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{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
|official_name = Hooper's Island, Maryland
|official_name = Hoopers Island, Maryland
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|subdivision_type = Country
|subdivision_type = Country
|subdivision_name = United States
|subdivision_name = United States
|subdivision_type1 = [[Political divisions of the United States|State]]
|subdivision_type1 = [[U.S. state|State]]
|subdivision_name1 = [[Maryland]]
|subdivision_name1 = [[Maryland]]
|subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in Maryland|County]]
|subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in Maryland|County]]
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'''Hoopers Island''' is a chain of three islands in [[Dorchester County, Maryland|Dorchester County]], Maryland, United States. Upper Hoopers Island, Middle Hoopers Island and Lower Hoopers Island are surrounded by water with the [[Chesapeake Bay]] on one side and the [[Honga River]] on the other side. The remote set of islands has much wildlife and is well known for sport fishing and crabbing industries. Hoopers Island is one of the oldest settled areas in Maryland.{{citation needed|July 2016}}
'''Hoopers Island''' is a chain of islands in [[Dorchester County, Maryland|Dorchester County]], Maryland, United States. Upper Hoopers Island and Lower Hoopers Island are surrounded by water with the [[Chesapeake Bay]] on the left side and the [[Honga River]] on the right side. The remote set of islands has much wildlife and is well known for sport fishing and crabbing industries. Hoopers Island was issued one of the earliest land grants in Dorchester County, Maryland.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thurkasangaramoorthy.com/201595hoopers-island-the-place-that-time-forgot/|title=Hooper's Island: The Place that Time Forgot – Thurka Sangaramoorthy, PhD, MPH|last=mintdigital|language=en-US|access-date=2020-02-10}}</ref>


==Geography==
==Geography==
Hoopers Island is located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The islands are situated on the south-west shores of the Chesapeake Bay in Dorchester County.
Hoopers Island is located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The islands are situated on the south-west shores of the Chesapeake Bay in Dorchester County.


Hoopers Island is roughly {{convert|20|mi|km}} long and consists of three small islands.<ref name=Cronin83 /> The islands are very narrow in many places and one can easily see water, the Chesapeake Bay and the Honga River, on both sides of [[Maryland Route 335]] which travels through the islands.<ref name=Cronin87>Cronin, William B. The Disappearing Islands of the Chesapeake. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, MD. 2005. p. 87 ISBN 0-8018-7435-1</ref>
Hoopers Island is roughly {{convert|20|mi|km}} long and consists of three small islands.<ref name=Cronin83 /> The islands are very narrow in many places and one can easily see water, the Chesapeake Bay and the Honga River, on both sides of [[Maryland Route 335]] which travels through the islands.<ref name=Cronin87>Cronin, William B. The Disappearing Islands of the Chesapeake. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, MD. 2005. p. 87 {{ISBN|0-8018-7435-1}}</ref>


Upper Hoopers island is located at N. 38°20' W. 76°14 and Middle Hooper’s island is located at N. 38°16' W. 76°11. Lower Hoopers Island is now a marshland.
Upper Hoopers island is located at N. 38°20' W. 76°14 and Middle Hoopers island is located at N. 38°16' W. 76°11. Lower Hoopers Island is now a marshland.


==History==
==History==
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The early residents of what is now known as Hoopers Island were the [[Yaocomico]] people. According to some local folklore, the land was purchased from the Yaocomico tribe for five woolen blankets.<ref name=Flowers51>Flowers, Anna. "The Private World of Hooper's Island." The Skipper. V. 14, February 1954. p51</ref>
The early residents of what is now known as Hoopers Island were the [[Yaocomico]] people. According to some local folklore, the land was purchased from the Yaocomico tribe for five woolen blankets.<ref name=Flowers51>Flowers, Anna. "The Private World of Hooper's Island." The Skipper. V. 14, February 1954. p51</ref>


