A brief (but far from boring) history of Tangier Island

Discover the rich history of Tangier Island, from Indigenous fishing grounds to a War of 1812 freedom sanctuary.

Rising barely above the Chesapeake Bay’s waters, Tangier Island harbors centuries of history within its shores, from Indigenous peoples’ ancient fishing grounds to a crucial British fort that offered freedom to enslaved Americans during the War of 1812.

Today, this small Virginia island remains the state’s only watermen community primarily dependent on seafood commerce, according to the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. About 60 to 70 watermen still ply the surrounding waters in traditional Deadrise boats, Virginia’s official state vessel, continuing a maritime tradition that spans generations.

Indigenous beginnings

The island’s history runs as deep as the waters surrounding it. Archaeological evidence shows Indigenous peoples harvested marine life here for thousands of years before European arrival, the National Park Service reports. Shell middens and stone points discovered along the shores indicate that groups like the Pocomoke people from the Bay’s Eastern Shore likely traveled here in dugout canoes up to 70 feet long, taking advantage of the summer’s abundant fish and shellfish.

When Captain John Smith’s crew first spotted the island during their 1608 explorations, they named it and its neighbors the “Russell Isles,” after a crew member, Doctor Russell. By the 1670s, colonists held patents to the island, using it primarily for grazing livestock, but permanent settlement wouldn’t begin for another century.

The War of 1812

While the first recorded European settlement dates to 1778, the island’s character was profoundly shaped by its role in the War of 1812. The British established Fort Albion in 1814, creating what would become a sanctuary for self-emancipated African Americans. Named after the ancient term for England, the fort served as both a central base for British attacks along the Chesapeake and a depot for receiving escaped American slaves into British citizenship.

Nearly 1,000 enslaved people found freedom at Fort Albion. The British policy considered slaves free British citizens as soon as they set foot on British soil, which included forts and vessels. Some escaped by stealing boats or canoes, while others lit fires to attract British rescuers. Admiral Alexander Cochrane formalized this policy in April 1814, offering freed slaves the choice of joining British forces or settling in British territories in North America or the West Indies.

The fort, now submerged beneath the Chesapeake Bay, included barracks, a hospital, a church, family dwellings, and gardens. The National Park Service has designated this underwater site as part of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. When the war ended in 1815, British forces evacuated the island, ensuring no freed person was left behind unless by choice, and burned the fort before departure.

English settlers

The island’s settlers, who emigrated from England’s Cornwall and Devon regions, may have brought with them the unique accent still heard among Tangier residents today. Their cultural identity was further influenced by Methodist minister Joshua Thomas, who arrived in 1804, leaving a legacy that includes the island’s landmark Swain Memorial United Methodist Church.

By the 1840s, the island’s economy shifted from farming to seafood harvesting. In the late 19th century, oysters and blue crabs emerged as primary exports, particularly to northern markets in Baltimore and New York City.

Visiting the “Soft Crab Capital” 

Located 12 miles out in the Chesapeake Bay, Tangier Island offers visitors a unique glimpse into coastal living, the Virginia Tourism Corporation reports. Known as the “soft crab capital” of the nation, the island’s narrow streets are traversed primarily by bicycles and golf carts, creating a charm distinct from mainland Virginia.

Daily ferry service aboard the Chesapeake Breeze departs from Reedville at 10 a.m., offering a narrated 90-minute cruise to the island. Visitors have two and a half hours to explore, with options including guided mini-bus tours or walking the unspoiled beaches.

The Tangier Island History Museum, open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., tells the island’s fascinating story. Admission is $3, with free entry for children under 11, military veterans, active-duty personnel, and residents.

The island’s dining scene centers on fresh-caught seafood. Lorraine’s Seafood Restaurant, situated on Chamber’s Lane, specializes in local dishes, including its famous crab cakes. 

For overnight stays, the Brigadune Inn provides accommodations in coastal-styled rooms, including a family suite with three queen bedrooms. Visitors can browse island souvenirs at Waterman’s Hideaway Island Treasures, located near the boat dock, which offers books, t-shirts, and local crafts.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.