 AssateagueThe Coast Guard |
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| (The text and photos included in these sections are from Lillian Mears Rew's book, Assateague & Chincoteague: As I Remember Them. The copyright belongs to Mrs. Rew's family, and the sections included here are reprinted by permission. Please note that the text and photos may not be reproduced in any form without prior written permission.) | |
| Assateague Life Saving Station was built and put in
action about 1875-1876. The life of the Coast Guardsmen at this time was difficult and very unpleasant, as well as a dangerous one. The Coast Guardsmen took turns and had to patrol the beach night and day regardless of the weather conditions. As they walked the beach, lanterns were used to light their way as they searched and made their "Beats" down the long beach. Equipment used to help rescue people in danger on the high seas was quite different from that of today. The crew were inexperienced, but nevertheless, many ships and lives were saved because of the quick work of the crew. The sand bars off the coast of Assateague have taken their toll during the violent Atlantic storms. Evidences of it today can be seen from time to time. Wrecked vessels, and other collections have been found on the beaches. As a child, the writer can remember stories told by the residents of Assateague and Chincoteague: When a ship was wrecked, and property taken off of it, items such as lumber, various kinds of fruits, coconuts, etc., would be gathered and used by the people living nearby.
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