Assateague Island, whose name means "A Running Stream Between", is currently a protected state park with a magnificent lighthouse, but this has not always been. In its earliest days, the island was home to a tribe of Indians under the leadership of Chief Kegotank. In the late 17th century, wild horses or "ponies" roamed freely and have been dated back to as early as 1676. In 1688, the first settlement was made, and the Indians began to migrate to the mainland. Life was hard for these early settlers on Assateague,  where clean white sand was used as flooring in homes, and homes were built for protection from the elements rather than for comfort. Clamming at Tom's Cove was the primary means of earning money. Wildlife was abundant on the island of Assateague at this time and throughout the 18th century. Ox and sheep roamed freely, and many migrated to the island to catch these wild animals and claim land the animals were caught on. During the spring and summer, the families of Assateague cultivated their land for home gardens. Wild fruits were collected from the woods, such as blueberries and grapes, and preserved. "Hog killing" took place in December to provide lard and meat. Clothing and food was also provided by the sheep. Hunting of the wildlife, such as ducks and geese, added to the food supply. The only access to and from Assateague was by small boats which would only go to Chincoteague.
 During the 19th century, in 1833, the first lighthouse was completed on Assateague but was deemed inefficient for what its intended purpose was, to guide ships. It was later replaced in 1865 at the end of the Civil War, when new construction began and it beamed its first light in 1867. It was a kerosene-lit lighthouse until 1993 when it became electric. In the latter half of the 19th century, around 1876, a life-saving station was built and put into action on Assateague. These early coast guards walked the beach day and night regardless of the weather conditions and saved many lives and ships because of their quick and dedicated work. The life-saving station can still be seen on a short walk towards Tom's Cove, on Assateague.
Prior to pony penning, dating as early as 1883, the island of Assateague celebrated a "sheep penning" day. Large crowds would attend, and a large feast was prepared to raise money. This tradition continued until 1914. The islanders of Assateague also held pony penning, beginning around 1902, for the same reasons, but this too, by 1914, was no longer practiced.
The island of Assateague, in 1919, built a Baptist church which marks the only church ever formed on Assateague. It lasted only until 1922, when it was abandoned and moved to  Chincoteague and converted to a small house, where it still is seen today on the eastern side of the island. It wasn't until around 1922 that the village of Assateague saw a complete decline. This was in part due to Dr. Samuel B. Field, who resided in Baltimore, Maryland. He acquired most of the land of Assateague within the Virginian border and had his overseer, a Mr. Oliphant, live in a bungalow near the old life-saving station. They refused to permit any villager to cross his property to get to Tom's Cove, where the clamming was done. With the access now closed, the islanders were forced to move off the Island and onto Chincoteague. The last recorded census of Assateague was in 1922 with approximately 225 people. |
President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a bill providing for the creation of Assateague Island, a National Seashore Park.