Hoopers Island is considered the oldest settled area in Dorchester County.<ref name="Simmons Hedberg Jaccqueline 2007. p.7">Simmons Hedberg Jaccqueline. Images of America, Hoopers Island. Arcade Publishing, Charleston, SC 2007. p.7 ISBN 0-7385-4382-9</ref> The namesake of the islands is Henry Hooper. Hooper was friends with the [[George Calvert, 1st Baron Baltimore|Calverts]], an important family many consider to be founders of the state of Maryland. In the mid-17th century, parts of the islands were surveyed for Hooper. The first parcel of land was surveyed by Robert Clift and aptly titled Hooper’s Clifts.<ref name=Mowbray63>Mowbray, Calvin W. First Dorchester Families. Willow Bend Books, Westminster, Maryland. 2000. p. 63 ISBN 1-58549-199-3</ref> An additional {{convert|400|acre|km2}} of land was surveyed for Hooper later on in 1668. He received additional parcels of land in 1669 as well.<ref name=Mowbray63 />
Hoopers Island is considered the oldest settled area in Dorchester County.<ref name="Simmons Hedberg Jaccqueline 2007. p.7">Simmons Hedberg Jaccqueline. Images of America, Hoopers Island. Arcade Publishing, Charleston, SC 2007. p.7 {{ISBN|0-7385-4382-9}}</ref> The namesake of the islands is Henry Hooper. Hooper was friends with the [[George Calvert, 1st Baron Baltimore|Calverts]], an important family many consider to be founders of the state of Maryland. In the mid-17th century, parts of the islands were surveyed for Hooper. The first parcel of land was surveyed by Robert Clift and aptly titled Hooper's Clifts.<ref name=Mowbray63>Mowbray, Calvin W. First Dorchester Families. Willow Bend Books, Westminster, Maryland. 2000. p. 63 {{ISBN|1-58549-199-3}}</ref> An additional {{convert|400|acre|km2}} of land was surveyed for Hooper later on in 1668. He received additional parcels of land in 1669 as well.<ref name=Mowbray63 />


Though much of the land was claimed by the Hoopers, other families such as William Chaplin, Richard Bentley and Philip Shapeley owned major plots of land. In addition, some indentured servants such as Thomas Hooten and Daniel Puddiford received land.<ref name=Cronin83>Cronin, William B. The Disappearing Islands of the Chesapeake. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, MD. 2005. p. 83 ISBN 0-8018-7435-1</ref>
Though much of the land was claimed by the Hoopers, other families such as William Chaplin, Richard Bentley and Philip Shapeley owned major plots of land. In addition, some indentured servants such as Thomas Hooten and Daniel Puddiford received land.<ref name=Cronin83>Cronin, William B. The Disappearing Islands of the Chesapeake. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, MD. 2005. p. 83 {{ISBN|0-8018-7435-1}}</ref>


===The Hooper family===
===The Hooper family===


The Hooper family made Dorchester County their family home in 1669.<ref name=Jones123>Jones, Elias. Revised History of Dorchester County Maryland. The Read Taylor Press, Baltimore, MD 1925. p. 123</ref> Henry Hooper had a large family: he was married twice and had 14 children.<ref name=Cronin84>Cronin, William B. The Disappearing Islands of the Chesapeake. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, MD. 2005. p. 84 ISBN 0-8018-7435-1</ref> Henry Hooper was one of the first commissioners of Dorchester County.<ref>Huelle, Walter. Footnotes to Dorchester History. Tidewater Publishers, Cambridge, MD. 1969. p. 1 ISBN 0-87033-144-2</ref> Many descendants of the original Henry Hooper followed in his footsteps and served on the Dorchester County legislature as well.<ref name=Cronin84 /> Upon his death, Hooper left parcels of land, with names such as Hooper’s Chance, Hooper’s Lot, Hooper’s Fortune and Hooper’s Forrest to his children.<ref>Mowbray, Calvin W. First Dorchester Families. Willow Bend Books, Westminster, Maryland. 2000. p. 65 ISBN 1-58549-199-3</ref>
The Hooper family made Dorchester County their family home in 1669.<ref name=Jones123>Jones, Elias. Revised History of Dorchester County Maryland. The Read Taylor Press, Baltimore, MD 1925. p. 123</ref> Henry Hooper had a large family: he was married twice and had 14 children.<ref name=Cronin84>Cronin, William B. The Disappearing Islands of the Chesapeake. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, MD. 2005. p. 84 {{ISBN|0-8018-7435-1}}</ref> Henry Hooper was one of the first commissioners of Dorchester County.<ref>Huelle, Walter. Footnotes to Dorchester History. Tidewater Publishers, Cambridge, MD. 1969. p. 1 {{ISBN|0-87033-144-2}}</ref> Many descendants of the original Henry Hooper followed in his footsteps and served on the Dorchester County legislature as well.<ref name=Cronin84 /> Upon his death, Hooper left parcels of land, with names such as Hooper's Chance, Hooper's Lot, Hooper's Fortune and Hooper's Forrest to his children.<ref>Mowbray, Calvin W. First Dorchester Families. Willow Bend Books, Westminster, Maryland. 2000. p. 65 {{ISBN|1-58549-199-3}}</ref>


===Isolation===
===Isolation===
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[[File:HoopersvilleMaryland.jpg|250px|right|church in Hoopersville]]
[[File:HoopersvilleMaryland.jpg|250px|right|church in Hoopersville]]
[[Erosion]] is a serious threat to the island, as it removes an average of {{convert|24.19|acre|m2}} per year.<ref name=Cronin88>Cronin, William B. The Disappearing Islands of the Chesapeake. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, MD. 2005. p. 88 ISBN 0-8018-7435-1</ref> In addition, storm and flood damage along with rising waters had and continue to have an effect on the environment and geography of the islands.
[[Erosion]] is a serious threat to the island, as it removes an average of {{convert|24.19|acre|m2}} per year.<ref name=Cronin88>Cronin, William B. The Disappearing Islands of the Chesapeake. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, MD. 2005. p. 88 {{ISBN|0-8018-7435-1}}</ref> In addition, storm and flood damage along with rising waters had and continue to have an effect on the environment and geography of the islands.


