"Watermen and their Wives" Tangier Island by grandmaR

Tangier Island Travel Guide: 71 reviews and 190 photos

Sign says "We Believe Jesus" - Tangier Island

Red sign out front says "This crab shanty supplies Fresh Seafood to the Fisherman's Corner Restaurant".

History

Thomas graves on Tangier Island

Tangier Island was visited in 1608 by Captain John Smith, who gave it the name. A part of the island was patented by Ambrose White in 1670. It was settled in 1686 by John Crockett and his son's families.

In 1814, it was the headquarters of a British Fleet ravaging the Chesapeake Bay. From here the fleet sail to attack Fort McHenry. The Rev. Joshua Thomas in a prayer correctly predicted the failure of the expedition (which was true and resulted in the words to the Star Spangled Banner being written).

Local Customs

Ducks in the harbor at dusk

Tangier Island has mostly been isolated from the mainland for many years and the men have made their living from the water. Now, most of their business is crabbing, particularly soft crabs.

There is a mail boat that comes each day from Crisfield, and there are now tourists that come on ferries from Crisfield, Reedville and Onancock in the summer and hunters that come in the fall and winter. In the summer people come on their own boats, and some come in their own planes. The island women do a considerable business housing and feeding the tourists.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Quiet Vacation
Cons:Limited Opportunities
In a nutshell:Fishing Crabbing and Tourists

Last visit to Tangier Island: Aug 2004
Intro Updated Oct 10, 2004
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Reviews (57)

Multi Purpose Front Garden Favorites (7)

under construction more travel advice

It's Not Just a Wall - It's A Bulletin... Favorites (7)

This little sign tacked on the wall of the Double Six Sandwich Shop and Fisherman's Deli (which I'm not sure is a going... more travel advice

Waterfront Shopping Shopping (7)

Bob got ice at the local grocery store, but if you've got a little boat and are going fishing, you can get ice and bait... more travel advice

Church across the marsh - Tangier Island

A Frame Church Off The Beaten Path (2)

Under construction more travel advice

Sports & Outdoors (3)
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Warnings Or Dangers (3)
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Transportation (10)
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Local Customs (10)
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Things to Do (2)
See All Island Tour by Golf Cart
Restaurants (7)
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Nightlife (3)
See All Watching the Sun Set
Hotels (3)
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Travelogues (5)

1 - 4 of 5

Comments (7)

Dlee Jul 25, 2008 at 8:45 PM Report Abuse

Wow, you have done a great job. Your pictures are the best. I have been thinking about a trip to Tangier. I guess no shops??? lol
hleigh99 Oct 10, 2006 at 12:50 PM Report Abuse

The orange cat's name is Otis in front of the Blue Crab Restaurant that no longer exists.
Yaqui Aug 19, 2006 at 8:37 AM Report Abuse

What a great place to visit. I love these types of vacation spots to travel too. Great tips and photographs, thanks for sharing!
calcaf38 Aug 1, 2005 at 9:24 AM Report Abuse

Hi Grandma: You sure found the cutest cats on Tangier Island. When we were there last summer, we saw a lot of borderline scary cats, matted, possibly mutated. Loved your page!
janiac Mar 21, 2005 at 7:41 PM Report Abuse

This is a day trip for me I hope to do someday soon. Thanks for your great page
lichinga Oct 10, 2004 at 7:45 AM Report Abuse

Very interesting description of how crabs get ready (poor them!)
mrclay2000 Oct 10, 2004 at 7:19 AM Report Abuse

Interesting page with its assocations and recollections of Baltimore, New Orleans and the British of 1812. Lots of typing left to do though. Neat pictures.