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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 = ChincoteagueFishingBoats.jpg |image_skyline = WestChincoteague2021.jpg
|imagesize = 250px |imagesize =
|image_caption = Fishing boats along the waterfront in Chincoteague |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


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|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 the state of ]. |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 -->
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<!-- Area --> <!-- Area -->
|unit_pref = Imperial |unit_pref = Imperial
|area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2016">{{cite web|title=2018 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2018_Gazetteer/2018_gaz_place_51.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=Feb 16, 2020}}</ref> |area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2019">{{cite web|title=2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_51.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=August 7, 2020}}</ref>
|area_magnitude = |area_magnitude =
|area_total_sq_mi = 37.48 |area_total_sq_mi = 37.48
Line 48: Line 49:


<!-- Population --> <!-- Population -->
|population_as_of = ] |population_as_of = ]
|population_footnotes = |population_footnotes =
|population_total = 2941 |population_total = 2941
|population_density_sq_mi = auto |population_density_sq_mi = 310.48


<!-- General information --> <!-- General information -->
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|timezone_DST = EDT |timezone_DST = EDT
| utc_offset_DST = &minus;4 | utc_offset_DST = &minus;4
|elevation_footnotes = |elevation_footnotes = <ref name=gnis/>
|elevation_m = 1 |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 = ] (planned) |area_code = ]
|blank_name = ] |blank_name = ]
|blank_info = 51-16512<ref name="GR2">{{cite web |url=http://factfinder.census.gov |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200212221153/http://factfinder.census.gov/main.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2020-02-12 |publisher=] |accessdate=2008-01-31 |title=American FactFinder }}</ref> |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="GR3">{{cite web|url=http://geonames.usgs.gov|accessdate=2008-01-31|title=US Board on Geographic Names|publisher=]|date=2007-10-25}}</ref> |blank1_info = 1492764<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|1492764}}</ref>
|website = |website =
|footnotes = |footnotes =
|pop_est_as_of = 2018 |pop_est_as_of = 2019
|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>
|pop_est_footnotes = <ref name="USCensusEst2018CenPopScriptOnlyDirtyFixDoNotUse"/>
|population_est = 2879 |population_est = 2875
|area_total_km2 = 97.07
|area_land_km2 = 23.98
|area_water_km2 = 73.09
|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 2,941 at the 2010 census.<ref name="Census 2010">{{Cite web |url=http://factfinder.census.gov |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200212221153/http://factfinder.census.gov/main.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 12, 2020 |title=Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (DP-1): Chincoteague town, Virginia |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder |accessdate=April 4, 2012 }}</ref> The town is known for the ], although these are not actually on the island of Chincoteague but on nearby ]. 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. '''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, &minus;75.367805).<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/gazette.html|publisher=]|accessdate=2011-04-23|date=2011-02-12|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=http://factfinder.census.gov |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200212221153/http://factfinder.census.gov/main.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 12, 2020 |title=Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Chincoteague town, Virginia |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder |accessdate=April 4, 2012 }}</ref> Chincoteague is located at {{Coord|37|56|5|N|75|22|4|W|type:city}} (37.934673, &minus;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 extended 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 ] fought in the bay in 1861. 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. 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. 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="nris" /><ref name="nps">{{cite web|url=http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/listings/20110902.htm|title=National Register of Historic Places Listings|date=2011-09-02|work=Weekly List of Actions Taken on Properties: 8/22/11 through 8/26/11|publisher=National Park Service}}</ref> 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|accessdate=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 last 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 |accessdate=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, ice cream parlors, and miniature golf courses. The island contains two museums: ], and the ]. With the designation of the nearby Wallops Island 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.<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=2017-12-24}}</ref> 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
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|2000= 4317 |2000= 4317
|2010= 2941 |2010= 2941
|2020= 3344}}
|estyear=2018
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.
|estimate=2879
|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2018CenPopScriptOnlyDirtyFixDoNotUse">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/tables.2018.html|title=Population and Housing Unit Estimates|accessdate=June 4, 2019}}</ref>
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/prod/www/decennial.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|accessdate=June 4, 2015|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150426102944/http://www.census.gov/prod/www/decennial.html|archivedate=April 26, 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/km²). There were 3,970 housing units at an average density of 412.2 per square mile (159.2/km²). 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.


