A Visit to Chincoteague Island and Assateague Lighthouse, VA
The year of 1650 marks the first land grant issued on Chincoteague Island, for 1,500 acres (6.1 km2). Daniel Jenifer became the first English landowner. In 1671, settlers came to the island, and by 1672 there were large farms by Bishops, Bowdens, Jesters and Tarrs. By 1838, there were 36 houses on the island, and in 1861 the island voted 132-2 not to secede from the Union and against slavery. The town saw minor action in the war via the Battle of Cockle Creek fought in the bay in 1861.
The Native American name for the island is Gingoteague, and the name of the town Chincoteague first appeared in the Decisions of the United States Board on Geographical Names in 1943.
In 1962, a major nor'easter winter storm, the Ash Wednesday Storm, struck the coast. The town was completely underwater, and went for days without electricity. The storm destroyed almost all structures on Assateague Island, where development was just beginning. Following this, most of the island was preserved from development as Assateague Island National Seashore in 1965.
Legend has it that the feral ponies on Assateague are descendants of survivors of a Spanish galleon that sank on its way to Spain during a storm in 1750 off the east coast, but the likelihood is that they are actually descended from domesticated stock, brought to the island by Eastern Shore farmers in the 17th century to avoid fencing requirements and taxation.
In the Pony Penning, which has been held annually since 1925, horses swim across the shallow water between the islands. If any animal is too small or weak to make the swim, they are placed on a barge and ferried over. All the horses are herded into large pens after running through the middle of town and down Main Street. Pony Penning takes place on the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July. The actual swim occurs on Wednesday, the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company auctions that year's foals on Thursday, and on Friday the remaining ponies swim back to Assateague. - wiki
The Assateague Lighthouse is located on the Virginia portion of Assateague Island. The Coast Guard has maintained the lighthouse for many years. Ownership of the lighthouse was transferred to the Fish & Wildlife Service from the Coast Guard in 2004. While the U.S. Coast guard still maintains the light as an active navigational aid, the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is responsible for preserving the lighthouse. The top of the lighthouse is accessible to the public (see the visitor schedule). It is still operational and one of the most impressive landmarks in Virginia. If you are a visitor that desires a panoramic view of the Assateague Lighthouse, then consider the Assateague cruise or kayak trip from the neighbor island of Chincoteague, Virginia.
The Assateague Lighthouse is approximately 1/4 mile away from Chincoteague Island and visitors can drive there from Chincoteague in about 5 minutes. You can ride a bicycle or walk on the trail that leads from Chincoteague over to Assateague Island. The trail is maintained by the National Park Service and Fish and Wildlife Service at Assateague Island. Visitors to the Maryland side of Assateague can drive to this area in about an hour. The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is home of the lighthouse.
The original lighthouse was constructed here in 1833 at a cost of approximately $55,000. In 1860, construction on a taller, more powerfully illuminated brick lighthouse began, but was delayed by the Civil War. After the war, work resumed and the lighthouse was completed in 1867. Assateague's lighthouse has twin rotating lights that flash one after the other from a height of 154 feet above sea level. The lights can be seen 19 miles out to sea. The Assateague Lighthouse stands 142 feet high, its base over 27 feet in diameter.
The Assateague Lighthouse is an active navigational aid and is in the National Register of Historic places. In 1933 the lighthouse was converted to be electrically operated, and its first light was a candle lantern. The Assateague Lighthouse has warned passing ships and local waterman of the shallow waters off Assateague for many years. Approximately 1,182 people traveled through this historic lighthouse at Assateague Island during Wildlife Refuge Week 2000 and visitors continually visit this special part of Virginia to see the lighthouse.
The National Wildlife Refuge System reached its 100th Anniversary in 2003. The National Wildlife Refuge at Assateague is an excellent place for birdwatching and outdoor activities after you visit the lighthouse. The Wildlife Refuge provides a great place to learn about history and increase understanding of the ever changing environment. When the Assateague lighthouse was first built, it was on the southern most end of Assateague Island. The land now south of the lighthouse is actually new land, that has grown out about 2 miles since the lighthouse was first built.
Chincoteague & Assateague Islands - Virginia
Today as we head to the upcoming Truck Camper Rally, we stopped at the Eastern Shore of Virginia for 3 days to see both Chincoteague & Assateague islands!
These are the outermost islands on the coast of Virginia, and proved to be an excellent place to visit! We stayed at a very nice campground, Maddox Family Campground, which was an easy scooter ride onto Assateague Island. On this island, there is much to see including beautiful beaches, a lighthouse, and wild ponies wandering around all over!
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Climbing the Assateague Lighthouse in Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
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Climbed all 165 steps of the Assateague Light in Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge (on Assateague Island, Virginia). Great view from up top. Shot in June 2015.
