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Assateague—an island most unique
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The ponies of Assateague Island
Come venture out to the vast stretches of Assateague Island. Located just ¼ of a mile from Chincoteague Island, VA and eight miles off of Ocean City, MD, this wilderness is home to a multitude of birds, various other forms of wildlife and of course the wild ponies the island is renowned for.
Assateague National Seashore was officially named and established in 1962 as a means to protect this one of a kind island. By 1965, Assateague Island was recognized as a national park. The island is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service and the Department of Natural Resources.
Over 37 miles of pristine beach surround the island, encasing it as the rhythmic crashing waves stretch harmoniously onto the shoreline. The abundant flora and fauna that thrives on Assateague creates a perfect balance of peace and harmony alongside the numerous thrills and exciting adventures you may wish to pursue on your visit. Popular activities include: hiking, biking, surfing, swimming, bird watching, nature observing, fishing, claming, kayaking and boating excursions. Some boating excursions take you around the natural splendor and greenery encompassing the island, and many ride by the Assateague Lighthouse which is situated on the Virginia state portion. Before 2003, visitors were permitted to climb to the top of the lighthouse during Waterfowl Week and other periodic intervals throughout the year. By 2004, ownership changed and the lighthouse is no longer public.
Assateague Island is best known for the over 300 wild ponies that inhabit the area. Though no one knows for sure the true origin of these ponies, several theories have been presented on how these creatures came to inhabit the island. Some people believe that these are the descendents of earlier ponies and horses dating back to early colonization in the area. Another theory suggests that these ponies may have arrived on the island following the sinking of a Spanish galleon cargo ship right off the coast. In 1997, a Spanish shipwreck was uncovered not far from Assateague, giving more credence to the second theory.
Aside from ponies, Assateague Island is home to over 320 species of migratory and resident birds including: the Bald Eagle, Great Horned Owl, egrets, osprey, terns, waterfowl, heron, falcon, pelicans, geese, ducks, gulls and sandpipers. An abundance of other sorts of wildlife take up residency at Assateague as well, including: raccoons, Silka deer, white-tailed deer, the Delmarva Fox Squirrel, Virginia Opossum, river otter, red fox, bats, horseshoe crabs, the Atlantic Bottle-nosed Dolphin and a multitude of other fine and fabulous creatures.
Since 1925, Assateague Island has experienced the annual pony swim where 150 to 175 ponies swim across the Assateague channel for a three minute duration. This year’s pony swim occurred on July 29. Over 40,000 spectators gathered to witness. Due to tidal conditions, the exact time of the event is not disclosed until the day of.
Assateague Island is a beautifully rich and abundant place to come explore. For more information on Assateague Island, go to www.assateagueisland.com.
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