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 ] for the town was $20,367. About 9.7% of families and 12.7% of the population were below the ], including 22.9% of those under age 18 and 9.4% of those age 65 or over. 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 ] for the town was $20,367. About 9.7% of families and 12.7% of the population were below the ], including 22.9% of those under age 18 and 9.4% of those age 65 or over.
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{{Weather box {{Weather box
|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)
|location = Chincoteague, Virginia
|single line = Y |single line = Y
|Jan record high F = 79 |Jan record high F = 79
Line 140: Line 142:
|Mar record high F = 86 |Mar record high F = 86
|Apr record high F = 93 |Apr record high F = 93
|May record high F = 96 |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 = 96 |Sep record high F = 96
|Oct record high F = 91 |Oct record high F = 93
|Nov record high F = 82 |Nov record high F = 82
|Dec record high F = 78 |Dec record high F = 78
|year record high F= |year record high F = 102
|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 |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
|Apr record low F = 27 |Apr record low F = 26
|May record low F = 37 |May record low F = 33
|Jun record low F = 43 |Jun record low F = 43
|Jul record low F = 53 |Jul record low F = 53
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|Nov record low F = 19 |Nov record low F = 19
|Dec record low F = 4 |Dec record low F = 4
|year record low F= |year record low F = -1
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan high F = 45
|Jan precipitation inch = 3.15
|Feb high F = 46
|Feb precipitation inch = 2.81
|Mar high F = 53
|Mar precipitation inch = 3.91
|Apr high F = 62
|Apr precipitation inch = 3.12
|May high F = 70
|May precipitation inch = 3.20
|Jun high F = 79
|Jun precipitation inch = 3.39
|Jul high F = 84
|Jul precipitation inch = 4.37
|Aug high F = 83
|Aug precipitation inch = 4.32
|Sep high F = 78
|Sep precipitation inch = 4.33
|Oct high F = 68
|Oct precipitation inch = 4.02
|Nov high F = 58
|Nov precipitation inch = 2.88
|Dec high F = 49
|Dec precipitation inch = 3.75
|year high F=
|year precipitation inch = 43.25
|Jan low F = 28
|Feb low F = 30 |Jan snow inch = 3.5
|Mar low F = 36 |Feb snow inch = 2.3
|Apr low F = 45 |Mar snow inch = 0.7
|May low F = 54 |Apr snow inch = 0.2
|Jun low F = 63 |May snow inch = 0.0
|Jul low F = 68 |Jun snow inch = 0.0
|Aug low F = 67 |Jul snow inch = 0.0
|Sep low F = 61 |Aug snow inch = 0.0
|Oct low F = 50 |Sep snow inch = 0.0
|Nov low F = 40 |Oct snow inch = 0.0
|Dec low F = 32 |Nov snow inch = 0.0
|Dec snow inch = 1.7
|year low F=
|Jan precipitation inch = 3.56 |year snow inch = 8.4
|Feb precipitation inch = 3.22 |unit precipitation days = 0.01 in
|Mar precipitation inch = 3.96 |Jan precipitation days = 10.8
|Apr precipitation inch = 2.85 |Feb precipitation days = 9.5
|May precipitation inch = 3.40 |Mar precipitation days = 10.9
|Jun precipitation inch = 3.00 |Apr precipitation days = 10.5
|Jul precipitation inch = 3.67 |May precipitation days = 11.0
|Aug precipitation inch = 3.95 |Jun precipitation days = 10.1
|Sep precipitation inch = 3.57 |Jul precipitation days = 10.7
|Oct precipitation inch = 3.04 |Aug precipitation days = 9.0
|Nov precipitation inch = 2.77 |Sep precipitation days = 8.4
|Dec precipitation inch = 3.17 |Oct precipitation days = 8.4
|year precipitation inch = |Nov precipitation days = 8.7
|Dec precipitation days = 10.5
|source 1 = The Weather Channel<ref>{{cite web |title=Chincoteague, VA Monthly Weather Forecast - weather.com |url=https://weather.com/weather/monthly/l/954733359e1475d39912eeb675f16968a804093926bb2187f151689972889e62 |website=The Weather Channel |accessdate=20 August 2019}}</ref>
|year precipitation days = 118.5
|date=August 2019
|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 = 5.0
| source 1 = ]<ref name= nws>
{{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}}