Since the early 20th century, Lower Hoopers Island is no longer inhabited. Prior to this, the island was home to the community of Applegarth which grew tremendously during the oyster boom in the 1880s. Due to erosion, the last resident was forced to leave in the late 1920s. For a short while, farmers continued to use the island to pasture their livestock. Unfortunately, a hurricane destroyed the bridge to Lower Hoopers Island in 1933.<ref name=Cronin87 />
Since the early 20th century, Lower Hoopers Island is no longer inhabited. Prior to this, the island was home to the community of Applegarth which grew tremendously during the oyster boom in the 1880s. Due to erosion, the last resident was forced to leave in the late 1920s. For a short while, farmers continued to use the island to pasture their livestock. Unfortunately, a hurricane destroyed the bridge to Lower Hoopers Island in 1933.<ref name=Cronin87 />
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Another section of Hoopers Island has also been affected. Swan Island, originally owned by the indentured servant, Thomas Hooten, has almost disappeared but some of the buildings still stand.<ref name=Cronin87 />
Another section of Hoopers Island has also been affected. Swan Island, originally owned by the indentured servant, Thomas Hooten, has almost disappeared but some of the buildings still stand.<ref name=Cronin87 />


The islands are filled with wild geese and ducks throughout the marshlands.<ref name=Arnett202>Arnett, Earl, Robert J. Brugger & Edward C. Papenfuse. Maryland, A New Guide to the Old Line State. The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, MD, 1999. p. 202 ISBN 0-8018-5980-8</ref> [[heron|Little and great blue herons]], American oyster catchers, [[double-crested cormorant]]s, [[willet]]s, [[American herring gull|herring gulls]], [[tern|Forster's common, royal, and least terns]], [[American black duck|black ducks]], [[gadwall]]s, egrets, osprey, and the [[boat-tailed grackle]] can all be found in and around Hoopers Island.<ref name=Cronin88 />
The islands are filled with wild geese and ducks throughout the marshlands.<ref name=Arnett202>Arnett, Earl, Robert J. Brugger & [[Edward C. Papenfuse]]. Maryland, A New Guide to the Old Line State. The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, MD, 1999. p. 202 {{ISBN|0-8018-5980-8}}</ref> [[heron|Little and great blue herons]], [[American oystercatcher]]s, [[double-crested cormorant]]s, [[willet]]s, [[American herring gull|herring gulls]], [[tern|Forster's common, royal, and least terns]], [[American black duck|black ducks]], [[gadwall]]s, [[egret]]s, [[osprey]], and the [[boat-tailed grackle]] can all be found in and around Hoopers Island.<ref name=Cronin88 />


==Life on Hoopers Island==
==Life on Hoopers Island==


According to a 2018 estimate, the population of Hoopers Island was 559.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://censusreporter.org/profiles/06000US2401990496-district-6-hoopers-island-dorchester-county-md/|title=Census profile: District 6, Hoopers Island, Dorchester County, MD|website=Census Reporter|access-date=2020-03-10}}</ref>
The [[United States Census, 2000|US Census Bureau]] recorded the population for Hoopers Island at 441 when taken for the 2000 census.


Most of the islands’ residents live in the communities of Honga, [[Fishing Creek, Maryland|Fishing Creek]] and Hoopersville. Honga and Fishing Creek can be found on Upper Hoopers Island while the southern most village, Hoopersville, is found on Middle Hoopers Island. As a reflection of life on the islands, oyster boats, tonging craft and crab houses are visible across the landscape.<ref name=Arnett202 />
Most of the islands’ residents live in the communities of Honga, [[Fishing Creek, Maryland|Fishing Creek]] and Hoopersville. Honga and Fishing Creek can be found on Upper Hoopers Island while the southernmost village, Hoopersville, is found on Middle Hoopers Island. As a reflection of life on the islands, oyster boats, tonging craft and crab houses are visible across the landscape.<ref name=Arnett202 />


===Events===
===Events===
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===Community===
===Community===


There is a strong sense of community amongst the islanders. One endearing story painted the people and community of Hoopers Island in a very positive light: "strongly independent" "stout-hearted" "self-sufficient", great "sense of community" and "fellowship.”<ref>Flowers, Anna. "The Private World of Hooper's Island." The Skipper. V. 14, February 1954. p. 17-18</ref> Between a strong work ethic and family ties, the community is a strong force that has weathered some negative publicity and difficult times. One such example occurred in the mid-20th century.
There is a strong sense of community amongst the islanders. One endearing story painted the people and community of Hoopers Island in a very positive light: "strongly independent" "stout-hearted" "self-sufficient", great "sense of community" and "fellowship."<ref>Flowers, Anna. "The Private World of Hooper's Island." The Skipper. V. 14, February 1954. p. 17-18</ref> Between a strong work ethic and family ties, the community is a strong force that has weathered some negative publicity and difficult times. One such example occurred in the mid-20th century.


