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| {{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}} | |||
| {{Infobox settlement | {{Infobox settlement | ||
| |official_name = Chincoteague, Virginia | |official_name = Chincoteague, Virginia | ||
| |settlement_type = ] | |settlement_type = ] | ||
| |nickname = | |nickname = | ||
| |motto = |
|motto = | ||
| <!-- Images --> | <!-- Images --> | ||
| |image_skyline = |
|image_skyline = WestChincoteague2021.jpg | ||
| |imagesize = |
|imagesize = | ||
| |image_caption = |
|image_caption = West side of Chincoteague at sunrise. | ||
| |image_flag = | |image_flag = Flag of Chincoteague, Virginia.png | ||
| |image_seal = Seal of Chincoteague, Virginia.jpg | |image_seal = Seal of Chincoteague, Virginia.jpg | ||
| Line 15: | Line 16: | ||
| |image_map = Accomack County Virginia incorporated and unincorporated areas Chincoteague highlighted.svg | |image_map = Accomack County Virginia incorporated and unincorporated areas Chincoteague highlighted.svg | ||
| |mapsize = 260px | |mapsize = 260px | ||
| |map_caption = Location in ] and |
|map_caption = Location of Chincoteauge in ] and of Accomack County in ] | ||
| | pushpin_map = Virginia#USA | | pushpin_map = Virginia#USA | ||
| | pushpin_label_position = | | pushpin_label_position = | ||
| | pushpin_label = Chincoteague | | pushpin_label = Chincoteague | ||
| | pushpin_map_caption = Location in ] and the United States |
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in ] and the ] | ||
| <!-- Location --> | <!-- Location --> | ||
| Line 48: | Line 49: | ||
| <!-- Population --> | <!-- Population --> | ||
| |population_as_of = ] | |population_as_of = ] | ||
| |population_footnotes = | |population_footnotes = | ||
| |population_total = 2941 | |population_total = 2941 | ||
| Line 58: | Line 59: | ||
| |timezone_DST = EDT | |timezone_DST = EDT | ||
| | utc_offset_DST = −4 | | utc_offset_DST = −4 | ||
| |elevation_footnotes = | |elevation_footnotes = <ref name=gnis/> | ||
| |elevation_m = |
|elevation_m = | ||
| |elevation_ft = 3 | |elevation_ft = 3 | ||
| |coordinates = {{coord|37|56|5|N|75|22|4|W|region:US-VA_type:city|display=inline,title}} | |coordinates = {{coord|37|56|5|N|75|22|4|W|region:US-VA_type:city|display=inline,title}} | ||
| |postal_code_type = ] | |postal_code_type = ] | ||
| |postal_code = 23336 | |postal_code = 23336 | ||
| |area_code = ] |
|area_code = ] | ||
| |blank_name = ] | |blank_name = ] | ||
| |blank_info = 51-16512<ref name="GR2">{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=] |access-date= |
|blank_info = 51-16512<ref name="GR2">{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=] |access-date=January 31, 2008 |title=U.S. Census website }}</ref> | ||
| |blank1_name = ] feature ID | |blank1_name = ] feature ID | ||
| |blank1_info = 1492764<ref name= |
|blank1_info = 1492764<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|1492764}}</ref> | ||
| |website = | |website = | ||
| |footnotes = | |footnotes = | ||
| |pop_est_as_of = 2019 | |pop_est_as_of = 2019 | ||
| |pop_est_footnotes = <ref name="USCensusEst2019CenPopScriptOnlyDirtyFixDoNotUse"/> | |pop_est_footnotes = <ref name="USCensusEst2019CenPopScriptOnlyDirtyFixDoNotUse">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/tables.2019.html|date=May 24, 2020|title=Population and Housing Unit Estimates|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=May 27, 2020}}</ref> | ||
| |population_est = 2875 | |population_est = 2875 | ||
| |area_total_km2 = 97.07 | |area_total_km2 = 97.07 | ||
| Line 79: | Line 80: | ||
| |population_density_km2 = 119.87 | |population_density_km2 = 119.87 | ||
| }} | }} | ||
| '''Chincoteague''' ({{IPAc-en|ˌ|ʃ|ɪ|ŋ|k|ə|ˈ|t|iː|ɡ}} or {{IPAc-en|ˈ|ʃ|ɪ|ŋ|k|ə|t|iː|ɡ}}) is a town in ], U.S. The town includes the whole of '''Chincoteague Island''' and an area of adjacent water. The population was |
'''Chincoteague''' ({{IPAc-en|ˌ|ʃ|ɪ|ŋ|k|ə|ˈ|t|iː|ɡ}} or {{IPAc-en|ˈ|ʃ|ɪ|ŋ|k|ə|t|iː|ɡ}}) is a town in ], U.S. The town includes the whole of '''Chincoteague Island''' and an area of adjacent water. The population was 3,344 at the 2020 census.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.census.gov/search-results.html?searchType=web&cssp=SERP&q=Chincoteague%20town,%20Virginia | title=Search Results }}</ref> The town is a ] to the ] on adjacent ],<ref name="Weeks">{{cite web |last1=Weeks |first1=Jennifier |title=In Virginia, Encroaching Seas Pit Parking against Preservation |url=https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/in-virginia-encroaching-seas-pit-parking-against-preservation/ |website=scientificamerican.com |publisher=Scientific American |access-date=July 25, 2023}}</ref> the location of a popular recreational beach and home of the Virginia herd of ]. These ponies and the annual ] are the subject of ]'s 1947 children's book '']'', which was made into the 1961 family film '']'', filmed on location. | ||
