Mohegan Bluffs facts for kids
The Mohegan Bluffs are amazing tall cliffs made of clay. They stand about 46 meters (150 feet) high on the southern coast of Block Island. These cliffs got their name from a famous battle that happened here long ago, in the mid-1500s. It was a fight between two Native American tribes, the Niantic and the Mohegan, who were trying to control the island. The Niantic tribe, who lived on Block Island, won the battle and protected their home.
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Exploring the Mohegan Bluffs
The Mohegan Bluffs offer incredible views and are a popular spot for visitors. You can see them from the very top, where you can look out for miles across the vast Atlantic Ocean. It's a perfect place to take stunning photos!
Getting Down to the Beach
If you're feeling adventurous, you can walk down a long, steep staircase to the beach below. This staircase has more than 100 steps! Once you reach the bottom, you'll be on the beach, also known as Corn Cove. From here, you get a different view, looking up at the massive cliffs.
What to Do at the Bluffs
Visitors love spending time at the Mohegan Bluffs. You can enjoy the beach by:
- Relaxing in the sun
- Swimming in the ocean
- Walking along the shore
- Simply admiring the beautiful cliffs
The best times to visit are from about 30 minutes before the sun rises until 30 minutes after it sets.
How the Bluffs Change Over Time
Over many years, the Mohegan Bluffs have slowly worn away due to natural forces like wind and waves. This process is called erosion. The cliffs have eroded about 76 meters (250 feet) since they were first named.
Protecting the Lighthouse
Because of this erosion, a very important building, the Block Island Southeast Lighthouse, had to be moved. The lighthouse was originally built close to the edge of the cliffs. To keep it safe from falling into the ocean, it was moved back about 110 meters (360 feet) from its original spot. This shows how powerful nature can be and how we sometimes need to adapt to protect important landmarks.