In 1954, there was a crabbers strike. Because of the large amount of crabs in the Bay, the price had been so reduced that the fishermen weren't making any money off their catches. Therefore, the crabbers went on strike. Usually strikes are organized by a union who would conduct negotiations in order to improve conditions. For this strike, there wasn’t any organized union which promoted the strike but just a tight-knit group of fishermen who wanted their voices heard. Because this strike was not employed by a union, a ''[[The Baltimore Sun|Baltimore Sun]]'' editorial portrayed the crabbers as lazy, uncivilized and uncooperative. In response to this editorial, the Organization of the Volunteer Fire Company sent an eloquent response.<ref>"Trouble in Crabdom." The Baltimore Sun. July 20, 1954. "The Reply from Hooper's Island." The Baltimore Sun. August 2, 1954. Information found in the vertical files at the Enoch Pratt Library in Baltimore, MD</ref> This response addressed the negative press the fishermen and the communities received, showing how the fishermen and the communities pride themselves on keeping up with modern ideas, that they were civilized and did not need to utilize unions to work together and make improvement to their lives.
In 1954, there was a crabbers strike. Because of the large amount of crabs in the Bay, the price had been so reduced that the fishermen weren't making any money off their catches. Therefore, the crabbers went on strike. Usually strikes are organized by a union who would conduct negotiations in order to improve conditions. For this strike, there wasn't any organized union which promoted the strike but just a tight-knit group of fishermen who wanted their voices heard. Because this strike was not employed by a union, a ''[[The Baltimore Sun|Baltimore Sun]]'' editorial portrayed the crabbers as lazy, uncivilized and uncooperative. In response to this editorial, the Organization of the Volunteer Fire Company sent an eloquent response.<ref>"Trouble in Crabdom." The Baltimore Sun. July 20, 1954. "The Reply from Hooper's Island." The Baltimore Sun. August 2, 1954. Information found in the vertical files at the Enoch Pratt Library in Baltimore, MD</ref> This response addressed the negative press the fishermen and the communities received, showing how the fishermen and the communities pride themselves on keeping up with modern ideas, that they were civilized and did not need to utilize unions to work together and make improvement to their lives.


===Industry===
===Industry===
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[[File:Blue crab on market in Piraeus - Callinectes sapidus Rathbun 20020819-317.jpg|200px|left]]
[[File:Blue crab on market in Piraeus - Callinectes sapidus Rathbun 20020819-317.jpg|200px|left]]


Today, most people who live on Hoopers Island have some connection to the fishing industry. The local families make a living as crabbers, oyster tongers and seafood packers.<ref name=Arnett202 /> Unfortunately because of many factors such as water pollution, this type of industry is on the decline. The number of crabs has been decreasing at an alarming rate and the area governments have enacted a number of laws in order to slow the downfall of the crabbing industry. As of April 2008, the governors of Maryland and Virginia considered cutting the number of harvested female crabs by one-third. According to an article in The Baltimore Sun, the crabbers of Maryland are not happy with this direction as it might force some watermen out of the business.<ref>Guy, Chris & Rona Kobell. "[http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-te.md.governors16apr16,0,3618625.story Governors act to cut harvest of crabs]", [[The Baltimore Sun]]'', April 16, 2008. Retrieved on May 12, 2008.</ref>
Today, most people who live on Hoopers Island have some connection to the fishing industry. The local families make a living as crabbers, oyster tongers and seafood packers.<ref name=Arnett202 /> Seasonal workers from Mexico also work in the processing plants.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/crab-crisis-md-seafood-industry-loses-40-percent-of-workforce-in-visa-lottery/2018/05/03/bf397874-4ef0-11e8-af46-b1d6dc0d9bfe_story.html|title=Crab crisis: Md. seafood industry loses 40 percent of workforce in visa lottery|last=Dance|first=Scott|date=2018-05-03|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=2018-05-06|language=en-US|issn=0190-8286}}</ref> Unfortunately, because of many factors such as water pollution, the fishing industry is on the decline. The number of crabs has been decreasing at an alarming rate, and the area governments have enacted a number of laws in order to slow the decline of the crabbing industry. As of April 2008, the governors of Maryland and Virginia considered cutting the number of harvested female crabs by one-third. According to an article in The Baltimore Sun, the crabbers of Maryland are not happy with this direction as it might force some watermen out of the business.<ref>Guy, Chris & Rona Kobell. "[http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-te.md.governors16apr16,0,3618625.story Governors act to cut harvest of crabs]", ''[[The Baltimore Sun]]'', April 16, 2008. Retrieved on May 12, 2008.</ref>


