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Downtown historic district · Nantucket, Massachusetts
Nantucket Historic District
Nantucket’s town center, with cobblestone streets, wooden and brick houses from the 18th and 19th centuries, merchant mansions built on whaling oil wealth and the harbor.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Nantucket Historic District
Nantucket’s downtown grew with the wealth of whaling from the late 18th to the mid-19th century. In 1846, a fire destroyed much of the commercial area, which was rebuilt in brick. Soon after, the decline of whaling emptied the island, and the lack of money for new construction helped preserve the area, now protected as a historic district.
Main Street, paved with cobblestones, rises from the harbor between shops and brick buildings and reaches an area of large merchant and captain houses, such as the Three Bricks, three identical brick houses built by a merchant for his sons. The side streets have wooden houses with weathered cedar shingles, rooftop porches and picket fences.
At the harbor, Straight Wharf and Old South Wharf have small shops in former fisher cottages and tour boats. White churches, such as the one with the Orange Street steeple, and the Atheneum library complete the downtown.
The whole island has strict building rules that preserve house colors, materials and heights, so the landscape has changed little.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two to three hours on foot.
Best time
Early morning or late afternoon in summer, when there are fewer people. In early December the streets receive Christmas decorations and decorated trees.
How to get there
Starts at the ferry docks and is done on foot. There is no fee to walk.
Tip
Wear sturdy shoes for Main Street’s uneven cobblestones. Walk up the street to the Three Bricks and return via the quieter side streets.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Nantucket Historic District
What to see in downtown Nantucket?
Main Street’s cobblestones, captains’ and merchants’ houses such as the Three Bricks, the piers with shops, and the churches and the Atheneum library.
Why is downtown Nantucket so well preserved?
After the decline of whaling the island lacked money for new construction, and later strict rules were put in place to protect the old houses.
Is downtown Nantucket walkable?
Yes. Everything is close to the ferry docks, just a few minutes’ walk.