Assateague Light
Assateague Light is the 142-foot-tall (43 m) lighthouse located on the southern end of Assateague Island off the coast of the Virginia Eastern Shore, USA. The lighthouse is located within the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and can be accessed by road from Chincoteague Island over the Assateague Channel. It is owned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and operated by the U.S. Coast Guard and is still used as an active aid in navigation. The keeper's quarters are used as seasonal housing for refuge temporary employees, volunteers, and interns. Constructed in 1867 to replace a shorter lighthouse 45-foot-tall (14 m) built in 1833, the lighthouse is conical in shape and is painted in alternating bands of red and white.
A $1.5 million renovation was completed in October 2013. This included replacement of the lower gallery deck, removal & replacement of glass, restoration of the widow's walk & painting of the exterior.[3]
Originally, no light existed between Cape Henlopen, Delaware and Cape Charles, Virginia. In 1830 the United States Congress appropriated money for a light in the general vicinity of Chincoteague Island. The following year, the Collector of Customs in Norfolk selected Assateague Island. The original Assateague Lighthouse was built on the southern tip of the island. Since barrier islands like Assateague shift and change, it is no wonder that the island has grown approximately 5 miles since the site was first designated. Over the years, a hook has developed to the south and the cove created by that hook has been gradually filling with sand.
It was built with a first-order Fresnel lens which has since been replaced with an electronically powered beacon. The grounds also contain a keeper's house and oil house.
The lighthouse is depicted on the 2003–2004 Federal Duck Stamp, designed by Ron Louque.
The light is open for public tours on weekends during the summer.
2018 christmas parade Chincoteague, Island Virginia
trying out the phantom 3s at night
Visit Chincoteague Island Virginia
Chincoteague Island, Virginia’s only resort island, is perhaps the most beautiful island on Virginia's Eastern Shore. World famous for its oyster beds and clam shoals, Chincoteague is the gateway to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge which is located on the Virginia side of Assateague Island.
Explore the refuge on miles of hiking and biking trails, kayak its pristine waters to see amazing wildlife; including the world famous Chincoteague Ponies or take in the breathtaking views from atop the Assateague Lighthouse.
Relax with your toes in the sand or hit the water and surf the Atlantic Ocean waves at Assateague Island National Seashore.
Feel the wind in your hair on a boat cruise or sailing adventure.
Cast a rod and catch the ‘Big One’ on an inland or off-shore fishing charter.
Discover our rich history by visiting our museums or taking an island history tour or ecotour.
Partake in delectable seafood and local fare from one of our many charming restaurants or eateries.
Find that perfect treasure by shopping our eclectic shops and art galleries.
Experience this and so much more on a little island seven miles long and a mile and a half wide. Are itineraries your style? We have them too!
Chincoteague is the perfect getaway that is close to home, yet miles away from ordinary. Come make memories that will last a lifetime and have you coming back to discover more!
Visit chincoteaguechamber.com to learn more!
Maryland - Assateague Island National Seashore (2019)
Assateague Island is a 37-mile (60 km) long barrier island located off the eastern coast of the Delmarva peninsula facing the Atlantic Ocean. The northern two-thirds of the island is in Maryland while the southern third is in Virginia. The Maryland section contains the majority of Assateague Island National Seashore and Assateague State Park. The Virginia section contains Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and a one-mile stretch of land containing the lifeguarded recreational beach and interpretive facilities managed by the National Park Service (or NPS). It is best known for its herds of feral horses, pristine beaches, and the Assateague Lighthouse. The island also contains numerous marshes, bays, and coves, including Toms Cove. Bridge access for cars is possible from both Maryland and Virginia, though no road runs the full north/south length of the island.
Like all barrier islands, Assateague has changed in form over the years. The structure of barrier islands is determined by movement of sand in the littoral zone, the land-facing side of the island. At one time, the island was connected to the lowest point of Fenwick Island. However, the 1933 Chesapeake–Potomac hurricane created an inlet south of Ocean City, Maryland. This inlet separated the two landforms. Normally, it would have silted back due to the littoral drift that ran from north to south. However, after the storm, between 1933 and 1935 a permanent system of artificial jetties was built to preserve the inlet as a navigation channel. As a result, the island has drifted considerably westward, and the two landmasses are now over 0.62 miles (1.00 km) apart. While this process has benefitted Ocean City, creating wider beaches and better fishing access, it caused erosion problems on Assateague.
Between 1933 and the early 1960s, federal interest in creating a national seashore on the island alternated with periodic pushes for development. In 1950, a 15-mile section of the Maryland side of Assateague was plotted for development, and a paved road, Baltimore Boulevard, was constructed to traverse the new development. The Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962 destroyed or covered most of Baltimore Boulevard, and many of the structures on the island were destroyed. Although some private landowners on the island supported re-development, by this time the state of Maryland generally supported a national seashore and legislation was introduced in the United States Congress. After Congressional efforts did not produce final legislation in 1964, new legislation in 1965 was successful and Assateague Island National Seashore was formed.
