When Holland Island Disappeared | The Incredible Story of Maryland's Town Lost to the Sea

Discover the incredible story of Holland Island, the small town lost to the sea in the Chesapeake Bay. In this engaging video, you'll learn about the island's history, its people, and the devastating natural forces that caused it to disappear beneath the waves. Featuring stunning footage and narration, "When Holland Island Disappeared | The Incredible Story of the Town Lost to the Sea" is a must-watch for history and nature enthusiasts alike. Learn about the island's thriving past and heartbreaking end in this search-optimized video that is sure to capture the attention of those interested in history, nature, and the power of the sea.

Chapters:
00:48 - Why the Chesapeake Bay is Crucial to the United States of America (Importance of Chesapeake Bay Explained)

01:50 - The History of Maryland's Lost Community, Holland Island (Discovering the Past of Holland Island)

03:43 - How Holland Island was Populated and Established (Settlement and Growth of Holland Island)

04:39 - The Challenges of Living on a Small Island (Life on Holland Island)

05:45 - When Shore Erosion Became a Concern (Environmental Threats to Holland Island)

06:07 - The Rapid Downfall of Holland Island (The Disappearance of Holland Island)

06:52 - Holland Island's Final Holdout: The Struggle to Save a Vanishing Community (Efforts to Save Holland Island)

10:47 - The Final Days of Holland Island: A Tragic End to a Once-Thriving Community (The Last Days of Holland Island)

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IT’S HISTORY - Weekly tales of American Urban Decay as presented by your host Ryan Socash.

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» CREDIT
Scriptwriter - Ryan Socash
Editor - David Dadario
Host - Ryan Socash

» SOURCES

» NOTICE
Some images may be used for illustrative purposes only - always reflecting the accurate time frame and content. Events of factual error / mispronounced word/spelling mistakes - retractions will be published in this section.

[randyweber]

The houses were not washed into the bay the family's dismantled them and barged them to the mainland. Many of them were moved to Cambridge Maryland and many of them were moved to Crisfield Maryland. My cousin's house on standard avenue in Crisfield originally stood on Holland's Island.

[nc]

Growing up in Maryland we learned alot about the island. It was pretty much a case study on erosion. From what I understand the house is no longer there

[rangerman]

I grew up on the eastern shore, it's so awesome to see someone spread our history

[spddiesel]

I remember reading James Mitchner's "Chesapeake!" many years ago. It's an account of three families that lived along Chesapeake Bay from colonial times up thru the late 70's when it was written. One of the families, the Steeds, settled an island that went from an grand estate to an eroded memory, much like this one.

[daren]

Western MARYLANDER here! I love visiting the Eastern Shore! My mom's family ended up in Western Maryland . Her family landed on St. George's Island, St. Mary's County in 1643! I believe Maryland was first settled in 1634! The beautiful Appalachian mountains are pretty high. I feel pretty safe here! We actually did have a EF- 4 tornado in 1996! Nobody in Maryland was killed or injured! Some homes were damaged! A woman in Salisbury, Pennsylvania was killed when a church steeple fell and crushed her van! I visit the Eastern Shore but I love living in the Appalachian mountains! 🥰🇩🇪🇨🇭🇺🇲💙💙💙💙

[kevinconrad]

Got to visit the island in the early 70's when there was still a small community and store.

[CoasterTeaFox]

This was the most heartfelt episode I've watched yet, well done. May the heritage and the people who walked the sands of Holland Island be remembered forever.

[CajunCatch]

My great grandfather was one of the last people to leave Holland Island in 1922. He was a market hunter and oystermen. After he stopped living there for years he would return to the island in the fall and winter for oyster and fowl season. He died when I was a boy at the age of 97.

[courtneykappel]

The brackish water of the Chesapeake Bay runs through my veins and I have a deep appreciation for all aspects of the region. I visited Smith Island a few years back and loved it but sadly I think it is destined to be the new Holland Island. 😢 Thanks for sharing the story of Holland Island today.

[sgtpetergreen]

One bit of positivity about the island, many of the family's who moved to the mainland deconstructed and then reconstructed their homes on the mainland, mainly in Crisfield, but some also as far as Cambridge. I've visited one of them in Cambridge. Not that I went inside, it is a private residence, but I've seen it in person

[bryanparkhurst]

Wow! This one really brought back memories for me. I grew up in Maryland and my grandparents lived in Rehoboth Beach Delaware. This was a story that my father and I followed right up until the point where the island existed no longer. Tragedy but that's nature.

[CrAck-MoNey]

This was a very touching It's History. Thank you Ryan for preserving history that most people, including myself have never heard.

[bazdurand]

You should do one on Tangier Island it’s fixing to follow a similar story within the next 50 years.

[charlesclager]

Excellent recounting of a very sad event. The little girls tombstone seems to foretell the future of the island.

[Knights_Oath]

It reminds me a town that is now under the Susquehanna River in Northern Maryland. They build a dam further up stream and is now covered in 30ft of water. The church steeple still sticks up out of the water. From a few people I have talked to who have scuba dove to see it. Its creepy looking as hell as there is still a sizeable graveyard down there.

[jerylabrams]

I live on Deal Island, we are taking our chances here, but it’s so worth it! Nothing like this place anywhere

[wolfic]

As sad as it is the island ceases to exist, but that girl won't be forgotten due to this video..

[jameshinman]

Broke down on Holland Island years ago glad we got the boat running before dark I wouldn't want to spend the night out there

[mightytax]

I’m so glad there is a video about this. I’ve heard about this story throughout my childhood

[mattyeatman]

Growing up on Kent Island, we learned so much about Holland island. There are so many others in the Bay that will be just like Holland, ( Tangier, Smith etc)