History

The Matchapungo Indians (members of the Algonquin people) had several villages on the Eastern Shore. One of these villages was located at or near Wachapreague. Scroll down for more historical photos of our town.

Indian Village

The Matchapungos (members of the Algonquin people) had several villages on the Eastern Shore. One of these villages was located at or near Wachapreague. The name roughly translates to “Little City by the Sea.”

Settlers

Nathaniel Bradford received a patent to the area in 1662. The 1000 acres were referred to as "Watchaprege." The first European family to settle in the area was John Teagle's. They sold several small-acreage plots which made the nucleus of a town and retained 328 acres for their own use.

In the 1820's the Teagles sold their land to Capt. John Finney. Wachapreague was already a busy port which he improved by constructing a road through his plantation to the waterfront.

Powellton

In the mid-1880's the Finneys sold part of their property to the Powell brothers. The Powell brothers renamed the village “Powellton” while building up a good sized mercantile and shipping business, carrying farm produce as far north as New York City. They also developed and sold lots as the population increased.

By the 1880's, an account of the day said: "Powellton is delightfully situated on the seaside; and with proper hotel accommodations [recently constructed] cannot fail to attract a large crowd of visitors during the summer months."

Eventually Powellton switched back to its previous name, Wachapreague, due to mix-ups with another town of similar name.

Wachapreague Hotel

What really put Wachapreague on the map was the Wachapreague Hotel built in 1902 by A. H. G. Mears. It was one of the largest hostelries ever opened on the Shore and attracted hunters and fishers from all over the country which provided work for charter boats and guides.

This landmark hub of the local economy burned in 1978. After World War II, the charter fishing business began to decline due to the introduction of affordable, trailer-able boats.

Today

The town still enjoys it’s fishing village atmosphere keeping true to Wachapreague’s roots of a working waterfront. Tourism thrives as well as marinas, commercial fishing, seafood processing and an annual summer carnival.

Read more about the History of Wachapreague in this book by local historian, Kirk Mariner.

Read more about the history of Wachapreague in this book "Wachapreague, Virginia: Then and Now” by local historian, Kirk Mariner.

Island House on Cedar Island

Island House was a hotel annex of Hotel Wachapreague on the mainland in the town of Wachapreague. The purpose of the hotel annex on Cedar Island was for summer vacations off the mainland. You could stay ½ day, full day or overnight lodging, mainly for fishing and hunting excursions. Very often it was the men that stayed at the hotel annex, “Island House”. The women would stay on the mainland at Hotel Wachapreague, enjoying the veranda porch and socializing in town.

Lifesaving Station built in 1912

In 1915 Lifesaving Service Station was out of service and out of business, the service turned into a Coast Guard Station.

Surfmen

Also known as Life Saver Andrew Doughty

Saving Boat

Saving boat/surf boat1920, designed to launch in surf during rough weather. Wheel trailer drawn by horses.

Keepers

Saving boat/surf boat, “Keepers” aka Surfmen (full time crew), lived at lifesaving Service Station where they practiced different drills each day of the week to maintain “Keepers” skills for any given scenario of maritime disaster.

Accomac Club Complex

Built in 1870, destroyed in storm of 1933. Gun and Fishing Club built on high marsh land before you get out to Cedar Island and Parramore Island. The high marsh land was bulk headed and filled with oyster shell which then maintained a whole complex included boat house far left, a club house center, caretaker home far right.

Accomac Club

An inside picture of dining room, see guns on wall.

Wachapreague commercial fishing fleet

1950 Day Trippers

1950 Day Trippers going out to Cedar Island on Mears & Powell oyster barge. Boat name CALTAH, named for grandchildren, Cathey Bell, Amy Lou Sandidge, Tim Killmon, Andy Killmon and Henley Sandidge.

Beach Day

Beach day, out to Cedar Island 1948-49.

Whileaway

32 foot Crist Craft cabin cruiser, Wachapreague Carnival boat parade.

Off Shore Fishing

Late 1940’s Wachapreague off shore fishing.

Hunting

Sport hunting boat, duck hunting.

Refuel

Refuel SS Wachapreague 1944

Hotel Wachapreague water view

1902 – Hotel Wachapreague 52 rooms. Fire destroyed historical hotel in 1978. Hotel Wachapreague, had a long history of rich and famous, starlets to presidents, came to this area to enjoy sport hunting, fishing and relaxing town life. The amenitites that Hotel Wachapreague offered, billards, dining, and other town entertainment including a bowling alley, movie theater, shops and thriving waterfront.