Assateague Lighthouse from Chincoteague Island
Maryland - Assateague Island National Seashore Drive (2019)
Assateague Island is a 37-mile (60 km) long barrier island located off the eastern coast of the Delmarva peninsula facing the Atlantic Ocean. The northern two-thirds of the island is in Maryland while the southern third is in Virginia. The Maryland section contains the majority of Assateague Island National Seashore and Assateague State Park. The Virginia section contains Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and a one-mile stretch of land containing the lifeguarded recreational beach and interpretive facilities managed by the National Park Service (or NPS). It is best known for its herds of feral horses, pristine beaches, and the Assateague Lighthouse. The island also contains numerous marshes, bays, and coves, including Toms Cove. Bridge access for cars is possible from both Maryland and Virginia, though no road runs the full north/south length of the island.
Like all barrier islands, Assateague has changed in form over the years. The structure of barrier islands is determined by movement of sand in the littoral zone, the land-facing side of the island. At one time, the island was connected to the lowest point of Fenwick Island. However, the 1933 Chesapeake–Potomac hurricane created an inlet south of Ocean City, Maryland. This inlet separated the two landforms. Normally, it would have silted back due to the littoral drift that ran from north to south. However, after the storm, between 1933 and 1935 a permanent system of artificial jetties was built to preserve the inlet as a navigation channel. As a result, the island has drifted considerably westward, and the two landmasses are now over 0.62 miles (1.00 km) apart. While this process has benefitted Ocean City, creating wider beaches and better fishing access, it caused erosion problems on Assateague.
Between 1933 and the early 1960s, federal interest in creating a national seashore on the island alternated with periodic pushes for development. In 1950, a 15-mile section of the Maryland side of Assateague was plotted for development, and a paved road, Baltimore Boulevard, was constructed to traverse the new development. The Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962 destroyed or covered most of Baltimore Boulevard, and many of the structures on the island were destroyed. Although some private landowners on the island supported re-development, by this time the state of Maryland generally supported a national seashore and legislation was introduced in the United States Congress. After Congressional efforts did not produce final legislation in 1964, new legislation in 1965 was successful and Assateague Island National Seashore was formed.
My Assateague and Chincoteague Island afternoon - Vlog #23
My afternoon drive to Assateague Island and Chincoteague. Here are some shots of the beach and dinner from Captain Zack's - a great casual restaurant. Assateague was pretty windy and we were short on time. We'll have to see the ponies next time.
Recorded October 2016.
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Assateague Island: Assateague Explorer
Assateague Island with Assateague Explorer nature cruise & kayaking. Awesome footage of the wild horses. See horses and their foals out in the water in front of the Assateague Lighthouse. One curious pony even comes up to have a closer look and smell the boat.
Vacation to Chincoteague Island, Virginia and see Assateague Island. Assateague Island is an island escape, away from the crowds in Ocean City, Maryland. Just a one hour drive south of Ocean City, Assateague Island's best areas are easily accessible with Assateague Explorer. Assateague Explorer departs from Chincoteague Island, Virginia.
Assateague Explorer's cruise & kayaking take you to the best places where wild horses live. Since 2001, Assateague Explorer has introduced thousands of visitors to pristine areas along Assateague Island. Assateague Explorer's nature cruise offers you the chance to relax, learn about the natural history and enjoy an outdoor adventure.
Assateague Island National Seashore and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge are spectacular places to visit during your vacation. The beach, horses and scenery make this a special destination for travel. Assateague has unique opportunities for exploration and Assateague Explorer gets you there.
Assateague Lighthouse Virginia
A photo montage of my own photos and several postcards set to original music.
Chincoteague Island, VA
Gopro footage of Chincoteague Island, VA
Winter twilight on Assateague Island, Virginia
A still, cold evening, lovely sunset, snow geese on the wing, the sounds of geese and ducks, Assateague lighthouse flashing ..... perfection.
Assateague Nature Centre - Chincoteague Island, Virginia.
The Assateague Nature Centre in Chincoteague Island, Virginia is a spectacular location on the East Coast where Assateague Explorer will take you on a nature cruise or kayaking during your vacation to Virginia to see the wild horses and wildlife. Tourists meet at the Assateague Nature Centre on Chincoteague Island, then go see various herds of wild horses along Assateague Island in Virginia.
The Assateague Nature Centre overlooks the Assateague Lighthouse and is close to the National Park beaches, wildlife refuge, inlet that enters the ocean and YOU CAN OFTEN SEE WILD HORSES FROM THE DOCK AS WELL. This dock is the best location in Virginia to kayak or sail from in order to see many herds of wild horses that have roamed Assateague Island since they were shipwrecked in the 1600's. The wild horses on Assateague Island have about 70 foals each Spring and Summer. Girl Scouts, boy scouts, bird watchers, 4 H groups, equestrians, seniors, travel groups, and others enjoy this family vacation spot in Virginia. Horses, birds, dolphins, eagles and more can be spotted while Kayaking or on a nature cruise with Assateague Explorer along Assateague Island in Virginia.
