Tangier in Accomack County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Hoistin' Bridge
Hoistin' Bridge, built at a height of 20 feet to allow most motorized boats to pass through, is the highest point on Tangier. An earlier version of the bridge is said to have had a removable center board to allow masts of sailing vessels to slip through. Pranksters would often remove the board at night, causing pedestrians to fall in the water.
Hoistin' Bridge is a traditional place for young couples to court. Courting etiquette has held that no more than three couples occupy the bridge at any time, one couple on each end and one in the center. The boys traditionally sit on the rail with the girls facing, allowing their heads to be at an equal height, making kissing easier.
Erected by Tangier History Museum & Interpretive Cultural Center.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Bridges & Viaducts • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Virginia, Tangier History Museum & Interpretive Cultural Center series list.
Location. 37° 49.243′ N, 75° 59.627′ W. Marker is in Tangier, Virginia, in Accomack County. It is on Parker Lane west of Bannys Road, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map
this page online
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 walking distance of this marker: Wading Birds (within shouting distance of this marker); Tangier Treasures (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Shirt Factory (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Banty's Wharf (about 500 feet away); Tangier Volunteer Fire Department (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Miss Minnie & Capt. Charlie Pruitt House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Muddy Toes (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Patrick Benson House (approx. Ό mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tangier.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 10, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 10, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photo 1. submitted on May 10, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide shot of the marker in context. • A photo of the bridge (may be the same photo). • Can you help?
