Assateague, a sandy, marshy and swamp-like land off teh coast of the DelMarVa peninsula, is a paradise for beach lovers, bird watchers, photographers, hunters and fishermen. Native Americans, the first visitors, found an abundant supply of waterfowl, fish and shellfish for hunting and fishing. Assateague was patented in 1687, and early settlers farmed, raised livestock, cut timber and had salt works.

The construction of the Assateague lighthouse in 1833 encouraged the growth of the village. In 1875, the US Life Saving station was established. The men of the area worked on the water fishing, clamming, and oystering or worked for one of the fish factories or the two government agencies. Villagers migrated from the are lured by amenities on Chincoteague, the effect of the purchase of land surrounding the village, and the automation of the lighthouse. The US Fish and Wildlife Service purchased the island in 1943 as a national wildlife refuge.

Author Myrna J. Cherrix, a former town historian and teacher, came as a tourist, retired on Chincoteague, and married a "Teager." The Cherrix family roots on Assateague Island generated a deep interest in the history of the island, the lighthouse, and its people.

The Images of America series celebrates the history of neighborhoods, towns and cities across the country. Using archival photographs, each title presents the distinctive stories from teh past that shape the character of the community today. Arcadia is proud to play a part in the preservation of local heritage, making history available to all.