Polpis, Massachusetts facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Polpis
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Village
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 Polpis
Location in Massachusetts
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| Country | United States |
| State | Massachusetts |
| County | Nantucket |
| Elevation | 7 ft (2 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| GNIS feature ID | 616949 |
Polpis is a small village located on the island of Nantucket in Massachusetts, United States. It's also sometimes called Milton Poadpis or Podpis. This quiet community sits only about 7 feet (2 meters) above sea level. Because its name was spelled in different ways, the Board on Geographic Names officially decided on "Polpis" in 1900. The village is about 3.5 miles (5.5 kilometers) northwest of another Nantucket village called Siasconset.
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About Polpis Village
Polpis is a type of community known as a village. A village is usually a small group of homes and buildings, often smaller than a town or city. Villages like Polpis are known for their calm and peaceful atmosphere. They often have a close-knit community feel.
Where is Polpis Located?
Polpis is found on Nantucket, which is an island off the coast of Massachusetts. Nantucket is part of Nantucket County. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches and historic charm. Polpis is situated on the eastern side of the island. It's a short distance from the main town of Nantucket.
Understanding Elevation
When we say Polpis has an elevation of 7 feet (2 meters), it means how high the land is above the average sea level. Being only 7 feet above sea level means Polpis is very close to the ocean. This low elevation is common for coastal communities.
The Story Behind the Name
The name "Polpis" has an interesting history because it used to be spelled in different ways. Sometimes people wrote it as "Milton Poadpis" or "Podpis." Having many spellings for one place can be confusing.
Why Official Names Matter
To solve this problem, the Board on Geographic Names stepped in. This group is responsible for making sure that place names in the United States are spelled and used consistently. In 1900, they officially decided that "Polpis" would be the correct spelling for this village. This helps everyone, from mapmakers to mail carriers, use the same name. It makes it easier to find and talk about the village.
