Tangier in Accomack County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Parson of the Islands
Photographed by J. J. Prats, September 7, 2016
1. The Parson of the Islands Marker
Joshua Thomas (17761853) became a skilled waterman from the in his youth and ferried clergymen from the mainland to the islands of the Chesapeake Bay. He converted to Methodism about 1807, was licensed as an exhorter (or lay preacher) and was later ordained an elder. He served the Chesapeake region for more than four decades. Known as The Parson of the Islands he traveled in a canoe called The Methodist. Thomas raised his family on Tangier Island and led many camp meetings here. According to tradition, he conducted services for British forces stationed at Fort Albion during the War of 1812 and foretold their defeat at Baltimore in 1814.
Erected 2015 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number WY-22.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures • 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 1807.
Location. 37° 49.627′ N, 75° 59.516′ W. Marker is in Tangier, Virginia, in Accomack County. It is at the intersection of Main Ridge Road and Pondarosa Road and Twin John Road, on the right when traveling south on Main Ridge Road. Marker faces the post
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: Tangier Island (here, next to this marker); Telephone Office, Post Office & Myrts (a few steps from this marker); Swain Memorial United Methodist Church (a few steps from this marker); Dr. Copter Flying Medicine to Tangier (a few steps from this marker); Tangier Island Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Tangier Island Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of 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.
Also see . . . The Parson of the Islands: The Life and Times of Joshua Thomas. 2001 book by Adam Wallace on Amazon.com. “This biography of the Rev. Joshua Thomas, embraces sketches of his contemporaries, and remarkable camp meeting scenes, revival incidents and reminiscences of the introduction of Methodism on the islands of the Chesapeake and the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia. Includes fascinating details of the occupation of Tangier Island and Harbor by a large
Photographed by J. J. Prats, September 7, 2016
2. Swain United Methodist Church with this and the Tangier Island Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 10, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 11, 2016, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,836 times since then and 77 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 11, 2016, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
