Tangier Island, located in the Chesapeake Bay off the coast of Virginia, is a fascinating slice of American history and culture with roots stretching back to the 1600s. Originally inhabited by the Pocomoke Indigenous people, the island was “discovered” in 1608 by Captain John Smith during his exploration of the Chesapeake Bay. Smith named the island after the port city of Tangier in Morocco, possibly influenced by his travels.

In the 1770s, settlers began arriving on Tangier, mostly from England, bringing with them a unique dialect that’s still audible today. This distinct speech has evolved into a type of Americanized Elizabethan English, making Tangier Island a linguistic time capsule. The community largely centers around water-based trades, such as crabbing, fishing, and oystering—industries that have sustained them for generations.

Tangier’s isolation has preserved much of its original culture, but climate change and rising sea levels now threaten the island. Though resilient, Tangier Island faces a battle to preserve its way of life as erosion slowly chips away at its shores. This remote island offers a unique glimpse into an era of early American settlement, combining historical intrigue with the pressing realities of climate change and cultural preservation.