Mohegan Bluffs

Mohegan Bluffs at Block Island

The Mohegan Bluffs are large clay cliffs about 185 feet (56 m) high, located on the southern shore of Block Island. They got their name because the battle of the Niantic and the Mohegan took place here in the mid 16th century. The battle was over supremacy of the island, and the intruding Mohegans were forced over the cliffs to their death by the native Niantic.^[1]

These cliffs are a beautiful site, and can be observed from the top, where visitors can look out for miles on the Atlantic Ocean or visitors can climb down the steep staircase of over 100 steps and view them from the beach (also known as Corn Cove).

The visiting times are from a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset. Visitors usually spend the day here tanning on the beach, swimming in the ocean, walking their dogs, or simply admiring the cliffs.^[2]

Through the years, the Mohegan Bluffs have eroded about 250 feet (76 m), and because of this, the Block Island Southeast Lighthouse had to be moved back about 360 feet (110 m) to keep it from tumbling into the ocean.^[3]

References

1. ^ "Mohegan Bluffs." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2009. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 22 Sep. 2009 [1]
2. ^ The Dog Lover's Companion to New England [2]
3. ^ USA Today; Block Island: The 'Bermuda of the North' [3]