| ==Geography== | ==Geography== | ||
| Chincoteague is located at {{Coord|37|56|5|N|75|22|4|W|type:city}} (37.934673, −75.367805).<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=]|access-date= |
Chincoteague is located at {{Coord|37|56|5|N|75|22|4|W|type:city}} (37.934673, −75.367805).<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=]|access-date=April 23, 2011|date=February 12, 2011|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref> According to the ], the town has a total area of {{convert|96.7|sqkm|order=flip}}, of which {{convert|23.6|sqkm|order=flip}} is land and {{convert|73.1|sqkm|order=flip}}, or 75.58%, is water.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.census.gov |title=Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Chincoteague town, Virginia |publisher=] |access-date=April 4, 2012 }}</ref> It lies at an elevation of three feet.<ref name=gnis/> | ||
| ==History== | ==History== | ||
| {{main|History of Chincoteague, Virginia}} | {{main|History of Chincoteague, Virginia}} | ||
| Chincoteague was a barrier island until the mid-1800s, when Assateague migrated so far south that it shielded Chincoteague from the ocean. |
Chincoteague was a barrier island until the mid-1800s, when Assateague migrated so far south that it shielded Chincoteague from the ocean. The year of 1650 marks the first land grant issued on Chincoteague Island, for {{convert|1500|acre|km2}}. Daniel Jenifer became the first English landowner.<ref name=NG>Kenney, Nathaniel T. "Watermen's Island Home", '']'', Index (January–June 1980), vol 157 (June 1980): 812.</ref> In 1671, settlers came to the island, and by 1672 there were large farms by Bishops, Bowdens, Jesters and Tarrs. By 1838, there were 36 houses on the island. In 1861, with the Civil War looming following the attack on ], the island voted 132–2 not to secede from the ] and against slavery. The town saw minor action in the war via the ], which was fought in the bay in 1861. | ||
| The Native American name for the island is ''Gingoteague'',<ref name=NG/> and the name of the town "Chincoteague" first appeared in the '']'' in 1943.<ref>Topping, Mary, comp., ''Approved Place Names in Virginia: An Index to Virginia Names Approved by the United States Board on Geographic Names through 1969'' (Charlottesville, VA: University Press of Virginia, 1971), 32.</ref> | The Native American name for the island is ''Gingoteague'',<ref name=NG/> and the name of the town "Chincoteague" first appeared in the '']'' in 1943.<ref>Topping, Mary, comp., ''Approved Place Names in Virginia: An Index to Virginia Names Approved by the United States Board on Geographic Names through 1969'' (Charlottesville, VA: University Press of Virginia, 1971), 32.</ref> | ||
| In 1962, a major ] winter storm, the ], struck the coast. The town was completely underwater, and went for days without electricity. |
In 1962, a major ] winter storm, the ], struck the coast. The town was completely underwater, and went for days without electricity. The storm destroyed almost all structures on Assateague Island, where development was just beginning. Following this, most of the island was preserved from development as ] in 1965. | ||
| The ] and ] are listed on the ].<ref name="nris">{{NRISref|version=2010a}}</ref><ref name="nps">{{cite web|url=http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/listings/20110902.htm|title=National Register of Historic Places Listings|date=2011 |
The ] and ] are listed on the ].<ref name="nris">{{NRISref|version=2010a}}</ref><ref name="nps">{{cite web|url=http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/listings/20110902.htm|title=National Register of Historic Places Listings|date=September 2, 2011|work=Weekly List of Actions Taken on Properties: 8/22/11 through 8/26/11|publisher=National Park Service|access-date=May 14, 2013|archive-date=October 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024070603/http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/listings/20110902.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
| In March 2020, the town received critical flood protection funding ($53.9 million).<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cbf.org/news-media/newsroom/2024/virginia/town-of-chincoteague-receives-critical-flood-protection-funding.html | title=Town of Chincoteague Receives Critical Flood Protection Funding }}</ref> | |||
| ===Chincoteague Ponies=== | |||
| {{Main|Chincoteague pony}} | |||
