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2008 SESSION

089004596
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 339
Offered February 4, 2008
Commending the Town of Chincoteague on the occasion of its 100th anniversary.
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Patron-- Lewis
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WHEREAS, the Town of Chincoteague, located in Accomack County on the tranquil island of Chincoteague, will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2008; and

WHEREAS, Chincoteague Island, world famous for its oyster beds and clam shoals, is Virginia's only resort island, as well as one of the most beautiful islands that dot Virginia's Eastern Shore; and

WHEREAS, the island received its name, which means "Beautiful Land Across the Water," from the tribe of Indians known as the Gingo-Teague, and the name Chincoteague has been spelled many ways―Gingoteague, Gingoteak, Gengoteie, and Jengoteague; and

WHEREAS, incorporated in 1908, the Town of Chincoteague has a rich and colorful history that dates back to American Indian tribal leader Chief Barabokees, who ruled the island in the mid-1600s under the great Chief and Emperor Waskawampe; and 

WHEREAS, it is thought that the first settlers arrived to make their homes on the island of Chincoteague on April 1, 1671; and

WHEREAS, Chincoteague is best known for its Pony Penning, which has taken place annually in July since 1925, when horses swim across the shallow water between the islands of Chincoteague and Assateague; and

WHEREAS, romantic legend has it that the feral ponies on Assateague Island are descendants of survivors of a Spanish galleon that sank on its way to Mexico during a storm off the coast, but the likelihood is that they are actually descended from domesticated stock, brought to the island by Eastern Shore farmers in the 17th century to avoid fencing requirements; and

WHEREAS, the picturesque Town of Chincoteague is also renowned as an appealing tourist and vacation destination, offering delicious seafood and an array of outdoor recreational activities, including excellent birding, boating, camping, biking, hunting, and fishing; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Chincoteague and its proud citizens will hold a gala 100th Year Anniversary Celebration on March 13, 2008, which will begin a year filled with events and activities to celebrate, honor, and commemorate 100 years of incorporation; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend and congratulate the citizens of the Town of Chincoteague on the occasion of their 100th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Town of Chincoteague as an expression of the General Assembly’s appreciation of the town’s natural beauty and glorious history.