![cover image](https://wikiwandv2-19431.kxcdn.com/_next/image?url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1f/Assateague_Island_aerial_view.jpg/640px-Assateague_Island_aerial_view.jpg&w=640&q=50)
Assateague Island
Barrier island in Maryland and Virginia, United States / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Assateague Island is a 37-mile (60 km) long barrier island located off the eastern coast of the Delmarva Peninsula facing the Atlantic Ocean.[1] The northern two-thirds of the island is in Maryland, and the southern third is in Virginia.
![]() Aerial view of Assateague Island with Ocean City, Maryland in the background | |
Geography | |
---|---|
Location | Atlantic Ocean |
Coordinates | 37°58′35.07″N 75°18′17.12″W |
Area | 63 km2 (24 sq mi) |
Administration | |
United States | |
Additional information | |
Official website |
![Thumb image](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/eb/Assateague_pony_stallion_by_Bonnie_Gruenberg4.jpg/640px-Assateague_pony_stallion_by_Bonnie_Gruenberg4.jpg)
![Horses play near a campsite on Assateague Island](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/36/Horses_at_Assateague_Island.jpg/640px-Horses_at_Assateague_Island.jpg)
![Thumb image](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/de/Assateague_Lighthouse_2001_VA2.jpg/640px-Assateague_Lighthouse_2001_VA2.jpg)
The Maryland section contains the majority of Assateague Island National Seashore and Assateague State Park. The Virginia section contains Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and a one-mile stretch of land containing the lifeguarded recreational beach and interpretive facilities managed by the National Park Service (or NPS).[2] It is best known for its herds of feral horses, pristine beaches and the Assateague Lighthouse. The island also contains numerous marshes, bays, and coves, including Toms Cove.[3] Bridge access for cars is possible from both Maryland and Virginia, though no road runs the full north/south length of the island.