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

_______________________________ 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

_____________________________ 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

___________________________ 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