The Department of Natural Resources issued new regulations in March 2009, for daily bushel limits for mature female hard crabs and periods of closure for harvest of mature female hard crabs. Mature female hard crab bushel limits were assigned based on license type. The regulation further provided the DNR with the authority to establish and modify a season or catch limit by public notice based on continuous monitoring of stock conditions and harvest rates. The Department withdrew the portion of the 2009 regulatory proposal that would have required a free registration for crabbers not currently required to have a license.<ref>[http://www.dnr.state.md.us/dnrnews/pressrelease2009/031909.html DNR Announces 2009 Blue Crab Regulations]</ref>
The Department of Natural Resources issued new regulations in March 2009, for daily bushel limits for mature female hard crabs and periods of closure for harvest of mature female hard crabs. Mature female hard crab bushel limits were assigned based on license type. The regulation further provided the DNR with the authority to establish and modify a season or catch limit by public notice based on continuous monitoring of stock conditions and harvest rates. The Department withdrew the portion of the 2009 regulatory proposal that would have required a free registration for crabbers not currently required to have a license.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.dnr.state.md.us/dnrnews/pressrelease2009/031909.html |title=DNR Announces 2009 Blue Crab Regulations |access-date=May 9, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090525040115/http://www.dnr.state.md.us/dnrnews/pressrelease2009/031909.html |archive-date=May 25, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


==Points of interest==
==Points of interest==


Off the shores of Upper and Middle Hoopers Island is the [[Hooper Island Light|Hooper’s Island Lighthouse]]. This lighthouse was built in 1906 and is only one of eleven pneumatic caisson lighthouses in the United States.
Off the shores of Upper and Middle Hoopers Island is the [[Hooper Island Light|Hooper's Island Lighthouse]]. This lighthouse was built in 1906 and is only one of eleven pneumatic caisson lighthouses in the United States.


For over ten years, the [[Phillips Foods, Inc. and Seafood Restaurants|Phillips Seafood Factory]] has been open to visitors. It is at this factory that [[Callinectes sapidus|blue crab]]s are processed. Phillips Seafood is a company that owns and operates seafood restaurants throughout the east coast. The company origins go back to 1914 on the island, where Augustus E. Phillips established what is now Phillips Seafoods' first seafood processing plant.<ref>[http://www.phillipsfoods.com/about-Phillips-Retail/legend-of-phillips.aspx] About Phillips Foods: The Legend of Phillips</ref>
For over ten years, the [[Phillips Foods, Inc. and Seafood Restaurants|Phillips Seafood Factory]] has been open to visitors. It is at this factory that [[Callinectes sapidus|blue crab]]s are processed. Phillips Seafood is a company that owns and operates seafood restaurants throughout the east coast. The company origins go back to 1914 on the island, where Augustus E. Phillips established what is now Phillips Seafoods' first seafood processing plant.<ref>[http://www.phillipsfoods.com/about-Phillips-Retail/legend-of-phillips.aspx] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130424011637/http://www.phillipsfoods.com/about-Phillips-Retail/legend-of-phillips.aspx |date=April 24, 2013 }} About Phillips Foods: The Legend of Phillips</ref>

Nearby is the scenic [[Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge]]. The drive through this marshland is short but wildlife abounds including [[bald eagle]]s.


==Interesting facts==
==Interesting facts==


*During the 18th century piracy was rampant in the Chesapeake Bay. As boats, filled with supplies, were headed towards the top of the Bay, they were attacked by pirates who had been hiding in the many tributaries. Lord Dunmore, one of the more infamous pirates, created such mayhem that Henry Hooper, IV, in 1780, asked the Governor of Maryland for assistance to stop the plundering.<ref name=Flowers51 />
*During the 18th century, piracy was rampant in the Chesapeake Bay. As boats, filled with supplies, were headed towards the top of the Bay, they were attacked by pirates who had been hiding in the many tributaries. Lord Dunmore, one of the more infamous pirates, created such mayhem that in 1780, Henry Hooper IV asked the governor of Maryland for assistance to stop the plundering.<ref name=Flowers51 />
*An area near the islands, called Meekins Neck, is the site of the first Catholic Church in Dorchester County. St. Mary Star of this Sea was built in 1769.<ref name=Jones123 />
*An area near the islands, Meekins Neck, is the site of the first Catholic church in Dorchester County. St. Mary Star of the Sea was built in 1769.<ref name=Jones123 />
*There was a [[steamboat]] service that went up to [[Baltimore]] from the mid-1880s until 1929. The trip left Hoopersville in the late afternoon and arrived in Baltimore at 3:30&nbsp;am<ref name=Cronin87 />
*From the mid-1880s until 1929, there was a [[steamboat]] service that went up to [[Baltimore]]. The boat left Hoopersville in the late afternoon and arrived in Baltimore at 3:30&nbsp;am.<ref name=Cronin87 />


