Almost 60km long, this barrier island is home to hundreds of wild ponies that run free in the Chincoteague Nature Reserve. They are descended from ponies introduced in the 17C by settlers, who wanted to avoid paying taxes for grazing land. At the end of July, the ponies are herded and driven through the thin strait (when the sea is calm) to the town of Chincoteague (opposite the bay of the same name, route 175) to be sold. A popular gathering ensues.