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

Tangier Island

Photographed by Kevin W., August 11, 2010

1. Tangier Island Marker

Inscription. The island was visited in 1608 by Captain John Smith, who gave it the name. A part was patented by Ambrose White in 1670. It was settled in 1686 by John Crockett and his sons’ families. In 1814, it was the headquarters of a British fleet ravaging Chesapeake Bay. From here the fleet sailed to attack Fort McHenry near Baltimore. The Rev. Joshua Thomas, in a prayer, predicted the failure of the expedition. It was in this attack that the Star-Spangled Banner was written.

Erected 1948 by Virginia Conservation Commission. (Marker Number Q-7-a.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Colonial Era • War of 1812. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1608.

Location. 37° 49.629′ N, 75° 59.519′ W. Marker is in Tangier, Virginia, in Accomack County. It is on Main Ridge Road near Ponderosa Lane. Marker is in front of the Swain Memorial United Methodist Church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 16094 Main Ridge Rd, Tangier VA 23440, 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 walking distance of this marker: The Parson of the Islands (here, next to this marker); Swain Memorial United Methodist Church

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(a few steps from this marker); Telephone Office, Post Office & Myrt’s (a few steps from this marker); Dr. Copter — Flying Medicine to Tangier (a few steps from this marker); Tangier Island Veterans Memorial (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Tangier Island Veterans Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Tangier Island World Wars I and II Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Jim's Gift Shop (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tangier.

More about this marker. Transportation on the island include many golf carts and some trucks, plus of course bikes.

Also see . . .
1. Tangier Island Guide. When you arrive, plan to leisurely stroll around the island. There are no cars, no trains, and only one historical marker. (Submitted on May 19, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.)

2. Tangier History Museum. "No visit to Tangier Island is complete without a visit to the Museum and Visitors Center." (Submitted on September 7, 2011, by Linda Walcroft of Woodstock, Virginia.)

Photographed by Willard Benner, June 4, 2006

2. Tangier Island Marker

The Swain Memorial United Methodist Church is in the background.

3. The odd accent of Tangier VA - American Tongues episode #3. A comment to the video (below): “Yes, west country England, or Plymouth area of Cornwall. I’m English, and every time I go to Cornwall on holiday and listen to a local speak, I think that’s the origin of the american accent. some people might say they sound like ‘pirates.’ Well, most of the English seafarers would have been at that time from the west country of Devon/Cornwall. If you start to tone down a ‘pirate’ accent, then it starts sounding remarkably old east coast American. Now, presumably for geographical reasons, this Tangier accent has never had the chance to be ‘toned down.’ But anyway trust me, my American friends, this accent is what most people on the ‘Mayflower’ would have sounded like.” (Submitted on November 6, 2016.)

Photographed by Kevin W., August 11, 2010

3. Tangier Island Marker

Main Ridge Road, Tangier Virginia image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, September 9, 2016

4. Main Ridge Road, Tangier Virginia

Photographed by J. J. Prats, September 9, 2016

5. Main Ridge Road, Tangier Virginia

The Beach at Tangier Island, Virginia image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, September 8, 2016

6. The Beach at Tangier Island, Virginia

A Tangier Island View image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, September 8, 2016

7. A Tangier Island View

Credits. This page was last revised on November 6, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 19, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,640 times since then and 51 times this year. Last updated on August 31, 2011, by Linda Walcroft of Woodstock, Virginia. Photos: 1. submitted on January 8, 2011, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 2. submitted on May 19, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 3. submitted on January 8, 2011, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on September 12, 2016, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.