Local legends say that Chincoteague (SHIN-ko-teeg) ponies, an island trademark, are descendants of mine horses that survived the shipwreck of a 16th-century Spanish galleon. Most historians, however, agree that the ponies were brought over by the first English colonists, who turned the herds loose on Assateague and Chincoteague in the late 1600s when the horses began to damage their crops.
Things to do in Chincoteague Island
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge occupies the Virginia portion of Assateague Island and several barrier islands along the Atlantic coast. Chincoteague ponies and other wildlife can be observed at the 14,000-acre refuge, which protects beaches, dunes, marshes and maritime forests. Call (757) 336-6122 for more information.
8231 Beach Rd., Chincoteague Island, VA 23336
Eastern Shore Railway Museum
Eastern Shore Railway Museum is at 18468 Dunne Ave. A train depot houses railroad memorabilia and a model train exhibit. Visitors may tour antique railroad cars. Call (757) 665-7245 for more information.
18468 Dunne Ave., Parksley, VA 23336
Furnace Town Living Heritage Museum
Furnace Town Living Heritage Museum is 5 mi. n. on SR 12, then 1 mi. w. to 3816 Old Furnace Rd. This re-created 19th-century industrial village features the Nassawango Iron Furnace, Maryland's only bog-ore furnace. A 19th-century garden kitchen, broom house, blacksmith shop, church, print shop, weaver house, woodworkers shop and museum also are on the site. Year-round events include art, music, nature walks and living-history presentations. Call (410) 632-2032 for more information.
3816 Old Furnace Rd., Snow Hill, MD 23336
Ker Place
Ker Place is at 69 Market St. The Federal-style mansion was built in 1799 by merchant John Shepherd Ker. Visitors can view rooms furnished in period. Allow 30 minutes minimum. Call (757) 787-8012 for more information.
69 Market St., Onancock, VA 23336
NASA Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center
NASA Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center is off SR 13, then 5 mi. e. on SR 175. The center has an exhibit hall focusing on NASA's spaceflight and scientific research programs. Hands-on displays and audiovisual presentations also are offered. Public programs are offered on weekends. Call (757) 824-2298 for more information.