Assateague Island, Barrier island in Worcester County, United States
Assateague Island is a barrier island stretching 37 miles (59 kilometers) along the Atlantic coast of Maryland and Virginia, composed of sandy beaches, dunes, and shallow waters. The terrain shifts between open sandy shore on the ocean side and protected bays with reeds and low vegetation on the mainland side.
A storm in 1933 opened a permanent channel between the ocean and bay in the north, reshaping the coastline over the following decades. The government later established protected zones to safeguard the natural evolution of the landscape.
The northern section is home to free-roaming horses that have become part of the local identity and are watched by visitors from a respectful distance. These animals shape daily life on the island and their presence gives the place a special character.
The visitor pavilion west of the Verrazano Bridge offers information and maps for navigating the area. Day trips work well for beach walks and wildlife watching, while overnight stays are possible in designated areas.
Horses living on the island likely descend from animals settled here in the 17th century and adapted to harsh conditions. Their herds move freely through dunes and coastal strips year-round.
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