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Chincoteague, Virginia: Misty of Chincoteague: Literary Hero Horse

RoadsideAmerica.com Team Field Report

The Museum of Chincoteague Island

Address:
7125 Maddox Blvd, Chincoteague, VA
Directions:
In the Museum of Chincoteague Island. On the north side of Maddox Blvd, across from the island's only McDonald's, about a quarter-mile east of the traffic circle. The last building on the left headed toward the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.
Hours:
April-Oct. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
757-336-6117
RA Rates:
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Misty of Chincoteague: Literary Hero Horse

Former wild pony, star of author Marguerite Henry's "Misty of Chincoteague," now stuffed for your viewing pleasure. Also stuffed: Misty's foal Stormy.

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Visitor Tips and News About Misty of Chincoteague: Literary Hero Horse

Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.

Misty Stuffed Horse

I spent four days in Chincoteague over Easter weekend. Misty and her last foal, Stormy, are both housed at The Chincoteague Island Museum, which is across the street from the only McDonald's on the island. The museum is small but very interesting and has limited hours. I was a bit surprised to locate Misty as the museum does not play up the fact that they have either pony. Stormy is also in good condition and several photos make the connection of their time on Chincoteague. Please note neither animal has a push button to "talk" and the display is in good taste.

[D. Simpson, 04/28/2012]

The museum was formerly the Oyster and Maritime Museum until it was completely revamped in 2011. Apparently Misty and Stormy moved in at that time.

Misty of Chincoteague

For the man on your site who said he could not find Misty for 10 days, the rustic attraction is only open certain months. Now during Vacation Time for children.

Having lived in Northern Virginia all my life, I am glad this man found Chincoteague boring. He missed the whole point. I love this rustic island, that is getting a bit touristy in the summer. The wildlife National Park protects it from having hotels on the beach.

And yes, the ponies still swim ashore for the event every July. I loved the book and I love the island. It is not Disney World or Ocean City; it is best for families who have read the book, and like a more nature-type of vacation.

[Bethlovestravel, 07/13/2008]

Pony Swim.

Misty - Annual Pony Swim

As a follow up to Misty of Chincoteague, there is a new book called The Hidden Galleon which gives a complete history of the wild horses and the Spanish Galleon which wrecked at Assateague in 1750, which legend says is the origin of the wild horses today.

Annual Pony Swim at Pony Swim Lane, Chincoteague, last Wednesday of July every year. Nearly 50,000 attend every year.

[John Amrhein, 12/17/2007]

Misty.

Misty and Stormy of Chincoteague

You can see the preserved (stuffed) Misty and Stormy of Chincoteague (subjects of books by Marguerite Henry) at Beebe Ranch on Chincoteague Island.

Misty died on October 16, 1972 at age 26. She was stuffed and put on display at the Chincoteague Miniature Pony Farm. After Stormy's death in 1993, she was also stuffed and put on display. The Miniature Pony Farm closed in 1996 and now both ponies are in the possession of Billy King Beebe, first cousin to Paul and Maureen. Both Horses are displayed in the same house (small museum now) in which Misty stayed at during the storm of 1962. You can see enlarged photographs, old branding irons used by "Grandpa Beebe",lots of memorabillia, and get a complete history of Misty.

[Tiffany West, 05/19/2001]

Nearby Offbeat Places

Misty II HeadstoneMisty II Headstone, Chincoteague Island, VA - < 1 mi.
Where NASA Launches Its Other RocketsWhere NASA Launches Its Other Rockets, Wattsville, VA - 6 mi.
Civil War Ironclad At A Gas StationCivil War Ironclad At A Gas Station, New Church, VA - 12 mi.
In the region:
DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum, Fenwick Island, DE - 40 mi.

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