Chincoteague in Accomack County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Tom’s Cove Shellfishing

Assateague Island National Seashore

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, August 27, 2022

1. Tom’s Cove Shellfishing Marker

Inscription. Since Colonial times, residents of Assateague and Chincoteague Islands have depended on fish and shellfish for food. By the time of the Civil War, islanders were exporting seafood to Northern cities. Toms Cove, or Chincoteaque, oysters became nationally famous.

Today, modernized transportation and refrigeration systems have made possible an enlarged market for oysters, clams and crabs. Natural siltation in Toms Cove has caused a decrease in shellfish populations in recent years but local waterman still work a few clam and oyster beds leased from the state of Virginia. Shellfishing remains an important industry in waters around the island.

(sidebar)
oyster watchhouse
The small building visible on the opposite shore of Toms Cove is an oyster watchhouse used until about 1965.
Oyster bed owners hired watchmen to protect their valuable beds from poachers. By building a small house over the water or beside it, a vigilant watchman could guard his oyster beds day and night. A strong searchlight helped him to spot violators. Today oyster beds are patrolled by individual owners; visitors should not trespass upon them.

(captions)
Watermen scoop oysters from the bottom with long-handled tongs.

Recreational shellfishing from National

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

Wildlife Refuge lands can be done only out to the low tide line.

Erected by National Park Service, Department of the Interior.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1965.

Location. 37° 53.397′ N, 75° 20.704′ W. Marker is in Chincoteague, Virginia, in Accomack County. It is at the intersection of National Seashore Lane and Stephen Decatur Hwy (Virginia Route 611), on the right when traveling west on National Seashore Lane. Marker is located on the Visitor Center’s boardwalk. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7206 National Seashore Lane, Chincoteague Island VA 23336, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Eastern Shore.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

on the Delmarva Peninsula,

and in the Tidewater.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Coast Guard Station (here, next to this marker); Assateague Lighthouse (a few steps from this marker); Keeping the Forest Full of Life (approx. one mile away); The Wild Ponies (approx. 1.3 miles away); Welcome to Assateague Village (approx. 1.6 miles away); Still Shining…After All These Years (approx. 1.6 miles away); Assateague Light House (approx. 1.6 miles away); Miss Mollys Inn (approx. 3½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chincoteague.

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, August 27, 2022

2. Tom’s Cove Shellfishing Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on September 3, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 31, 2022, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 755 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 31, 2022, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.