Outer Lands facts for kids
The Outer Lands is a special group of islands and peninsulas located off the southern coast of New England in the United States. This area includes parts of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York. It's made up of places like Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Block Island, and Long Island. There are also many smaller islands and islets.
Geographers know about this chain of islands, but it doesn't always have one common name. Sometimes people call it the "southern New England islands." In 1635, these islands were named the Isles of Stirling when they belonged to William Alexander, 1st Earl of Stirling. The name "Outer Lands" became popular thanks to author Dorothy Sterling. She used it in her 1967 book about nature in the area.
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What Are the Outer Lands?
The Outer Lands region is a unique part of the United States. It stretches across three states and includes many famous places. Think of it as a long, curved chain of land sticking out into the Atlantic Ocean.
Parts of the Outer Lands
The Outer Lands are divided into several sections. Each part has its own special features.
Massachusetts Islands and Cape Cod
In Massachusetts, this region is often called the "Cape and Islands."
- The "Cape" refers to Cape Cod, a large peninsula shaped like an arm.
- The "Islands" usually mean Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. These are popular places for summer vacations.
- Other smaller islands in Dukes and Nantucket counties are also included.
New York Islands
Long Island is a very large island that is part of the Outer Lands.
- It is often grouped with Staten Island and Manhattan as the "New York islands."
- These islands are connected to the broader Outer Lands region.
- Interestingly, the Massachusetts islands were once part of the Province of New York a long time ago.
Other Islands
Other islands in Long Island Sound and Rhode Island Sound are also usually considered part of the Outer Lands. Sometimes, even Sandy Hook in New Jersey is included because of its location.
How the Outer Lands Were Formed
The Outer Lands are a natural extension of North America's Atlantic coastal plain. Their unique shape comes from how they were formed by glaciers.
Glacial Formation
The islands of the Outer Lands were created by huge sheets of ice.
- During the Wisconsin glaciation (a past ice age), the Laurentide Ice Sheet covered much of North America.
- As this giant ice sheet melted and moved back, it left behind piles of rock and dirt. These piles are called terminal moraines.
- These moraines formed on top of cuestas, which are hills with a gentle slope on one side and a steep slope on the other.
Separation from the Mainland
The islands are separated from the main continent by bays and sounds.
- These water bodies were once large glacial lakes.
- Examples include Lake Connecticut and Lake Narragansett.
Nature and Environment
The Outer Lands region has special natural environments. The types of plants and animals found here are unique to coastal areas.
Ecoregions
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has given specific names to the natural areas here.
- Eastern Long Island and areas to the east are part of the Atlantic coastal pine barrens.
- Most of this area is called "Cape Cod/Long Island."
- Along the south shore of Long Island, there are "Barrier Islands/Coastal Marshes." These are important for protecting the coast.
- Western Long Island and its north shore are part of the "Long Island Sound Coastal Lowland."
The United States Department of Agriculture also calls this area the "Long Island-Cape Cod Coastal Lowland." This name includes Staten Island too.
Culture and History
The people living in the Outer Lands have a strong connection to the sea.
Maritime Traditions
- Historically, the region had a strong maritime culture. This means that fishing and other activities related to the ocean were very important to people's lives.
- Many communities relied on fishing for their food and jobs.
Summer Colonies
In recent years, especially from eastern Long Island eastward, many parts of the Outer Lands have become popular summer vacation spots. People come here to enjoy the beaches and the relaxed coastal lifestyle.
See also
In Spanish: Outer Lands para niños