| Legend has it that the ] on Assateague are descendants of survivors of a Spanish ] that sank on its way to ] during a storm in 1750 off the east coast, but the likelihood is that they are actually descended from domesticated stock, brought to the island by Eastern Shore farmers in the 17th century to avoid fencing requirements and taxation.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Goode|first1=Kristin Ingwell|title=Chincoteague Ponies|url=http://www.thehorse.com/articles/10654/chincoteague-ponies|website=TheHorse.com|access-date=24 July 2016|date=10 October 2001}}</ref> | |||
| ===Chincoteague ponies=== | |||
| In the ], which has been held annually since 1925, horses swim across the shallow water between the islands. At "slack tide" on the Wednesday before the last Thursday of every July, Chincoteague's "Saltwater Cowboys" herd the wild Chincoteague ponies from Assateague Island, across the Assateague Channel, to neighboring Chincoteague Island. <ref>{{cite web |title=Chincoteague Ponies |url=https://www.chincoteaguechamber.com/pony-penning/ |website=Chincoteague Chamber |access-date=12 March 2020}}</ref> If any animal is too small or weak to make the swim, it is placed on a barge and ferried over. All the horses are herded into large pens after running through the middle of town and down Main Street. Pony Penning takes place on the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July. The actual swim occurs on Wednesday, the ] auctions that year's foals on Thursday, and on Friday the remaining ponies swim back to Assateague. | |||
| {{Main|Chincoteague pony}} | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| Legend has it that the ] on Assateague are descendants of survivors of a Spanish ] that sank on its way to ] during a storm in 1750 off the east coast, but the likelihood is that they are actually descended from domesticated stock, brought to the island by Eastern Shore farmers in the 17th century to avoid fencing requirements and taxation.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Goode|first1=Kristin Ingwell|title=Chincoteague Ponies|url=http://www.thehorse.com/articles/10654/chincoteague-ponies|website=TheHorse.com|access-date=July 24, 2016|date=October 10, 2001}}</ref> | |||
| In the ], which has been held annually since 1925, horses swim across the shallow water between the islands. At "slack tide" on the Wednesday before the last Thursday of every July, Chincoteague's "Saltwater Cowboys" herd the wild Chincoteague ponies from Assateague Island, across the Assateague Channel, to neighboring Chincoteague Island.<ref>{{cite web |title=Chincoteague Ponies |url=https://www.chincoteaguechamber.com/pony-penning/ |website=Chincoteague Chamber |access-date=March 12, 2020}}</ref> If any animal is too small or weak to make the swim, it is placed on a barge and ferried over. All the horses are herded into large pens after running through the middle of town and down Main Street. Pony Penning takes place on the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July. The actual swim occurs on Wednesday, the ] auctions that year's foals on Thursday, and on Friday the remaining ponies swim back to Assateague. | |||
| ] | |||
| ==Tourism== | ==Tourism== | ||
| ] | ] | ||
| The town features numerous small hotels, ]s, and campgrounds that serve visitors to the region, such as those patronizing the beaches. The island also features many restaurants, miniature golf courses and ice cream parlors, including ]. The island contains two museums: ], and the ]. With the designation of the nearby ] as the launch site for the ] and ] used to resupply the International Space Station, there are large influxes of tourists whenever an Antares launch occurs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.chincoteague.com/articles/antares.html|title=A New Kind of Tourism Is Taking Shape In Chincoteague|website=www.chincoteague.com|access-date= |
The town features numerous small hotels, ]s, and campgrounds that serve visitors to the region, such as those patronizing the beaches. The island also features many restaurants, miniature golf courses and ice cream parlors, including ]. The island contains two museums: ], and the ]. With the designation of the nearby ] as the launch site for the ] and ] used to resupply the International Space Station, there are large influxes of tourists whenever an Antares launch occurs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.chincoteague.com/articles/antares.html|title=A New Kind of Tourism Is Taking Shape In Chincoteague|website=www.chincoteague.com|access-date=December 24, 2017}}</ref> | ||
| ==Demographics== | ==Demographics== | ||
| {{US Census population | {{US Census population | ||
| |align=left | |||
| |1910= 1419 | |1910= 1419 | ||
| |1920= 1418 | |1920= 1418 | ||
| Line 119: | Line 123: | ||
| |2000= 4317 | |2000= 4317 | ||
| |2010= 2941 | |2010= 2941 | ||
| |2020= 3344}} | |||
| |estyear=2019 | |||
| |estimate=2875 | |||
