Nico and I visited a fascinating island yesterday. Tangier Island is located in the middle of Chesapeake Bay. Its elevation is listed at 3 feet! Since 1850 the island has lost 67% of its land due to the rise in sea level. The population of the island is listed at 727, with 70 kids in a K - 12 school, but it is believed that the town will need to be abandoned in the next 50 years as the water claims it. They are watermen, earning their living from crabbing. In the early 1920's they were involved with the oyster wars when fishermen from up north came with dredgers and fought with the locals who were still hand tonging. Now the economy is primarily crabs but there was evidence of deserted crab shacks and sunken boats. The people have their own dialect which scholars say developed due to isolation, not passed down from English colonists as many believe. We enjoyed talking to Mr. Parks who was 87 years old and running the marina now instead of crabbing. Despite having their home covered by sea level change the inhabitants are fervent Trump supporters. There were many religious and Trump signs across the island. Nico and I went out to dinner while we were there. Nico had the special - 4 fried soft-shelled crabs on soft white bread. I had The Bay in a Bun - one crab, one crab cake and a flounder filet in a bun.
There was a National Geographic article about the island in 1973.
The locals use the waterways in the marshes like roads. Instead of ATVs, like on Maine islands, they use jet-skis.
Mr Park's house. They mow the marsh grass for lawns. This was taken at low tide.
Like Newfoundland, everyone had their stage by the water for gear and pots. I noticed that one guy was living in his. Quite a few were deserted, as were many of the holding tanks for soft shells. However, 400 bushels of crabs are taken each day from the island to the mainland.
There were cats everywhere! A big problem is finding space for the graves (see background). Some were above ground because they are constantly flooded.
The golf carts were on little platforms so they didn't flood at high tide.
This totally captures the essence of the community.
This is one of the main streets at high tide. The major road is called Main Ridge Road. It must be the area that is 3 feet high. Luckily I was wearing water shoes but Nico had to take off his shoes and socks to walk through it. There were little minnows everywhere.
I didn't notice anybody wearing boots. Do they all just walk through it?
I can't imagine what it is like in January when it is wet and cold all the time.
I'm glad we had a chance to to see Tangier Island before it disappears. As I write this we are looking at two gigantic aircraft carriers and multiple helicopters. We are 60 miles, and what seems a hundred years, away in Norfolk, Virginia.
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