What does the name Chincoteague mean?
beautiful land across the water
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.
What is Chincoteague Island known for?
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.
What is the meaning of the word Assateague?
The Assateague (meaning: “swifly moving water”) were an Algonquian people speaking the Nanticoke language who historically lived on the Atlantic coast side of the Delmarva Peninsula (known during the colonial period as the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia, and the Lower Counties of Pennsylvania).
Who founded Chincoteague Island?
The first permanent residents were likely George and Hannah Blake, originally tenants; their son John bought land from Kendall in the 1690s. Blake’s Point, which extends out into Chincoteague Bay, testifies to their residence on the western side of the island.
Where is Assateague?
Assateague Island is a 37 mile long island along the coasts of Maryland and Virginia. Most of the Maryland district is managed by the National Park Service as Assateague Island National Seashore. The State of Maryland manages two miles of the Maryland district as Assateague State Park.
Does anyone live on Chincoteague Island?
Chincoteague is a town in Virginia with a population of 2,899. Chincoteague is in Accomack County. Living in Chincoteague offers residents a suburban rural mix feel and most residents own their homes. Many retirees live in Chincoteague and residents tend to lean conservative.
What is the difference between Assateague and Chincoteague?
While Assateague is protected as a National Seashore (on the Maryland side) and National Wildlife Refuge (on the Virginia portion of the island), Chincoteague Island is developed, including a town with the island’s name.