| |estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2019CenPopScriptOnlyDirtyFixDoNotUse">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/tables.2019.html|date=May 24, 2020|title=Population and Housing Unit Estimates|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=May 27, 2020}}</ref> | |||
| |footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015}}</ref> | |||
| }} | |||
| As of the ]<ref name="GR2" /> of 2000, there were 4,317 people, 2,068 households, and 1,244 families residing in the town. The ] was 448.2 people per square mile (173.1/km<sup>2</sup>). There were 3,970 housing units at an average density of 412.2 per square mile (159.2/km<sup>2</sup>). The racial makeup of the town was 96.92% ], 0.95% ], 0.28% ], 0.28% ], 0.37% from ], and 1.20% from two or more races. ] or ] of any race were 0.53% of the population. | As of the ]<ref name="GR2" /> of 2000, there were 4,317 people, 2,068 households, and 1,244 families residing in the town. The ] was 448.2 people per square mile (173.1/km<sup>2</sup>). There were 3,970 housing units at an average density of 412.2 per square mile (159.2/km<sup>2</sup>). The racial makeup of the town was 96.92% ], 0.95% ], 0.28% ], 0.28% ], 0.37% from ], and 1.20% from two or more races. ] or ] of any race were 0.53% of the population. | ||
| There were 2,068 households, out of which 21.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.8% were ] living together, 8.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.8% were non-families. 33.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.08 and the average family size was 2.63. | There were 2,068 households, out of which 21.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.8% were ] living together, 8.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.8% were non-families. 33.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.08 and the average family size was 2.63. | ||
| ] | |||
| In the town, the population was spread out, with 18.0% under the age of 18, 5.5% from 18 to 24, 24.7% from 25 to 44, 30.9% from 45 to 64, and 20.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.8 males. | In the town, the population was spread out, with 18.0% under the age of 18, 5.5% from 18 to 24, 24.7% from 25 to 44, 30.9% from 45 to 64, and 20.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.8 males. | ||
| Line 138: | Line 136: | ||
| {{Weather box | {{Weather box | ||
| |location = ], Virginia ( |
|location = ], Virginia (1991–2020 normals,{{efn|Mean monthly maxima and minima (i.e. the highest and lowest temperature readings during an entire month or year) calculated based on data at said thread from 1991 to 2020.}} extremes 1948–present) | ||
| |single line = Y | |single line = Y | ||
| |Jan high F = |
|Jan record high F = 79 | ||
| |Feb high F = |
|Feb record high F = 79 | ||
| |Mar high F = |
|Mar record high F = 86 | ||
| |Apr high F = |
|Apr record high F = 93 | ||
| |May high F = |
|May record high F = 97 | ||
| |Jun high F = 80.3 | |||
| |Jul high F = 85.0 | |||
| |Aug high F = 83.3 | |||
| |Sep high F = 77.6 | |||
| |Oct high F = 68.1 | |||
| |Nov high F = 58.6 | |||
| |Dec high F = 49.0 | |||
| |year high F= 65.2 | |||
| |Jan low F = 28.3 | |||
| |Feb low F = 30.4 | |||
| |Mar low F = 36.3 | |||
| |Apr low F = 44.9 | |||
| |May low F = 54.0 | |||
| |Jun low F = 64.0 | |||
| |Jul low F = 69.1 | |||
| |Aug low F = 67.7 | |||
| |Sep low F = 61.4 | |||
| |Oct low F = 50.2 | |||
| |Nov low F = 40.8 | |||
| |Dec low F = 32.1 | |||
| |year low F= 48.4 | |||
| |Jan avg record high F =65.0 | |||
| |Feb avg record high F =66.3 | |||
| |Mar avg record high F =74.4 | |||
| |Apr avg record high F =82.0 | |||
| |May avg record high F =87.6 | |||
| |Jun avg record high F =92.1 | |||
| |Jul avg record high F =94.7 | |||
| |Aug avg record high F =93.2 | |||
| |Sep avg record high F =89.3 | |||
| |Oct avg record high F =82.2 | |||
| |Nov avg record high F =74.0 | |||
| |Dec avg record high F =66.7 | |||
| |year avg record high F=95.6 | |||
| |Jan avg record low F = 12.1 | |||
| |Feb avg record low F = 16.7 | |||
| |Mar avg record low F = 22.1 | |||
| |Apr avg record low F = 31.8 | |||
| |May avg record low F = 41.3 | |||
| |Jun avg record low F = 51.9 | |||
| |Jul avg record low F = 59.0 | |||
| |Aug avg record low F = 57.9 | |||
| |Sep avg record low F = 48.1 | |||
| |Oct avg record low F = 35.8 | |||
| |Nov avg record low F = 26.5 | |||
| |Dec avg record low F = 17.1 | |||
| |year avg record low F= 9.2 | |||
| |Jan record high F = 79 | |||
| |Feb record high F = 79 | |||
| |Mar record high F = 86 | |||
| |Apr record high F = 93 | |||
| |May record high F = 97 | |||
| |Jun record high F = 100 | |Jun record high F = 100 | ||
| |Jul record high F = 102 | |Jul record high F = 102 | ||
| |Aug record high F = 100 | |Aug record high F = 100 | ||
