Maryland has dozens of islands, a few of which we’ve previously discussed here. What many Marylanders don’t know is that there are also a few islands that once existed, but due to erosion, now lie in a watery grave in the Chesapeake Bay. Holland Island is one of these fascinating and haunting places. The story behind this underwater island in Maryland will leave you with intrigue and a bit of sadness.At one point in its history, Holland Island was home to around 300 residents. Watermen flocked to this area with their families to take advantage of the fishing opportunities of the bay.
Years later, erosion began to take hold of the island. The families moved their homes further inland but it was no use. There is no fighting Mother Nature.
The shoreline began to lessen year by year, until families were forced to move. Parts of the now abandoned island became completely submerged until one house was left standing.
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The islands of MD, where no one ever strays too far out of the gene pool...
ReplyDeleteRemember all that Global Warming back in 1900? (caused by man, of course) It melted all the sea ice at the poles and raised the sea level at Holland Island!
ReplyDeleteOh, I remember it well! I was a mere lad of 16 back then...LOL!
The Army Corp of Engineers has tried to help with Tangier Island Va. not fall to the same fate, they built bulk heads on the beach years ago and have added houses to one end of Westridge, but I have heard it too will fall to the same fate eventually. I hope not in my lifetime as this was the home of my grandparents, and still is the home of two uncles and one aunt remaining there, and child hood friends.
ReplyDeleteIt is not due to global warming. The sea is not rising.
ReplyDeleteI think the government should have done something to save these Islands. They should have put bulk heading all around them. If they can replenish the beaches in Ocean City and Delaware then they could have done something to save these Islands.
Why are they disappearing anyway?does anyone know?
ReplyDeleteIt is still possible to save Holland Island. One would have to solicit the Army Corps of Engineers - and they could provide the construction of the flood walls, concrete bulkheads, rip-rap, dikes. The fill could be gathered from the dredging projects of the Baltimore harbor - similar to what has already been done. I would estimate that it would take about 100 million cubic yards of diked disposal material - to restore the Island to her former glory.
ReplyDeleteThen - stabilization of the deposited dredged spoil would need to be done so as to provide for a firm foundation material suitable for industrial parks, harbor terminals or water oriented parks - extending over a three to five square mile area.
Yes - it could still be done - but with the extreme environmental movements going on - that might prove to be biggest deterrent to any restoration effort. I say this in all honesty - but it might prove to be easier to solicit the help of the Chinese to perform the job. They are already doing it right now - in one of the largest Island building efforts ever undertaken. Of course - someone would have to pass possession of title from the current owner over to China in order to get the restoration accomplished.
Another possibility is to elect Donald Trump - as he has extensive experience in the building profession. He also has the economic prowess to make the construction feasible - possibly creating a tax free, duty free, economic sanctuary port of entry - for foreign imports. Similar to what Ross Perot did in Texas at his air park.
I guess it all boils down to who has the energy and ability to lead such an effort.
I hope some of above suggestions help to resonate with those that might be interested.
How can anyone deny rising sea level after seeing this and many other Bay islands disappearing. I guess it is due to the land sinking.
ReplyDelete9:59 it is exactly the land sinking in this case. It is called rebounding and is a result of the last Ice age. The northern ice sheet caused land south of it to rise and after it melted the land has been sinking.
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