The Assateague Nature Centre is where your adventure begins. Bring your family and friends here for your next vacation destination. Call 757-336-5956 to reach the Assateague Nature Centre. Visit Assateague Explorer at
Assateague Island Unique Perspective
Assateague's wild horses are well known, even to many people who have never been to the island. The wild horses on Assateague are actually feral animals, meaning that they are descendants of domestic animals that have reverted to a wild state. Horses tough enough to survive the scorching heat, abundant mosquitoes, stormy weather and poor quality food found on this remote, windswept barrier island have formed a unique wild horse society. Enjoy their beauty from a distance, and you can help make sure these extraordinary wild horses will continue to thrive on Assateague Island.
Local folklore describes the Assateague horses as survivors of a shipwreck off the Virginia coast. While this dramatic tale of struggle and survival is popular, there are no records yet that confirm it. The most plausible explanation is that they are the descendants of horses that were brought to barrier islands like Assateague in the late 17th century by mainland owners to avoid fencing laws and taxation of livestock.
The horses are split into two main herds, one on the Virginia side and one on the Maryland side of Assateague. They are separated by a fence at the Virginia/Maryland State line. These herds have divided themselves into bands of two to twelve animals and each band occupies a home range. The National Park Service manages the Maryland herd. The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company owns and manages the Virginia herd, which is allowed to graze on Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, through a special use permit issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The permit restricts the size of the herd to approximately 150 adult animals in order to protect the other natural resources of the wildlife refuge. It is the Virginia herd which is often referred to as the Chincoteague ponies.
The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department drives Virginia's wild horses across the channel to Chincoteague during the annual Pony Penning. 16kb
Many visitors first learn about the Assateague horses from Marguerite Henry's famous book Misty of Chincoteague. The story takes place during a traditional Chincoteague festival called Pony Penning.'' On the last Wednesday of July, the Virginia herd of horses is rounded up and swum from Assateague Island to nearby Chincoteage Island. On the following day most of the young foals are auctioned off. Proceeds from the sale benefit the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department.
Hooves fly when stallions clash in the heat of summer. Irritable harem stallions are willing to pick fights with any stallions that come too close to their groups of mares. 23 kb
Assateague's horses are beautiful, tough, and wild. They have learned to survive in a harsh environment. Feeding and/or petting them is detrimental to both visitors and horses. Horses can get sick from human food. Those that learn to come up to the road to beg for food are often hit and killed by cars. Visitors are kicked, bitten and knocked down every year as a direct result of getting too close to the wild horses. Treating wild horses like tame animals takes away the wildness that makes them special. Protect your family by respecting theirs. Give the horses the space they need to be wild.
Foals are usually born in late spring and live with their mothers in a family group called a “band”. 17 kb
There are few places in the United States where you can view wild horses. Due to their complex social structure the Assateague horses display a wide range of unique behaviors. Take advantage of the opportunity to view these horses in a natural habitat. With careful management, the wild horses will continue to thrive on Assateague Island and provide enjoyment to thousands of nature enthusiasts, photographers, and people who just love horses!
Assateague Island
Spring Break 2017 my family and family friends camped on Assateague Island.
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Assateague Island Lighthouse - Our Fist National Park Stamp Entry!????
#grdv4life #rvliving #nationalparks
Well we were on our way to Chincoteague Island to get ice cream at Island Creamery and the line was out to the street . So I say, HEY!, lets use our National Parks America The Beautiful Pass that I obtained for being a disabled veteran, and visit Assateague. I learned about the pass from #youmeandtherv and obtained one. The light house trail is about a 1/4 mile in length with a slight hill to ascend . Other than that is a spectacular sight to see.
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Assateague State Park Loop B
A quick look at Loop B of the campground at Assateague State Park in Maryland.
CHINCOTEAGUE National Wildlife Refuge & Beach at Assateague Island Seashore⭐
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge & Beach at Assateague Island Seashore
Chincoteague & Assategue History:
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This is a video review of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge & Beach at Assateague Island Seashore. Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge includes more than 14,000 acres of beach, dunes, marsh, and maritime forest. Assateague offers one of the most beautiful beaches on the Atlantic coastline. Chincoteague Island is known for it's wild ponies, but birding is another major attraction and many birders and bird organizations visit the refuge to experience the abundance of waterfowl and other bird specials that can be found on the refuge. In the fall, many visitors come to see the great migration of the snow geese. Chincoteague Island, located on Virginia's Eastern Shore, is the only resort island in Virginia.
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