Did you know that the state of Maryland loses approximately 260 acres of tidal shoreline every year due to erosion? That is a stunning fact when you think about the loss of property. The citizens of Maryland lose priceless farm lands and wildlife habitat, not to mention the potential loss of homes and businesses. One such place is the historic community of Holland Island. If you’re unfamiliar with Holland Island, you should take a look at this list of the 33 Most Beautiful Abandoned Places In The World and number 7 which is right here in the beautiful U.S.of A.
Mr. Stephen White, a minister who grew up on Holland island purchased it in 1995 for $70,000. It was disappearing rapidly and Mr. White started a foundation to save the island which had been a thriving community since it’s inception in the 1600’s! The last home standing was in a perilous position just feet from tumbling into the bay and desperate for a savior.
Sadly Mr. White could not rally enough support and in mid-October, 2010, after withstanding 125 years of mother nature’s wrath, the historic home finally succumbed to the mighty Chesapeake and collapsed. The island is hardly visible today. There is so much amazing history attached to the Chesapeake Bay and so many people I’ve met recently have no idea the place even exists. America’s past is so closely aligned with this spectacular place and you’d enrich your life two-fold if you got to spend some time on the Bay. It’s approximately 200 miles from the north end at the C & D canal to the south end and Norfolk, VA. In between lies an amazing treasure consisting not of gold and velvet rope eateries but of watermen, fishermen, sailors and stories from our country’s earliest days.
Unfortunately, I missed the last house on Holland Island and meeting Mr. White. For that I’m sad. While most of us can’t just up and travel to Italy, China, Africa or Germany to see the other spectacular places on this list there are so many critical and UN-ABANDONED special places under our noses that deserve discovery. What are some of the places you’ve been to? Maybe a road trip is in order, ay? Forget the gutters on the house. Forget the landscaping and the nineteen other things that you “need” to get done. Grab your hubby, wife, girlfriend, partner, dog and whomever else, jump in the car this weekend and take a road trip. It doesn’t have to be glamorous or cost and arm and a leg! If you’re on the east coast, jump on a train and hit the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC or the Smithsonian in DC maybe… Niagara Falls? Grand Canyon? Yellowstone? Everglades? You catching my drift folks?
We have a lot of people reading from all around the globe. Each and every one of us in a paradise all our own. Just stop what you’re doing and take a look around. Do me one other favor… raise a glass and tip your cap to Mr. Stephen White and the last house on Holland Island. A gallant effort such as theirs should never go unnoticed or unappreciated.
Holland I may be gone, but we did go to Tangier which was a very interesting stop. Both Tangier and Smith I’s are still accessible and have been dredged recently, if you’re looking for an adventure.
Hey Collin~ Thanks for posting. We wanted so badly to get to Tangier on our way up but couldn’t. We will on the way down this fall. I’m aware that Smith Island is in the same perilous position that Holland was. Hopefully the tides will turn and Smiths will be saved.
Thanks for this post. I recently met a sailor (in our marina laundry room) who was with friends sailing a route of a past Chesapeake explorer. They were reading the historical observations and accounts while exploring places; noting changes, similiaries, etc. I loved the idea, and I really appreciate your post and perspective.
We are lucky to live on our boat in a creek which allows us quick access to the Potomac and the Chesapeake; we are near historic St. Mary’s City, which is a great place to visit and learn about history. We, too, have loved exploring Tangier (you’ll get a kick out of Mr. Parks at the marina) and we also love the little town of Onancock, VA. So many great places to explore. Thanks!
Alison
S/V Doggie Paddle
Alison,
Onancock is also on our list of places to see – glad to hear it’s as charming as they say! I just love the towns along the Chesapeake. We’re so fortunate to be able to see all these places!
~Mel
I never knew about this place, fabulous write up!
Thank you Cindy.
Reverend Stephen White wasted $70,000 on what is now water. I hope this money did not come from his congregation/ parishioners. Instead of trying to save that house, he should have tried to move those tombstones to a safe place in a museum inland. Too late now.
Drl~ I think the idea to save the island was the “big picture” of saving the tombstones and the history of the people who lived there. An historical society, private enterprise or preservation fund on the Bay should have stepped up to help him… that’s my opinion of course. I don’t think the money came from parishioners and I think he should be commended for his efforts.
Absolutely agree. He tried in vain to save a piece of histor. The dead are gone this man did the best he could and because of his efforts Holland Island lives on.
Thanks John. I would have loved to visit while some of the buildings were there. Thanks for reading
and for commenting.