- Where is Deal Island located?
- Located in Somerset County, Maryland, Deal Island is a census-designated place within the Salisbury, Maryland-Delaware Metropolitan Statistical Area.
- What makes Deal Island historically significant?
- Deal Island features several historic attractions that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- What is the history of Deal Island?
- The three-mile-long Deal Island, surrounded by the Tangier Sound, was originally discovered by European explorers in the early 1600s after a hurricane caused a shipwreck from the explorations of Captain John Smith.
- Survivors referred to it as the "land of the Devil" due to its rough, marsh-filled environment. For the next century, it was called "Devil’s Island" and became a pirate hideout in the Chesapeake Bay region.
- The name was later changed to "Deil Island" and eventually Deal Island over time.
- The island’s economy was historically based on shipbuilding and fishing, but the arrival of steamboats in 1878 significantly changed its industry and culture.
- A major hurricane in 1933 destroyed much of the island’s oystering and crab houses as well as its steamboat wharf. Afterward, it was rebuilt as a small, insular community.
- What makes Deal Island unique today?
- Deal Island is one of the last places in the Chesapeake Bay to retain its historic character without significant modernization.
- It is connected to the mainland by a bridge on Maryland Route 363 and consists of three island communities: Deal Island Village, Chance, and Wenona.
- What industries and businesses operate on Deal Island?
- Maryland Route 363 (Deal Island Road) runs through the island, hosting public businesses and industrial facilities.
- There are still wholesale seafood operations, including an oyster hatchery and crab pickers at Deal Island Harbor.
- The harbor in Wenona is home to some of the last remaining oyster-dredging skipjacks in the Chesapeake Bay.
- What historic sites can be found on Deal Island?
- The island's historic sites include:
- The Sea Gull skipjack, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- The Deal Island Historic District.
- The St. John’s Methodist Episcopal Church.
- The Joshua Thomas Chapel, which contains the body of Joshua Thomas, who predicted the defeat of British forces in the War of 1812.
- The island's historic sites include:
- What restaurants and markets are available on Deal Island?
- The island has two local markets:
- Lucky’s - A deli and restaurant offering groceries and alcoholic beverages.
- Arby’s General Store - A family-owned business since 1984, providing marine supplies, boating fuel, bait and tackle, and sundries.
- The adjoining Arby’s Bar and Grill serves American fare and draft beer.
- The island has two local markets:
- What outdoor activities are available on Deal Island?
- The Deal Island Wildlife Management Area preserves a variety of duck and waterfowl species.
- A public beach is located near the Deal Island Bridge.
- Kayaking opportunities are available along the Monie Bay Water Trails, which are managed by the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine.
- Other popular activities include biking, fishing, sailing, wildlife watching, and photography.
- What annual events take place on Deal Island?
- The island hosts the Skipjack Race every Labor Day weekend since 1959, featuring traditional two-sail bateaux competitions.
- The Deal Island Yard Sale occurs from Saturday through Monday of Labor Day weekend, with participants from various nearby communities.
- The Skipjack Bike Tour takes place on the second Saturday of September, sponsored by the Chance Volunteer Fire Company. Riders can choose from 15, 30, and 64-mile routes.
- An annual Skipjack Run across the Deal Island Bridge is held in conjunction with the Bike Tour.
- Monthly community talks are held at different locations as part of the University of Maryland’s Deal Island Peninsula Project.
- What is the contact information for the Deal Island-Chance Volunteer Fire Department?
- Address: 10090 Deal Island Road, Deal Island, Maryland, 21821
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