Eastern Shore of Virginia Water Trail

Misty of Chincoteague
The pony that became the subject of a best selling children's book by Marguerite Henry. She is part of the island's tradition of corraling feral ponies from Assateague and auctioning them to benefit the island's fire house.

Misty of Chincoteague Misty was born on July 20, 1946. As part of the annual pony swim, held since 1925, she swam across the channel that separated Assateague Island and Chincoteague Island to be sold at auction. Maureen and Paul Beebe purchased Misty. Marguerite Henry eventually purchased Misty from the Beebe's and she became the subject of the bestselling book Misty of Chincoteague. Later, it would win the Newbery Honor. Misty was an unusual pony, she liked going in and out of the house and was able to shake hands, she became well known with family and friends. After her book, Misty became a living legend and then had a movie made about her. She became so popular that she has her hoof prints in cement in front of the Roxy Theatre on Chincoteague. Misty regularly visited schools, theaters and attended parties. After her book and movie, Misty became a mom to many foals, her most famous offspring was Stormy. Stormy was the last foal born to Misty in 1962 during the Ash Wednesday storm. Misty and Stormy were stabled in Grandma Beebe's kitchen for safety. Misty passed away on October 16, 1972 and Stormy died in 1993. Misty was stuffed and mounted and is now on display in the Beebe's old house, the same spot where she stayed during the Ash Wednesday storm. Many children around the world have read about Misty and Chincoteague.	Notes: Home Official Trail Guide Web Site The Other Historic Site Guides: Historic Site Guide Central Eastern Shore - Wallop's Island to Quinby Historic Site Guide Northampton - Willis Wharf to Eastern Shore Wildlife Refuge
The Trail was developed by the Accomack - Northampton Planning District Commission in cooperation with Accomack County, Northampton County, the Town of Chincoteague, the Town of Wachapreague, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program. It is a project of Virginia's Seaside Heritage Program, a multi-year effort to restore living resources and promote sustainable ecotourism on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.