==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 209: 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 218: Line 321:
==External links== ==External links==
*{{Commons category-inline}} *{{Commons category-inline}}
*{{Wikivoyage-inline|Chincoteague}} *{{Wikivoyage inline|Chincoteague}}
* *


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] ]
] ]
]
] ]
] ]
]
]

Latest revision as of 20:16, 17 December 2024

Town in Virginia, United States
Chincoteague, Virginia
Town
West side of Chincoteague at sunrise.West side of Chincoteague at sunrise.
Flag of Chincoteague, VirginiaFlagOfficial seal of Chincoteague, VirginiaSeal
Location of Chincoteauge in Accomack County, Virginia and of Accomack County in VirginiaLocation of Chincoteauge in Accomack County, Virginia and of Accomack County in Virginia
Chincoteague is located in VirginiaChincoteagueChincoteagueLocation in Virginia and the United StatesShow map of VirginiaChincoteague is located in the United StatesChincoteagueChincoteagueChincoteague (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
CountryUnited States
StateVirginia
CountyAccomack
Incorporated1908
Government
 • MayorArthur Leonard
Area
 • Total37.48 sq mi (97.07 km)
 • Land9.26 sq mi (23.98 km)
 • Water28.22 sq mi (73.09 km)
Elevation3 ft (0.9 m)
Population
 • Total2,941
 • Estimate 2,875
 • Density310.48/sq mi (119.87/km)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
ZIP Code23336
Area code(s)757, 948
FIPS code51-16512
GNIS feature ID1492764
WebsiteOfficial 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, Virginia

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 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
The 82nd Annual Chincoteague Pony Swim
Misty of Chincoteague statue on Main Street

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

Aerial view of the Naval Auxiliary Air Station Chincoteague in the mid-1940s

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

Historical population
CensusPop.Note
19101,419
19201,418−0.1%
19302,13050.2%
19402,1420.6%
19502,72427.2%
19602,131−21.8%
19701,867−12.4%
19801,607−13.9%
19903,572122.3%
20004,31720.9%
20102,941−31.9%
20203,34413.7%

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
  1. 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

See also

References

  1. "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
  2. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Chincoteague, Virginia
  3. "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". United States Census Bureau. May 24, 2020. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  4. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  5. "Search Results".
  6. Weeks, Jennifier. "In Virginia, Encroaching Seas Pit Parking against Preservation". scientificamerican.com. Scientific American. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
  7. "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  8. "Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Chincoteague town, Virginia". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 4, 2012.
  9. ^ Kenney, Nathaniel T. "Watermen's Island Home", National Geographic, Index (January–June 1980), vol 157 (June 1980): 812.
  10. 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.
  11. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  12. "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.
  13. "Town of Chincoteague Receives Critical Flood Protection Funding".
  14. Goode, Kristin Ingwell (October 10, 2001). "Chincoteague Ponies". TheHorse.com. Retrieved July 24, 2016.
  15. "Chincoteague Ponies". Chincoteague Chamber. Retrieved March 12, 2020.
  16. "A New Kind of Tourism Is Taking Shape In Chincoteague". www.chincoteague.com. Retrieved December 24, 2017.
  17. Climate Summary for Chincoteague, Virginia
  18. "NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved July 5, 2021.
  19. "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

Virginia Towns in Virginia
Municipalities and communities of Accomack County, Virginia, United States
County seat: Accomac
Towns
Map of Virginia highlighting Accomack County
CDPs
Unincorporated
communities
Footnotes‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties
Categories: