Created as navigational tools, lighthouses delight and enthrall thousands or admirers. Of equal interest are the tales of the men of the United States Lifesaving Service, the forerunner of thoday's Coast Guard. More than 200 images included!

The history of Wallops Island has been one of transitin. As the centuries passed, the wilderness of the island was radically altered by the influx of colonists, then vacationers, and, eventually, some of the brightest scientific minds of the country.

Virginia has more shipwrecks that any other state in the continental US. With 112 miles of Atlantic coast, 3,315 miles of tidal coastland and natural enemies such as water, wind, fire and human fallibility, countless ships and lives have been lost.

The thriving barrier islands of Chincoteague and Assateague share a symbiotic relationship, attracting over a million tourists a year. Chincoteague, a modern, developed comminity; Assateague, a natural buffer from the ocean and National Seashore.

The longest undefeloped beach on the east coast, Assateague is beloved by beachgoers and wildlife enthusiasts. This little island has a rich history including wildlife, Native American hunting, then a lighthouse, small village and Life Saving Station.