The human history of Chincoteague, an island on the Eastern Shore of
Virginia, begins with Native Americans gathering shellfish there.
"Chincoteague" is said to have meant "Beautiful land across the
water"
in their language. The local feral population of Chincoteague ponies
likely originated from European settlers using the island in the 17th
century to graze livestock. Seafood resources were systematically
exploited in the early 19th century, and oysters became a major industry
after the Civil War. Chincoteague's relative isolation ended in 1876
when the railroad arrived at Franklin City, across Chincoteague Bay, and
a steamboat service was introduced; a road causeway was completed in
1922. The Chincoteague Fire Department was established in 1925 and took
over the traditional pony penning to raise funds. The 1947 book Misty of
Chincoteague and its 1961 film helped publicize the island. The annual
carnival, pony swim (pictured) and subsequent auction now attract tens
of thousands of visitors.
Read more: <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Chincoteague,_Virginia>
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Today's selected anniversaries:
1214:
Philip II of France decisively won the Battle of Bouvines, the
conclusive battle of the 1213–1214 Anglo-French War.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Bouvines>
1942:
Second World War: Allied forces halted the Axis invasion of
Egypt at the First Battle of El Alamein.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Battle_of_El_Alamein>
1949:
The de Havilland Comet, the world's first commercial jet
airliner to reach production, made its maiden flight.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Havilland_Comet>
1983:
American musician Madonna released her self-titled debut album,
which set the standard for the genre of dance-pop for decades.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madonna_%28Madonna_album%29>
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Wiktionary's word of the day:
vituperate:
1. (transitive)
2. To criticize (someone or something) in an abusive or harsh manner.
3. To attack (someone or something) with abusive language; to revile, to
vilify.
4. (intransitive) To use abusive or harsh words.
5. Of, characterized by, or relating to abusive or harsh criticism.
6. (rare) Which has been abusively or harshly criticized; also,
deserving harsh criticism.
<https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/vituperate>
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Wikiquote quote of the day:
What a life, you wear it like propriety What a life, you do it
like you really mean it What a life, I watch it like a scary movie
What a life, what a life, what a life.
--Juliana Hatfield
<https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Juliana_Hatfield>