The town of Gosnold encompasses the Elizabeth Islands: a chain of islands that lies between Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound. Named for English explorer Bartholomew Gosnold, the town is made up of roughly a dozen named islands, including Naushon, Pasque, Nashawena, Penikese, and Cuttyhunk.
In total, Gosnold has 63 miles of shoreline and 13 square miles of land. As of the 2010 Census, Gosnold was home to 75 year-round residents, which makes it the smallest town by population in Massachusetts.