History of Assateague Island Told Through Photographs

Aug. 19, 2011 - PRLog -- The newest addition to Arcadia Publishing’s popular Images of America series is Assateague Island from local author Myrna J. Cherrix. The book boasts more than 200 vintage images and memories of days gone by.

Assateague, a sandy, marshy, and swamp-like land off the coast of the Delmarva Peninsula, is a paradise to beach lovers, bird watchers, photographers, hunters, and fishermen. Native Americans, the first visitors, found an abundant supply of waterfowl, fish, and shellfish for hunting and fishing.

Assateague was patented in 1687, and early settlers farmed, raised livestock, cut timber, and had salt works. The construction of the Assateague Lighthouse in 1833 encouraged the growth of the village. In 1875, the US Life Saving station was established. The men of the area worked on the water fishing, clamming, and oystering or worked for one of the fish factories or the two government agencies.

Villagers migrated from the area lured by amenities on Chincoteague, the effect of the purchase of land surrounding the village, and the automation of the lighthouse. The US Fish and Wildlife Service purchased the island in 1943 as a national wildlife refuge.

Highlights of Assateague Island:
•   Some little known facts about the history of the Assateague Lighthouse and other lighthouses in the area are documented.
•   Pictures and stories about the longest serving lighthouse keepers are included.  Many descendents of these keepers still live in the area.
•   Scenes from Assateague Village prior to its abandonment in the 1920’s are shown.
•   The Fish Factory(s) are often spoken about but few know what they actually looked like.  Images of the buildings capture the scene and give an idea of the work that was done there.

Available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at www.arcadiapublishing.com or
(888)-313-2665.

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With more than 6,000 local history titles published to date, Arcadia Publishing is the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States. Widely recognized sepia books feature hundreds of vintage historical images.