Accokeek in Prince George's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Hog Island Sheep
Two hundred years ago, a flock of sheep was established on Hog Island, a barrier island off the eastern shore of Virginia. Hog Island sheep evolved to become foragers, showing excellent reproductive ability and hardiness in their harsh environment. They vary in physical appearance; most of the sheep white, though about twenty percent are black. Newborn lambs are frequently spotted over the body, but the spots usually disappear as the lambs mature. The face and legs of these sheep can be speckled brown, white, and black, or have black faces and legs. Ewes may be horned or polled and rams may have horns or are somewhat polled, with only scurs on their heads in place of horns.
Fewer than 200 annual registrations in the United States and estimated global population less than 2,000.
Erected by Accokeek Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Animals • Environment.
Location. 38° 41.575′ N, 77° 4.178′ W. Marker is in Accokeek,
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. American Milking Devon Cattle (here, next to this marker); Heritage Breeds (here, next to this marker); Leaf, Land, and People (a few steps from this marker); Science and History Together (within shouting distance of this marker); The National Colonial Farm (approx. ¼ mile away); The Potomac Heritage (approx. ¼ mile away); The Hon. Frances Payne Bolton (approx. ¼ mile away); People Shaping the Land (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Accokeek.
Additional keywords. endangered breeds, animal husbandry
Credits. This page was last revised on August 14, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 14, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 132 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 14, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
