Assateague Island

1. History of Assateague Island

• How has Assateague Island's structure changed over time?
  • Throughout its history, the structure of Assateague Island has changed dramatically due to the movement of littoral zone sand (video).
• Was Assateague Island always separate from Fenwick Island?
  • No, prior to 1933, Assateague Island was connected to Fenwick Island. However, the Chesapeake-Potomac hurricane that year created an inlet, permanently separating the land areas.
• How did the Chesapeake-Potomac hurricane of 1933 impact Assateague Island?
  • The hurricane created an inlet, separating Assateague Island from Ocean City, Maryland. This event led to the installation of a fortified network of artificial jetties to preserve the inlet for navigation.
• When did people begin settling on Assateague Island?
  • Modern human occupation of Assateague Island dates back to the mid-19th century with the establishment of small communities such as Green Run and Assateague Village. These settlements were primarily inhabited by fishermen and workers from the United States Life-Saving Service, a predecessor of the U.S. Coast Guard.
• Did Assateague Island ever have a resort?
  • Yes, Green Run had a resort hotel that was a popular tourist destination in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, by the 1920s, the population of both Green Run and Assateague Village had significantly declined.
• What conservation efforts were made on Assateague Island?
  • In 1943, the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge (Map) was developed by the State of Virginia. In 1956, Maryland developed a two-mile portion of the island as Assateague State Park.
• Were there plans to develop Assateague Island as a resort town?
  • Yes, in the 1950s, there were plans to create a new resort town called Ocean Beach. The proposals included affordable housing, commercial zones, public amenities, and coastal highways.
• Why was the Ocean Beach resort never developed?
  • The Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962 caused extensive damage to the island, proving that it was too vulnerable for permanent commercial and housing developments.
• When did Assateague Island become a National Seashore?
  • In 1965, much of Assateague Island was purchased by the federal government for the creation of Assateague Island National Seashore.

2. Assateague Island Tips for Visitors

• Which states is Assateague Island part of?
  • Assateague Island is jointly incorporated as part of the states of Maryland and Virginia. The southern third of the island is in Virginia, while the northern two-thirds are in Maryland.
• Are Assateague’s horses considered ponies or horses?
  • Their classification is disputed. Some scientists argue that they are horses that have adapted to a smaller size due to environmental conditions, while others believe they are a distinct pony species.
• Where did the horses on Assateague Island originate?
  • One theory suggests that the horses descended from domesticated ancestors that survived a shipwrecked Spanish galleon. Others believe that they were colonial horses that were allowed to roam freely.
• How did Assateague’s horses become famous?
  • In the 20th century, the horses gained public notoriety due to the children’s book Misty of Chincoteague. Today, they serve as popular tourist attractions and photography subjects.

3. Plan your Visit

• How many National Park Service visitor centers are on Assateague Island?
  • There are two visitor centers maintained by the National Park Service:
    • Toms Cove Visitor Center – Located within the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.
    • Assateague Island Visitor Center – Features exhibits and daily showings of a documentary on the island’s wild horses.
• What exhibits are available at the Toms Cove Visitor Center?
  • The center houses a variety of exhibits, including one focusing on beachcombing.
• What amenities do both visitor centers offer?
  • Both centers include:
    • A marine aquarium with a touch tank.
    • An Eastern National bookstore.
    • General visitor amenities.
    • Trailheads for scheduled educational programs.
• Where can I reserve campfire sites, fishing passes, and vehicle permits?
  • These can be reserved at the Toms Cove Visitor Center.
• What hiking trails are available on Assateague Island?
  • The island features a variety of hiking trails, including:
    • Wildlife Loop – 3 ¼ miles
    • Woodland Trail – 1 ½ miles
    • Black Duck Marsh Trail – 1 mile
• Are there bicycle paths on Assateague Island?
  • Yes, paved bicycle paths are available on both the Maryland and Virginia sides, connecting the island with the mainland.
• Can I drive off-road vehicles on the island?
  • Yes, a 12-mile area within the Maryland side permits over-sand vehicles.
• What water activities are allowed?
  • Many water areas allow canoeing and kayaking.
• Are there lifeguarded beaches?
  • Yes, lifeguarded beach areas are available during the summer months on both the Maryland and Virginia sides of the island.
• How many campsites are available on Assateague Island?
  • There are 350 campsites within Assateague State Park.
• Is car camping allowed?
  • Yes, car camping is permitted by reservation within the National Seashore.

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