, flocked to the Oceanic Hotel, which is still operational today. It is among the last of the original Victorian Era grand hotels in New England.
Star was annexed to the town of Rye in 1876, along with the other Isles located in New Hampshire.
The island has been owned and operated by the Star Island Corporation since 1915 and for the last 100 years it has hosted a wide variety of summer conferences and personal retreats. The island has closed three times in its history, during World War I, WWII, and in the summer of 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
*COVID update: Star Island is requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination for day visitors (i.e. anyone staying on island longer than a round trip Walkabout cruise). Vaccination cards will be checked prior to boarding your boat. During the 2022 summer season, there is no indoor access to buildings allowed, except for the public restrooms in the Brookfield building. Porch access is allowed, except from 12:15-1:30 p.m. when the conferees are eating lunch. Masks not required outside.
Approximately 16,000 day visitors and overnight guests travel to Star Island each year.
photo by Denise Wheeler
At about 43 acres, depending on the tides, Star Island is the second largest of the Isles of Shoals.
photo by Gretchen Gudefin
