Algonquian people camped at this site in warm weather; the name is said to come from wannasque, an Algonquian word meaning "the ending". European settlement came to this part of Chappaquiddick Island in 1750 or later. Several 19th century land speculation proposals never came to fruition. "Chappaquiddick-by-the-Sea," one failed concept for land development, would have included a grid of 750 quarter-acre parcels, broad avenues, public parks, and yachtfacilities. In 1967, when the property was purchased for the public, there were only a few homes in the area.[1]
Relatively remote, this "little-known"[2] beach and nature reserve is about 70 miles south of Boston off the coast of Cape Cod. Martha's Vineyard is a short Steamship Authorityferry ride from mainland Cape Cod, out of Falmouth or Woods Hole. Bicycles and motor vehicles may be transported on the ferry for additional fees.[3] A ferry from Edgartown on the Vineyard allows one to get to Chappaquiddick.[1] The property is open 24 hours a day all year. Due to severe beach erosion at Wasque Point, one is no longer allowed to take vehicles over the sand to Wasque from adjacent Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge. Formerly this was allowed except for occasional summer closures to protect the nest sites of rare shorebirds.[1]
Wasque is a great place for recreational fishing.[3] Recent reports of fishing off Wasque Beach have mentioned bonito that were reeled in at the Wasque rip and Menemsha jetties. Bluefish and 10-15 lbs. Striped bass have been reported as well.[8] In some years, the waters off Wasque Beach have been "hot with both game species."[9] At times, dedicated anglers have come to the Wasque just to sit in their vehicles “watching the water for signs” that fishing conditions were favorable.[10]