Let's Explore Chincoteague Island, VA

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FUN FACTS ABOUT CHINCOTEAGUE ISLAND

The Town of Chincoteague, Virginia was incorporated in 1908. The incorporated area was small, but at the time most residents lived within a small area. Over the years the Town has seen three annexations of area with the last being in 1989. The 1989 annexation made the entire Island part of the Town of Chincoteague. 

The word "Chincoteague" is said to be an Indian name meaning "beautiful land across the water". The pronunciation and spelling has changed over time. Court records in 1671 indicate a spelling of "Jungoteague". A reference from the early 1800s indicates a spelling of "Gingoteag". Today, Chincoteague is a quiet, relaxing vacation destination for families. However, during the 17th century, the Island was used for livestock grazing. By 1800, families had settled on the Island fulltime. These settlers learned the importance of our natural resources; oysters, clams, crabs, and fish. A seafood industry developed with trade to New York and Philadelphia. After completion of the causeway in 1922, the seafood trade flourished and tourists began visiting Chincoteague. Tourism increased after the completion of the bridge to Assateague in 1962 and is now our primary industry.

Chincoteague Island, Virginia's only resort island is one of the many and perhaps the most beautiful island that dots Virginia's Eastern Shore. World famous for its oyster beds and clam shoals, this picturesque island is the gateway to Assateague Island National Seashore. Adventure awaits everywhere as history and legend blend with the wild loveliness of the seasonal shore.

The serene fishing village, 7 miles long and 1.5 miles wide and abounding with history and natural charm, welcomes you to explore its unique island heritage. Assateague Island National Seashore and the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge offers miles of undeveloped beaches, marshes and forests stretching from Virginia to Maryland.

The feral ponies on Assateague are descendants of survivors of a Spanish galleon that sank on its way to Mexico during a storm off the coast of the island. 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. 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 Island.

The Oyster & Maritime Museum in Chincoteague honors the island's oyster and seafood industry.