| |Sep record high F = |
|Sep record high F = 96 | ||
| |Oct record high F = |
|Oct record high F = 93 | ||
| |Nov record high F = |
|Nov record high F = 82 | ||
| |Dec record high F = |
|Dec record high F = 78 | ||
| |year record high F = 102 | |||
| |Jan record |
|Jan avg record high F = 66 | ||
| |Feb avg record high F = 68 | |||
| |Mar avg record high F = 75 | |||
| |Apr avg record high F = 82 | |||
| |May avg record high F = 88 | |||
| |Jun avg record high F = 93 | |||
| |Jul avg record high F = 96 | |||
| |Aug avg record high F = 93 | |||
| |Sep avg record high F = 89 | |||
| |Oct avg record high F = 83 | |||
| |Nov avg record high F = 74 | |||
| |Dec avg record high F = 68 | |||
| |year avg record high F = 96 | |||
| |Jan high F = 46.2 | |||
| |Feb high F = 48.5 | |||
| |Mar high F = 54.5 | |||
| |Apr high F = 64.3 | |||
| |May high F = 72.7 | |||
| |Jun high F = 81.3 | |||
| |Jul high F = 86.1 | |||
| |Aug high F = 84.2 | |||
| |Sep high F = 78.7 | |||
| |Oct high F = 69.1 | |||
| |Nov high F = 58.8 | |||
| |Dec high F = 50.5 | |||
| |year high F = 66.2 | |||
| |Jan mean F = 37.9 | |||
| |Feb mean F = 39.8 | |||
| |Mar mean F = 45.8 | |||
| |Apr mean F = 55.1 | |||
| |May mean F = 64.1 | |||
| |Jun mean F = 73.2 | |||
| |Jul mean F = 78.2 | |||
| |Aug mean F = 76.5 | |||
| |Sep mean F = 70.8 | |||
| |Oct mean F = 60.2 | |||
| |Nov mean F = 49.7 | |||
| |Dec mean F = 42.0 | |||
| |year mean F = 57.8 | |||
| |Jan low F = 29.5 | |||
| |Feb low F = 31.1 | |||
| |Mar low F = 37.0 | |||
| |Apr low F = 45.9 | |||
| |May low F = 55.5 | |||
| |Jun low F = 65.1 | |||
| |Jul low F = 70.4 | |||
| |Aug low F = 68.7 | |||
| |Sep low F = 63.0 | |||
| |Oct low F = 51.4 | |||
| |Nov low F = 40.7 | |||
| |Dec low F = 33.5 | |||
| |year low F = 49.3 | |||
| |Jan avg record low F = 12 | |||
| |Feb avg record low F = 17 | |||
| |Mar avg record low F = 22 | |||
| |Apr avg record low F = 32 | |||
| |May avg record low F = 42 | |||
| |Jun avg record low F = 52 | |||
| |Jul avg record low F = 61 | |||
| |Aug avg record low F = 59 | |||
| |Sep avg record low F = 50 | |||
| |Oct avg record low F = 36 | |||
| |Nov avg record low F = 26 | |||
| |Dec avg record low F = 19 | |||
| |year avg record low F = 10 | |||
| |Jan record low F = 0 | |||
| |Feb record low F = −1 | |Feb record low F = −1 | ||
| |Mar record low F = 14 | |Mar record low F = 14 | ||
| Line 216: | Line 227: | ||
| |Oct record low F = 29 | |Oct record low F = 29 | ||
| |Nov record low F = 19 | |Nov record low F = 19 | ||
| |Dec record low F = |
|Dec record low F = 4 | ||
| |year record low F = -1 | |||
| |precipitation colour = green | |precipitation colour = green | ||
| |Jan precipitation inch = 3. |
|Jan precipitation inch = 3.15 | ||
| |Feb precipitation inch = 2. |
|Feb precipitation inch = 2.81 | ||
| |Mar precipitation inch = |
|Mar precipitation inch = 3.91 | ||
| |Apr precipitation inch = 3. |
|Apr precipitation inch = 3.12 | ||
| |May precipitation inch = |
|May precipitation inch = 3.20 | ||
| |Jun precipitation inch = 3. |
|Jun precipitation inch = 3.39 | ||
| |Jul precipitation inch = 4. |
|Jul precipitation inch = 4.37 | ||
| |Aug precipitation inch = 4. |
|Aug precipitation inch = 4.32 | ||
| |Sep precipitation inch = |
|Sep precipitation inch = 4.33 | ||
| |Oct precipitation inch = |
|Oct precipitation inch = 4.02 | ||
| |Nov precipitation inch = 2. |
|Nov precipitation inch = 2.88 | ||
| |Dec precipitation inch = 3. |
|Dec precipitation inch = 3.75 | ||
| |year precipitation inch= |
|year precipitation inch = 43.25 | ||
| | |
|Jan snow inch = 3.5 | ||
| | |
|Feb snow inch = 2.3 | ||
| | |
|Mar snow inch = 0.7 | ||
| | |
|Apr snow inch = 0.2 | ||
| | |
|May snow inch = 0.0 | ||
| | |
|Jun snow inch = 0.0 | ||
| | |
|Jul snow inch = 0.0 | ||
| | |
|Aug snow inch = 0.0 | ||
| | |
|Sep snow inch = 0.0 | ||
| | |
|Oct snow inch = 0.0 | ||
| | |
|Nov snow inch = 0.0 | ||
| | |
|Dec snow inch = 1.7 | ||
| |year snow inch= | |year snow inch = 8.4 | ||
| |unit precipitation days = 0.01 in | |unit precipitation days = 0.01 in | ||
| |Jan precipitation days = 10. |
|Jan precipitation days = 10.8 | ||
| |Feb precipitation days = |
|Feb precipitation days = 9.5 | ||
| |Mar precipitation days = 10. |
|Mar precipitation days = 10.9 | ||
| |Apr precipitation days = |
|Apr precipitation days = 10.5 | ||
| |May precipitation days = |
|May precipitation days = 11.0 | ||
| |Jun precipitation days = 10.1 | |Jun precipitation days = 10.1 | ||
| |Jul precipitation days = 10. |
|Jul precipitation days = 10.7 | ||
| |Aug precipitation days = |
|Aug precipitation days = 9.0 | ||
| |Sep precipitation days = |
|Sep precipitation days = 8.4 | ||
| |Oct precipitation days = |
|Oct precipitation days = 8.4 | ||
| |Nov precipitation days = |
|Nov precipitation days = 8.7 | ||
