Isles of Shoals - New Hampshire - Small Group of Islands along the Border of New Hampshire

There are a small group of islands located about 10 miles of the eastern coast of the United States that expand around the borders of New Hampshire and Maine. These islands are known as the Isles of Shoals. The most popular of the islands is Star Island, Appledore Island, Smuttynose and Malaga Island. There are a total of nice island, five around Maine and four along New Hampshire.

The largest of the islands is Appledore which expands 95 acres. This island was once home to a large hotel during the 19th century named the Appledore House. This hotel was destroyed in a fire in 1914 and today the area is home to an operating station of the Shoals Marine Laboratory run by Cornell University and the University of New Hampshire.

The Star Island is second in size at 46 acres and is the only area served by commercial boats from the mainland. The area houses a religious conference center owned by the Star Island Corporation and affiliated with the United Church of Christ. In the summer months, the island has numerous week-long conferences. Boat schedules allow day visitors to frequent the island. Many visitors wishing to spend an interesting evening cruise over in their sailboats and tie up at Gosport harbor.

The Smuttynose Island is approximately 25 acres large and is the third largest island among the Isles of Shoals. There are two small house structures on the island, one of which is the Samuel Haley House. The Samuel Haley is known as the oldest structure in the area. The island of Smuttynose was once known as the site of Blackbeard's honeymoon, but today is not a populated area.

Just west of Smuttynose is the small island of Malaga. The two islands are connected by a breakwater that was built around 1820 by Captain Samuel Haley. Legend indicates that Captain Haley paid for the breakwater with the proceeds of four pirate silver bars he found lying under a flat rock on the island.

Other islands in the Isles of Shoals include Cedar Island which is connected by breakwaters to Smuttynose and also Star Island. Cedar Island is a privately owned island. Duck Island sits about 1.5 miles to the north and once a bombing range for the US Navy. Today Duck Island is home to a large seal colony with no human population. Lighthouses are located on White Island and are a popular visiting place. Lunging Island is a privately owned island also among the Isles and was once a trading post for cod fish.

The main islands of Appledore, Star and Smuttynose are the most popular with visitors and tourists. Summer months boast the most traffic from sailboats and boats. Many visitors enjoy day trips to the islands while some tie up at night in the harbor for an overnight adventure.