You Had to Keep On
Storms continually reshape coastal islands and challenge resilience of residents. Chincoteague is no exception. A hurricane, the Great September Gust, "leaped upon the devoted island with a scream" in 1821. A blizzard in January 1922 rammed ice into the Queen Sound Bridge and swept it away. And the fierce Ash Wednesday nor'easter in March 1962 flooded the island, damaging 1,200 homes, killing 90 wild horses, and virtually destroying the local poultry industry. "You near 'bout felt like giving up," said a local resident, "but you couldn't. You had to keep on."
[Captions:]
Nineteenth century illustration of the Great September Gust of 1821, perhaps the worst of many hurricanes in Chincoteague's recorded history. It "swept across the low south marsh flats, carrying away men and ponies like insects, rushing up the island, tearing its way through the stricken pine woods."
Hurricanes have ravaged Chincoteague, sweeping boats into the center of the island, toppling houses, and destroying businesses. More than once, residents have felt that storms have "pert near ruint" the island. (Photo from the Great Storm, August 22, 1933)
A low pressure system, new moon, and north-northeast wind combined to produce the Ash Wednesday Storm in 1962. From the destruction, residents shaped a new future including
this page online
The famous pony, Misty, gave birth to a foal named Stormy in the immediate aftermath of the 1962 nor'easter. Publicity that accompanied Stormy's arrival helped to generate relief donations.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Disasters • Environment • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1922.
Location. 37° 56.054′ N, 75° 22.615′ W. Marker is in Chincoteague, Virginia, in Accomack County. Marker is on Main Street just east of Mumford Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4080 Main St, Chincoteague Island VA 23336, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Boats and Bridges (here, next to this marker); So Terribly Helpless (here, next to this marker); Misty of Chincoteague (a few steps from this marker); Chincoteague Island Library (a few steps from this marker); Telegraph here (within shouting distance of this marker); Chincoteague's Front Door (within shouting distance of this marker); Dollars from Decoys (within shouting distance of this marker); Fish So Fine (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chincoteague.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 19, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 19, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 202 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 19, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