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|Hoopers Island}}
{{wikivoyage|Hooper's Island}}
{{wikivoyage|Hooper's Island}}
* [http://www.cheslights.org/heritage/hoopers-isl.htm United States Lighthouse Society, Chesapeake Chapter]
* [http://www.cheslights.org/heritage/hoopers-isl.htm United States Lighthouse Society, Chesapeake Chapter]
* [http://oldhigraveyard.homestead.com/index.html The Old Hooper's Island Graveyard]
* [http://oldhigraveyard.homestead.com/index.html The Old Hoopers Island Graveyard]
* [http://www.tourdorchester.org/attraction.php?attraction=251&category=85&ac=251,85 Dorchester County Tourism]
* [http://www.tourdorchester.org/attraction.php?attraction=251&category=85&ac=251,85 Dorchester County Tourism]
* [http://www.sawyercharters.com/sawyertours.htm Sawyer Tours and Cruises, Hooper's Island, MD]
* [http://www.sawyercharters.com/sawyertours.htm Sawyer Tours and Cruises, Hooper's Island, MD]
* [http://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=3997 The Historical Marker Database]
* [http://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=3997 The Historical Marker Database]
* [http://oldsaltys.com/home.html Old Salty's Restaurant]
* [http://oldsaltys.com Old Salty's Restaurant]
* [http://www.cbf.org/site/PageServer?pagename=homev3 Chesapeake Bay Foundation]
* [http://www.cbf.org Chesapeake Bay Foundation]
* [http://www.phillipsfoods.com/about-Phillips-Retail/legend-of-phillips.aspx Phillips Foods: The Legend of Phillips]
* [http://www.phillipsfoods.com/our-heritage/ Phillips Foods: The Legend of Phillips]
{{coord|38|18|00|N|76|12|29|W|region:US_type:city|display=title}}
{{coord|38|18|00|N|76|12|29|W|region:US_type:city|display=title}}
* [http://www.hiexped.com www.hiexped.com] Hoopers Island Expeditions

{{authority control}}


[[Category:Islands of the Chesapeake Bay]]
[[Category:Hoopers Island| ]]
[[Category:Fishing communities in the United States]]
[[Category:Maryland islands of the Chesapeake Bay]]
⚫
[[Category:Fishing communities in Maryland]]
[[Category:Landforms of Dorchester County, Maryland]]
[[Category:Landforms of Dorchester County, Maryland]]
⚫
[[Category:Islands of Maryland]]

Latest revision as of 07:57, 28 June 2023

Hoopers Island, Maryland
1877 map of western Dorchester County showing Hoopers Island
1877 map of western Dorchester County showing Hoopers Island
CountryUnited States
StateMaryland
CountyDorchester
Population
 (2000)
 • Total441
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
21634
Area code410
GNIS feature ID588389

Hoopers Island is a chain of islands in Dorchester County, Maryland, United States. Upper Hoopers Island and Lower Hoopers Island are surrounded by water with the Chesapeake Bay on the left side and the Honga River on the right side. The remote set of islands has much wildlife and is well known for sport fishing and crabbing industries. Hoopers Island was issued one of the earliest land grants in Dorchester County, Maryland.[1]

Geography[edit]

Hoopers Island is located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The islands are situated on the south-west shores of the Chesapeake Bay in Dorchester County.

Hoopers Island is roughly 20 miles (32 km) long and consists of three small islands.[2] The islands are very narrow in many places and one can easily see water, the Chesapeake Bay and the Honga River, on both sides of Maryland Route 335 which travels through the islands.[3]

Upper Hoopers island is located at N. 38°20' W. 76°14 and Middle Hoopers island is located at N. 38°16' W. 76°11. Lower Hoopers Island is now a marshland.

History[edit]

The early residents of what is now known as Hoopers Island were the Yaocomico people. According to some local folklore, the land was purchased from the Yaocomico tribe for five woolen blankets.[4]

Hoopers Island is considered the oldest settled area in Dorchester County.[5] The namesake of the islands is Henry Hooper. Hooper was friends with the Calverts, an important family many consider to be founders of the state of Maryland. In the mid-17th century, parts of the islands were surveyed for Hooper. The first parcel of land was surveyed by Robert Clift and aptly titled Hooper's Clifts.[6] An additional 400 acres (1.6 km2) of land was surveyed for Hooper later on in 1668. He received additional parcels of land in 1669 as well.[6]

Though much of the land was claimed by the Hoopers, other families such as William Chaplin, Richard Bentley and Philip Shapeley owned major plots of land. In addition, some indentured servants such as Thomas Hooten and Daniel Puddiford received land.[2]

The Hooper family[edit]

