Assateague

Assateague Island
From Lillian Mears Rew

The Indians lived here for many years ruled by Chief Kegatank and Emperor Waskawampe, who had two daughters and no sons.

In 1656 before he passed away, Waskawampe made his will. This will may be found on the Northampton County records in the Court House at Eastville, Virginia, dated 1656 and signed by Waskawampe and witnesses. A copy of this will is found in this history of Assateague. It was copied and given to me by the Clerk of Eastville Courthouse, Virginia, about 1955 or 1956. [See below.]

About the latter part of the 17th century the White man came to Assateague making the first settlement in 1688, when Colonel Jennifer obtained land from the grant office in Richmond.

On April 16,1688, the following people settled here: John Parks, John Free, Henry Parker, and Richard Saint Loo, who were transported from Chincoteague.

Indian tools have been unearthed which indicate that before the White man came the Indians raised vegetables and hunted the abundant wildlife.

The Indian tribes gradually migrated to the Mainland.

The early settlers' homes were constructed with a view toward protection from the elements more than for comfort.

Clean white sand, washed at intervals, served as flooring.

They used wood for heat and received light from fish oil that burned in oyster or clam shells. They had to depend mostly on mother nature for their food and clothing. Anyone can see or understand that they lived a very hard life.

Over the years more settlers came to Assateague Island and many changes took place. Instead of having fireplaces in the corner of their house, settlers devised more efficiently designed buildings. Life became less difficult.

More settlers came to the Island and the population grew gradually until it reached about 225.

Although split log fences separated most of the properties, these people lived like one big family. If any of the people were sick and couldn't work, or were without the necessities they needed, neighbors would provide for them. Wood was cut and food was carried until they were able to provide for themselves.

Money was earned by clamming at Tom's Cove or by working for those who were fortunate enough to own ground where oysters and clams were planted. Also, the Coast Guard was a big help in employment.

Furthermore, in the early twenties, the fish factories, located to the southern end of the small village, brought great help to the settlers. Soon after these factories were in progress, however, fire or storms brought much damage to them.

If the two stores owned by Mr. Filmore Taylor-and later sold to Earnest Jones-and Mr. Bill Scott couldn't supply such things as coffee, sugar, flour, etc., one of the men would go by boat and bring their supplies to the store. In case some were not able to buy supplies several people would chip in and buy and carry to those without.

Mr. "Bill" Scott remained in business much longer then Mr. Filmore Taylor. When the people began to migrate to Chincoteague, he closed his store too.

The Islanders were great providers for their families in spite of the fact life on the Island wasn't easy, but the people worked hard and with each other to secure the things they really needed.

In the spring and summer, the families would till the available land for home gardens. As the season progressed, wild fruits such as blueberries and grapes were gathered from the woods and preserved.

Just southeast, below the Lighthouse tower, was known as Shell road, and traces of it can be seen today. The large tracts of land were wired in for the purpose of raising many vegetable crops, to be canned for use during the winter months when traveling was bad due to so much ice and snow.

When the days were too bad for working on the water, in the fall, wood was cut and stored near the people's homes.

In December "hog killing" took place to provide meat and lard. Also sheep provided wool for clothing and food for families. Hunting was another way food was provided. Ducks, geese, and other wild life were obtained, along with the fowls raised by the settlers.

Wild Life Park Service

In 1956 the Virginia General Assembly authorized the formation of the Chincoteague-Assateague Bridge and Beach Authority. The Federal Government granted permission for a bridge to be constructed between the two islands and for a road to be built across the Wildlife Refuge to the beach. In September 1962 Chincoteague Ocean Beach was opened to the community and, seemingly, to the world. Mr. Wyle Maddox and his associates had made one of the great dreams of the people to come true by the erection of the bridge.

This first bridge was obtained in this way: A steel bridge that was being replaced in New York was purchased by the Authority. It was partly dismantled and placed on a barge for the voyage to Assateague Inlet, where it was reassembled. The task was long and drawn-out, but the stockholders were patient and the workmen were diligent. This bridge served adequately for a number of years until its replacement with a more modern structure.

Today the street leading to the bridge is called Maddox Boulevard. The road through the Wildlife Reserve is fenced on both sides and wild ponies graze leisurely on the marsh grass among the old trees.

The Chincoteague Assateague National Wildlife Refuge is an important part of the Eastern Shore, providing much interest and giving the people much entertainment.

New programs are being initiated, designed for family groups. A series of Wildlife foot trails has been established enabling the visitor to walk casually through a variety of habitat types and observe numerous species of Wildlife; many wild birds, rabbits, and raccoons can be seen along the trails.

On the Old Lighthouse Trail can be seen the waving pine trees, and the wild ponies grazing on the green meadows or marshes.

A 3 1/2 mile drive has been opened up for the tourist to enjoy.

There are many more attractions to enable the tourist to spend hours enjoying the beautiful things that nature has given, providing for those who come from far and near every year to enjoy our Wildlife Sanctuary which is being preserved for many years.

The ten mile Assateague Beach provides much enjoyment to those who visit Assateague.

The Wildlife Refuge is unique. The beach is fascinating. One enters the beach on foot. One of the best ways to enjoy the beach is to be away from the crowd, where only the pounding of the surf and singing wild birds can be heard by those who are enjoying, in relaxation, this memorable experience.

To climax the daytime, other different attractions are maintained for those who wish to enjoy a peaceful evening; a sunset cruise is provided on which a naturalist explains points of interest as they tour the Refuge by a boat that leaves the dock in summer time before sunset and returns as the sun begins to set. After a long day a free night show is provided in an air conditioned auditorium. [Note-Since the writing, some of the activities have been discontinued.]

The Wildlife Refuge not only provides a means of family entertainment, but a place of peace and quietness as well.