Star Island is one of the Isles of Shoals that straddle the border between New Hampshire and Maine, approximately 7 miles (11 km) from the mainland. It is the largest of the four islands that are located in New Hampshire at 38 acres (15 ha) and the second largest overall, after Appledore Island. It was named by sailors who imagined the shape of the island as points of a star. The island was annexed to the town of Rye, New Hampshire, in 1876. It has been owned and operated by the Star Island Corporation since 1915.