| |Dec precipitation days = 10. |
|Dec precipitation days = 10.5 | ||
| |year precipitation days= | |year precipitation days = 118.5 | ||
| |unit snow days = 0.1 in | |unit snow days = 0.1 in | ||
| | |
|Jan snow days = 2.0 | ||
| | |
|Feb snow days = 1.4 | ||
| | |
|Mar snow days = 0.8 | ||
| | |
|Apr snow days = 0.1 | ||
| | |
|May snow days = 0.0 | ||
| | |
|Jun snow days = 0.0 | ||
| | |
|Jul snow days = 0.0 | ||
| | |
|Aug snow days = 0.0 | ||
| | |
|Sep snow days = 0.0 | ||
| | |
|Oct snow days = 0.0 | ||
| | |
|Nov snow days = 0.0 | ||
| | |
|Dec snow days = 0.7 | ||
| |year snow days= | |year snow days = 5.0 | ||
| | source 1 = ]<ref name= nws> | |||
| |source 1 = ]<ref name="NWS Wakefield, VA (AKQ) - WALthr">{{cite web |url = https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=akq |title = NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data |publisher = ] |access-date = 2020-09-04}}</ref><ref name="NCDC TXT KWAL">{{cite web |url=ftp://ftp.ncdc.noaa.gov/pub/data/normals/1981-2010/products/station/USW00093739.normals.txt |publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |title=Station Name: VA WALLOPS ISLAND FLIGHT FAC |access-date=2020-09-04}}</ref> | |||
| {{cite web | |||
| | url = https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=akq | |||
| | title = NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data | |||
| | publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | |||
| | access-date = July 5, 2021}}</ref><ref name=NCEI> | |||
| {{cite web | |||
| | url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&startDate=0001-01-01&endDate=9996-12-31&stations=USW00093739&format=pdf | |||
| | title = Station: Wallops Island Flight FAC, VA | |||
| | work = U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991-2020) | |||
| | publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | |||
| | access-date = July 5, 2021}}</ref> | |||
| }} | }} | ||
| ;Notes: {{notelist}} | ;Notes: | ||
| {{notelist}} | |||
| ==Transportation== | |||
| ===Major highways=== | |||
| *{{jct|state=VA|VA|175}} | |||
| ===Public transportation=== | |||
| ] provides ] services, linking Chincoteague with ] and other communities in Accomack and ] counties on the Eastern Shore. | |||
| ==Notable people== | ==Notable people== | ||
| Line 280: | Line 311: | ||
| * ], actor on stage, film, and television; born in Chincoteague in 1935; drowned in 1978 in the ] | * ], actor on stage, film, and television; born in Chincoteague in 1935; drowned in 1978 in the ] | ||
| * ], actor and comedian, born in Chincoteague in 1940 | * ], actor and comedian, born in Chincoteague in 1940 | ||
| *], restaurateur, born in Chincoteague in 1787 | |||
| ==See also== | ==See also== | ||
| Line 289: | Line 321: | ||
| ==External links== | ==External links== | ||
| *{{Commons category-inline}} | *{{Commons category-inline}} | ||
| *{{Wikivoyage |
*{{Wikivoyage inline|Chincoteague}} | ||
| * | * | ||
| Line 303: | Line 335: | ||
| ] | ] | ||
| ] | ] | ||
| ] | |||
Latest revision as of 20:16, 17 December 2024
Town in Virginia, United States
| Chincoteague, Virginia | |
|---|---|
| Town | |
 West side of Chincoteague at sunrise. | |
 Flag Seal | |
 Location of Chincoteauge in Accomack County, Virginia and of Accomack County in Virginia | |
  ChincoteagueLocation in Virginia and the United StatesShow map of Virginia ChincoteagueChincoteague (the United States)Show map of the United States | |
| Coordinates: 37°56′5″N 75°22′4″W / 37.93472°N 75.36778°W / 37.93472; -75.36778 | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Virginia |
| County | Accomack |
| Incorporated | 1908 |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Arthur Leonard |
| Area | |
| • Total | 37.48 sq mi (97.07 km) |
| • Land | 9.26 sq mi (23.98 km) |
| • Water | 28.22 sq mi (73.09 km) |
| Elevation | 3 ft (0.9 m) |
| Population | |
| • Total | 2,941 |
| • Estimate | 2,875 |
| • Density | 310.48/sq mi (119.87/km) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| ZIP Code | 23336 |
| Area code(s) | 757, 948 |
| FIPS code | 51-16512 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1492764 |
| Website | Official website |
Chincoteague (/ˌʃɪŋkəˈtiːɡ/ or /ˈʃɪŋkətiːɡ/) is a town in Accomack County, Virginia, U.S. The town includes the whole of Chincoteague Island and an area of adjacent water. The population was 3,344 at the 2020 census. The town is a tourist gateway to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on adjacent Assateague Island, the location of a popular recreational beach and home of the Virginia herd of Chincoteague Ponies. These ponies and the annual Pony Swim are the subject of Marguerite Henry's 1947 children's book Misty of Chincoteague, which was made into the 1961 family film Misty, filmed on location.