The Hooper family made Dorchester County their family home in 1669.[7] Henry Hooper had a large family: he was married twice and had 14 children.[8] Henry Hooper was one of the first commissioners of Dorchester County.[9] Many descendants of the original Henry Hooper followed in his footsteps and served on the Dorchester County legislature as well.[8] Upon his death, Hooper left parcels of land, with names such as Hooper's Chance, Hooper's Lot, Hooper's Fortune and Hooper's Forrest to his children.[10]

Isolation[edit]

Due to the geographical nature of Hoopers Island, the residents had to be self-sufficient and independent. Accordingly, the islanders maintained strong family and community ties. Once families moved to Hoopers Island, they stayed for generations. According to one source, for 300 years the population can be traced to just ten families.[5] The outside world did not rapidly influence the way of life on the island. While in the 21st century, many places find it difficult to remain isolated, Hoopers Island maintains a sense of pride on their independence and self-sufficiency.

Environment[edit]

church in Hoopersville
church in Hoopersville

Erosion is a serious threat to the island, as it removes an average of 24.19 acres (97,900 m2) per year.[11] In addition, storm and flood damage along with rising waters had and continue to have an effect on the environment and geography of the islands.

Since the early 20th century, Lower Hoopers Island is no longer inhabited. Prior to this, the island was home to the community of Applegarth which grew tremendously during the oyster boom in the 1880s. Due to erosion, the last resident was forced to leave in the late 1920s. For a short while, farmers continued to use the island to pasture their livestock. Unfortunately, a hurricane destroyed the bridge to Lower Hoopers Island in 1933.[3]

Another section of Hoopers Island has also been affected. Swan Island, originally owned by the indentured servant, Thomas Hooten, has almost disappeared but some of the buildings still stand.[3]

The islands are filled with wild geese and ducks throughout the marshlands.[12] Little and great blue herons, American oystercatchers, double-crested cormorants, willets, herring gulls, Forster's common, royal, and least terns, black ducks, gadwalls, egrets, osprey, and the boat-tailed grackle can all be found in and around Hoopers Island.[11]

Life on Hoopers Island[edit]

According to a 2018 estimate, the population of Hoopers Island was 559.[13]

Most of the islands’ residents live in the communities of Honga, Fishing Creek and Hoopersville. Honga and Fishing Creek can be found on Upper Hoopers Island while the southernmost village, Hoopersville, is found on Middle Hoopers Island. As a reflection of life on the islands, oyster boats, tonging craft and crab houses are visible across the landscape.[12]

Events[edit]

The islanders host many impressive and enduring social events. One such event involves fishing Hoopers Island.[11] Since 1973, the William T. Ruark Fishing Tournament is considered the island's largest event. Other events such as the Arts and Crafts Auction and Bazaar and the Ronald McGlaughlin Artisans Fair are community affairs that draw residents and visitors alike.[11]

Community[edit]

There is a strong sense of community amongst the islanders. One endearing story painted the people and community of Hoopers Island in a very positive light: "strongly independent" "stout-hearted" "self-sufficient", great "sense of community" and "fellowship."[14] Between a strong work ethic and family ties, the community is a strong force that has weathered some negative publicity and difficult times. One such example occurred in the mid-20th century.

In 1954, there was a crabbers strike. Because of the large amount of crabs in the Bay, the price had been so reduced that the fishermen weren't making any money off their catches. Therefore, the crabbers went on strike. Usually strikes are organized by a union who would conduct negotiations in order to improve conditions. For this strike, there wasn't any organized union which promoted the strike but just a tight-knit group of fishermen who wanted their voices heard. Because this strike was not employed by a union, a Baltimore Sun editorial portrayed the crabbers as lazy, uncivilized and uncooperative. In response to this editorial, the Organization of the Volunteer Fire Company sent an eloquent response.[15] This response addressed the negative press the fishermen and the communities received, showing how the fishermen and the communities pride themselves on keeping up with modern ideas, that they were civilized and did not need to utilize unions to work together and make improvement to their lives.

Industry[edit]

Originally, the main industry on the island was crops. Hoopers Island was mainly known for tobacco crops but during the American Revolution, vegetables and grains were also grown.[8]

Today, most people who live on Hoopers Island have some connection to the fishing industry. The local families make a living as crabbers, oyster tongers and seafood packers.[12] Seasonal workers from Mexico also work in the processing plants.[16] Unfortunately, because of many factors such as water pollution, the fishing industry is on the decline. The number of crabs has been decreasing at an alarming rate, and the area governments have enacted a number of laws in order to slow the decline of the crabbing industry. As of April 2008, the governors of Maryland and Virginia considered cutting the number of harvested female crabs by one-third. According to an article in The Baltimore Sun, the crabbers of Maryland are not happy with this direction as it might force some watermen out of the business.[17]

The Department of Natural Resources issued new regulations in March 2009, for daily bushel limits for mature female hard crabs and periods of closure for harvest of mature female hard crabs. Mature female hard crab bushel limits were assigned based on license type. The regulation further provided the DNR with the authority to establish and modify a season or catch limit by public notice based on continuous monitoring of stock conditions and harvest rates. The Department withdrew the portion of the 2009 regulatory proposal that would have required a free registration for crabbers not currently required to have a license.[18]

Points of interest[edit]

Off the shores of Upper and Middle Hoopers Island is the Hooper's Island Lighthouse. This lighthouse was built in 1906 and is only one of eleven pneumatic caisson lighthouses in the United States.

