The Matchapungos (members of the Algonquin people)
had several villages on the Eastern Shore. One of these villages was located
at or near Wachapreague. The name roughly translates to “Little City by
the Sea.”
Nathaniel Bradford received a patent to the area in 1662. The 1000 acres were
referred to as "Watchaprege." The first
European family to settle in the area was John Teagle's.
They sold several small-acreage plots which made the nucleus of a town and
retained 328 acres for their own use.
In the 1820's the Teagles sold their land to Capt.
John Finney. Wachapreague was already a busy port which he improved by
constructing a road through his plantation to the waterfront. In the mid-1880's the Finneys sold part
of their property to the Powell brothers. The Powell brothers re-named the
village "Powellton" while building up a
good sized mercantile and shipping business carrying farm produce as far
North as New York City. They also developed and sold lots adding to the
population.
By the 1880's, an account of the day said: "Powellton
is delightfully situated on the seaside; and with proper hotel accommodations
[recently constructed] cannot fail to attract a large crowd of visitors
during the summer months."
Eventually
Powellton switched back to its previous name,
Wachapreague, due to mix-ups with another town of similar name.
The hotel which really put Wachapreague on the map was the Wachapreague Hotel
built in 1902 by A. H. G. Mears. It was one of the largest hostelries ever
opened on the Shore and attracted hunters and fishers from all over the
country which provided work for charter boats and guides. This landmark and
hub of the local economy burned in 1978. Following the Second World War, the
charter fishing business had begun to decline-the introduction of affordable,
trailer-able boats a major cause.
The Town still enjoys a beautiful site and remains focused on the surrounding
waters—an active charter fleet. Tourism survives as well as a marine
railroad, marinas, commercial fishing and seafood processing, and an annual summer
carnival.
Important Phone Numbers (area code 757)
Fire & Ambulance
Emergencies - 911
Business - 757-787-7818