Geography
Chincoteague is located at 37°56′5″N 75°22′4″W / 37.93472°N 75.36778°W / 37.93472; -75.36778 (37.934673, −75.367805). According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 37.3 square miles (96.7 km), of which 9.1 square miles (23.6 km) is land and 28.2 square miles (73.1 km), or 75.58%, is water. It lies at an elevation of three feet.
History
Main article: History of Chincoteague, VirginiaChincoteague was a barrier island until the mid-1800s, when Assateague migrated so far south that it shielded Chincoteague from the ocean. The year of 1650 marks the first land grant issued on Chincoteague Island, for 1,500 acres (6.1 km). Daniel Jenifer became the first English landowner. In 1671, settlers came to the island, and by 1672 there were large farms by Bishops, Bowdens, Jesters and Tarrs. By 1838, there were 36 houses on the island. In 1861, with the Civil War looming following the attack on Fort Sumter, the island voted 132–2 not to secede from the Union and against slavery. The town saw minor action in the war via the Battle of Cockle Creek, which was fought in the bay in 1861.
The Native American name for the island is Gingoteague, and the name of the town "Chincoteague" first appeared in the Decisions of the United States Board on Geographic Names in 1943.
In 1962, a major nor'easter winter storm, the Ash Wednesday Storm, struck the coast. The town was completely underwater, and went for days without electricity. The storm destroyed almost all structures on Assateague Island, where development was just beginning. Following this, most of the island was preserved from development as Assateague Island National Seashore in 1965.
The Assateague Lighthouse and Captain Timothy Hill House are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In March 2020, the town received critical flood protection funding ($53.9 million).
Chincoteague ponies
Main article: Chincoteague pony
Legend has it that the feral ponies on Assateague are descendants of survivors of a Spanish galleon that sank on its way to Spain during a storm in 1750 off the east coast, but the likelihood is that they are actually descended from domesticated stock, brought to the island by Eastern Shore farmers in the 17th century to avoid fencing requirements and taxation.
In the Pony Penning, which has been held annually since 1925, horses swim across the shallow water between the islands. At "slack tide" on the Wednesday before the last Thursday of every July, Chincoteague's "Saltwater Cowboys" herd the wild Chincoteague ponies from Assateague Island, across the Assateague Channel, to neighboring Chincoteague Island. If any animal is too small or weak to make the swim, it is placed on a barge and ferried over. All the horses are herded into large pens after running through the middle of town and down Main Street. Pony Penning takes place on the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July. The actual swim occurs on Wednesday, the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company auctions that year's foals on Thursday, and on Friday the remaining ponies swim back to Assateague.
Tourism
The town features numerous small hotels, bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds that serve visitors to the region, such as those patronizing the beaches. The island also features many restaurants, miniature golf courses and ice cream parlors, including Island Creamery. The island contains two museums: Beebe Ranch, and the Museum of Chincoteague Island. With the designation of the nearby Wallops Flight Facility as the launch site for the Antares rocket and Cygnus cargo module used to resupply the International Space Station, there are large influxes of tourists whenever an Antares launch occurs.
Demographics
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 | 1,419 | — | |
| 1920 | 1,418 | −0.1% | |
| 1930 | 2,130 | 50.2% | |
| 1940 | 2,142 | 0.6% | |
| 1950 | 2,724 | 27.2% | |
| 1960 | 2,131 | −21.8% | |
| 1970 | 1,867 | −12.4% | |
| 1980 | 1,607 | −13.9% | |
| 1990 | 3,572 | 122.3% | |
| 2000 | 4,317 | 20.9% | |
| 2010 | 2,941 | −31.9% | |
| 2020 | 3,344 | 13.7% |
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,317 people, 2,068 households, and 1,244 families residing in the town. The population density was 448.2 people per square mile (173.1/km). There were 3,970 housing units at an average density of 412.2 per square mile (159.2/km). The racial makeup of the town was 96.92% White, 0.95% African American, 0.28% Native American, 0.28% Asian, 0.37% from other races, and 1.20% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.53% of the population.
There were 2,068 households, out of which 21.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.8% were married couples living together, 8.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.8% were non-families. 33.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.08 and the average family size was 2.63.
In the town, the population was spread out, with 18.0% under the age of 18, 5.5% from 18 to 24, 24.7% from 25 to 44, 30.9% from 45 to 64, and 20.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.8 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $28,514, and the median income for a family was $33,425. Males had a median income of $27,075 versus $20,859 for females. The per capita income for the town was $20,367. About 9.7% of families and 12.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.9% of those under age 18 and 9.4% of those age 65 or over.
Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Chincoteague has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.
| Climate data for Wallops Island Flight Facility, Virginia (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1948–present) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 79 (26) |
79 (26) |
86 (30) |
93 (34) |
97 (36) |
100 (38) |
102 (39) |
100 (38) |
96 (36) |
93 (34) |
82 (28) |
78 (26) |
102 (39) |
| Mean maximum °F (°C) | 66 (19) |
68 (20) |
75 (24) |
82 (28) |
88 (31) |
93 (34) |
96 (36) |
93 (34) |
89 (32) |
83 (28) |
74 (23) |
68 (20) |
96 (36) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 46.2 (7.9) |
48.5 (9.2) |
54.5 (12.5) |
64.3 (17.9) |
72.7 (22.6) |
81.3 (27.4) |
86.1 (30.1) |
84.2 (29.0) |
78.7 (25.9) |
69.1 (20.6) |
58.8 (14.9) |
50.5 (10.3) |
66.2 (19.0) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 37.9 (3.3) |
39.8 (4.3) |
45.8 (7.7) |
55.1 (12.8) |
64.1 (17.8) |
73.2 (22.9) |
78.2 (25.7) |
76.5 (24.7) |
70.8 (21.6) |
60.2 (15.7) |
49.7 (9.8) |
42.0 (5.6) |
57.8 (14.3) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 29.5 (−1.4) |
31.1 (−0.5) |
37.0 (2.8) |
45.9 (7.7) |
55.5 (13.1) |
65.1 (18.4) |
70.4 (21.3) |
68.7 (20.4) |
63.0 (17.2) |
51.4 (10.8) |
40.7 (4.8) |
33.5 (0.8) |
49.3 (9.6) |
| Mean minimum °F (°C) | 12 (−11) |
17 (−8) |
22 (−6) |
32 (0) |
42 (6) |
52 (11) |
61 (16) |
59 (15) |
50 (10) |
36 (2) |
26 (−3) |
19 (−7) |
10 (−12) |
| Record low °F (°C) | 0 (−18) |
−1 (−18) |
14 (−10) |
26 (−3) |
33 (1) |
43 (6) |
53 (12) |
48 (9) |
43 (6) |
29 (−2) |
19 (−7) |
4 (−16) |
−1 (−18) |
| Average precipitation inches (mm) | 3.15 (80) |
2.81 (71) |
3.91 (99) |
3.12 (79) |
3.20 (81) |
3.39 (86) |
4.37 (111) |
4.32 (110) |
4.33 (110) |
4.02 (102) |
2.88 (73) |
3.75 (95) |
43.25 (1,099) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 3.5 (8.9) |
2.3 (5.8) |
0.7 (1.8) |
0.2 (0.51) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
1.7 (4.3) |
8.4 (21) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) | 10.8 | 9.5 | 10.9 | 10.5 | 11.0 | 10.1 | 10.7 | 9.0 | 8.4 | 8.4 | 8.7 | 10.5 | 118.5 |
| Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) | 2.0 | 1.4 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 5.0 |
| Source: NOAA | |||||||||||||
- Notes
- Mean monthly maxima and minima (i.e. the highest and lowest temperature readings during an entire month or year) calculated based on data at said thread from 1991 to 2020.
Transportation
Major highways
Public transportation
STAR Transit provides public transit services, linking Chincoteague with Oak Hall and other communities in Accomack and Northampton counties on the Eastern Shore.
Notable people
- Delbert "Cigar" Daisey, waterfowl decoy wood carver
- Bill Hinnant, actor on stage, film, and television; born in Chincoteague in 1935; drowned in 1978 in the Dominican Republic
- Skip Hinnant, actor and comedian, born in Chincoteague in 1940
- Thomas Downing, restaurateur, born in Chincoteague in 1787
See also
References
- "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
- ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Chincoteague, Virginia
- "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". United States Census Bureau. May 24, 2020. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
- ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
- "Search Results".
- Weeks, Jennifier. "In Virginia, Encroaching Seas Pit Parking against Preservation". scientificamerican.com. Scientific American. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
- "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
- "Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Chincoteague town, Virginia". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 4, 2012.
- ^ Kenney, Nathaniel T. "Watermen's Island Home", National Geographic, Index (January–June 1980), vol 157 (June 1980): 812.
- Topping, Mary, comp., Approved Place Names in Virginia: An Index to Virginia Names Approved by the United States Board on Geographic Names through 1969 (Charlottesville, VA: University Press of Virginia, 1971), 32.
- "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
- "National Register of Historic Places Listings". Weekly List of Actions Taken on Properties: 8/22/11 through 8/26/11. National Park Service. September 2, 2011. Archived from the original on October 24, 2012. Retrieved May 14, 2013.
- "Town of Chincoteague Receives Critical Flood Protection Funding".
- Goode, Kristin Ingwell (October 10, 2001). "Chincoteague Ponies". TheHorse.com. Retrieved July 24, 2016.
- "Chincoteague Ponies". Chincoteague Chamber. Retrieved March 12, 2020.
- "A New Kind of Tourism Is Taking Shape In Chincoteague". www.chincoteague.com. Retrieved December 24, 2017.
- Climate Summary for Chincoteague, Virginia
- "NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved July 5, 2021.
- "Station: Wallops Island Flight FAC, VA". U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991-2020). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved July 5, 2021.
External links
Media related to Chincoteague Island (Virginia) at Wikimedia Commons
Chincoteague travel guide from Wikivoyage- Town of Chincoteague official website