For over ten years, the Phillips Seafood Factory has been open to visitors. It is at this factory that blue crabs are processed. Phillips Seafood is a company that owns and operates seafood restaurants throughout the east coast. The company origins go back to 1914 on the island, where Augustus E. Phillips established what is now Phillips Seafoods' first seafood processing plant.[19]

Interesting facts[edit]

  • During the 18th century, piracy was rampant in the Chesapeake Bay. As boats, filled with supplies, were headed towards the top of the Bay, they were attacked by pirates who had been hiding in the many tributaries. Lord Dunmore, one of the more infamous pirates, created such mayhem that in 1780, Henry Hooper IV asked the governor of Maryland for assistance to stop the plundering.[4]
  • An area near the islands, Meekins Neck, is the site of the first Catholic church in Dorchester County. St. Mary Star of the Sea was built in 1769.[7]
  • From the mid-1880s until 1929, there was a steamboat service that went up to Baltimore. The boat left Hoopersville in the late afternoon and arrived in Baltimore at 3:30 am.[3]

References[edit]

  1. ^ mintdigital. "Hooper's Island: The Place that Time Forgot – Thurka Sangaramoorthy, PhD, MPH". Retrieved February 10, 2020.
  2. ^ a b Cronin, William B. The Disappearing Islands of the Chesapeake. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, MD. 2005. p. 83 ISBN 0-8018-7435-1
  3. ^ a b c d Cronin, William B. The Disappearing Islands of the Chesapeake. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, MD. 2005. p. 87 ISBN 0-8018-7435-1
  4. ^ a b Flowers, Anna. "The Private World of Hooper's Island." The Skipper. V. 14, February 1954. p51
  5. ^ a b Simmons Hedberg Jaccqueline. Images of America, Hoopers Island. Arcade Publishing, Charleston, SC 2007. p.7 ISBN 0-7385-4382-9
  6. ^ a b Mowbray, Calvin W. First Dorchester Families. Willow Bend Books, Westminster, Maryland. 2000. p. 63 ISBN 1-58549-199-3
  7. ^ a b Jones, Elias. Revised History of Dorchester County Maryland. The Read Taylor Press, Baltimore, MD 1925. p. 123
  8. ^ a b c Cronin, William B. The Disappearing Islands of the Chesapeake. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, MD. 2005. p. 84 ISBN 0-8018-7435-1
  9. ^ Huelle, Walter. Footnotes to Dorchester History. Tidewater Publishers, Cambridge, MD. 1969. p. 1 ISBN 0-87033-144-2
  10. ^ Mowbray, Calvin W. First Dorchester Families. Willow Bend Books, Westminster, Maryland. 2000. p. 65 ISBN 1-58549-199-3
  11. ^ a b c d Cronin, William B. The Disappearing Islands of the Chesapeake. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, MD. 2005. p. 88 ISBN 0-8018-7435-1
  12. ^ a b c Arnett, Earl, Robert J. Brugger & Edward C. Papenfuse. Maryland, A New Guide to the Old Line State. The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, MD, 1999. p. 202 ISBN 0-8018-5980-8
  13. ^ "Census profile: District 6, Hoopers Island, Dorchester County, MD". Census Reporter. Retrieved March 10, 2020.
  14. ^ Flowers, Anna. "The Private World of Hooper's Island." The Skipper. V. 14, February 1954. p. 17-18
  15. ^ "Trouble in Crabdom." The Baltimore Sun. July 20, 1954. "The Reply from Hooper's Island." The Baltimore Sun. August 2, 1954. Information found in the vertical files at the Enoch Pratt Library in Baltimore, MD
  16. ^ Dance, Scott (May 3, 2018). "Crab crisis: Md. seafood industry loses 40 percent of workforce in visa lottery". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved May 6, 2018.
  17. ^ Guy, Chris & Rona Kobell. "Governors act to cut harvest of crabs", The Baltimore Sun, April 16, 2008. Retrieved on May 12, 2008.
  18. ^ "DNR Announces 2009 Blue Crab Regulations". Archived from the original on May 25, 2009. Retrieved May 9, 2009.
  19. ^ [1] Archived April 24, 2013, at the Wayback Machine About Phillips Foods: The Legend of Phillips

External links[edit]

38°18′00″N 76°12′29″W / 38.30000°N 76.20806°W / 38.30000; -76.20806

source: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hoopers_Island&diff=1162305539&oldid=730376389

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