Landmarks are often used as a reference point. Something to guide travelers along their way and let them know they’re heading in the right direction. They become ingrained in the culture that surrounds them. They are as much a part of a community as the people who keep it going. In the case of Block Island, there’s one local landmark that’s taken on a unique life all its own.

A Tradition is Born

The origin story of Block Island’s Painted Rock takes us all the way back to 1962, on Halloween night. In terms of the perfect opportunity to plan a quality prank or two, it was prime time. This is exactly what teens Wendy and Eddie had in mind when setting out into the cool night sky of a Block Island autumn.

The pair had their plans set. Their target marked. With the excitement of Halloween drawing eyes and ears and attentions towards the town proper, the two teens were able to sneak their way across the island undisturbed. They met at the point where Snake Hole Road, Mohegan Trail, and Lakeside Drive all crossed paths. With paint and brushes in hand, they went to work, unaware of the future they were creating.

Since that night, spread by word of mouth and reaching from shore to shore, locals have made the trip with their own designs in mind. The paint job changes on a near-weekly basis. More, in some cases. From messages and proposals, to simple images meant to be symbols of respect or unity, Painted Rock has seen a lot since its newfound redefinition.

Standing the Test of Time

Vandals have come and gone, with varying attempts at spoiling the site for everyone else. The worst case involved people spraying graffiti all around the crossing and chipping away at the paint itself. All this proved was just how thick a layer of history Painted Rock has. The vandals were not even able to get to its original stone surface, leading to pictures that provide the clearest look at the inches of paint layering the rock.

Painted Rock has stood as a way for locals from all over Block Island to interact with each other for decades. It’s served its community by continually bringing it together, either in person at the rock itself, or through stories as people spread word when a new design or image shows up on its surface. What started as a joke some 56 years ago has become a piece of Block Island history. There’s something special about that. Something worth seeing for yourself, the next time you board the ferry.

It’s fitting that the couple, Wendy and Eddie Northup, ended up getting married, bringing an always welcome element of love to this Block Island tale.

Don’t forget to check out the Painted Rock’s official Facebook page here: https://bit.ly/2DMXlSb

Grab Your Paintbrush…and Sail Away.