Since its discovery in the early 1600’s, the island of Tangier has held a special place in Virginia’s identity. Not only is this charming town a gorgeous place to visit, it also has an extensive history with crabbing, fishing, and the bay of water that may soon cause it to disappear. Here’s more on this unique island whose coastline is receding drastically every year:

Tangier is a tiny island in Accomack County located between mainland Virginia and the Eastern Shore.
Google Maps
Holding a population of 450 residents, the island is only a mile wide and stands just four feet above sea level.
J. Albert Bowden II/flickr
Tangier's sandy foundation has struggled against the Chesapeake Bay's tidal cycle for the past century, yet rising sea levels and erosion are accelerating this rate of disappearance.
Chesapeake Bay Program/flickr
Since the 1850's, the town has lost over 65% of its land.
jalbertbowdenii/flickr

Related Stories

Virginia's Most Naturally Beautiful Town Will Enchant You In The Best Way Possible

Virginia's Most Naturally Beautiful Town Will Enchant You In The Best Way Possible

 This Secluded Beachfront Restaurant In Virginia Is One Of The Most Magical Places You’ll Ever Eat

This Secluded Beachfront Restaurant In Virginia Is One Of The Most Magical Places You’ll Ever Eat

 The Mountain Lake Getaway That's Everything You Need For This Summer In Virginia

The Mountain Lake Getaway That's Everything You Need For This Summer In Virginia
Parts of coastline that were visible as recently as October are already submerged, leaving some of Tangier's roads underwater.
VICE News/YouTube
It's estimated that nearly 15 feet of the coastline disappears each year, an alarming rate that is rightfully worrisome to residents of this fishing community.
Chesapeake Bay Program/flickr
The northern part of Tangier, known as the Uppards, has already been doomed to the fate of erosion.
VICE News/YouTube
What once stood as a thriving part of the island is now little more than a strip of sand, with occasional remnants of daily life washing ashore.
Chesapeake Bay Program/flickr
Residents of Tangier are all too aware of this crisis, yet all hope has not been abandoned.
Eli Christman/flickr
Mayor James "Ooker" Eskridge is at the forefront of the "Save Tangier" movement, an effort to urge Congress to fund a seawall that would buy the island precious time against erosion.

Take a look at this video posted to YouTube by VICE News for more information:

Our thoughts are with the residents of Tangier who deal with this truly unnerving situation. To learn more about the island of Tangier, be sure to read this related article: What Life Is Like Inside The Tiny Town In Virginia With No Cars.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Virginia