Remains of Baltimore Boulevard on Assateague Island
In the 1950s, developers envisioned transforming Assateague Island, Maryland, into a bustling resort community akin to nearby Ocean City. Central to this plan was the construction of Baltimore Boulevard, a nearly 15-mile-long road intended to serve as the main thoroughfare for the proposed development.
Development Plans:
•Ocean Beach Subdivision: A group of investors, led by Leon Ackerman, acquired approximately 15 miles of Assateague’s oceanfront property. They commissioned the subdivision of this land into residential and commercial lots, marketing them under the name “Ocean Beach.” Prospective buyers were transported to the island to view and purchase plots, with prices ranging from $1,250 to $8,500 as of September 1954.
•Infrastructure Initiatives: To support the envisioned community, developers constructed Baltimore Boulevard, installed numbered street signs for planned lateral streets, and launched extensive sales campaigns targeting metropolitan areas. The opening of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in 1955 further bolstered interest, making the Eastern Shore more accessible to potential investors and residents.
Impact of the 1962 Storm:
The ambitious development plans came to an abrupt halt in March 1962 when a powerful nor’easter, known as the Ash Wednesday Storm, struck the Mid-Atlantic coast. This three-day storm devastated much of the existing infrastructure on Assateague Island, including significant damage to Baltimore Boulevard. The destruction underscored the island’s vulnerability to natural forces, leading to the abandonment of large-scale development projects.
Preservation Efforts:
In the aftermath of the storm, momentum shifted towards conservation. Recognizing the island’s unique ecosystem and the challenges of sustainable development, efforts intensified to protect Assateague from future commercial exploitation. These endeavors culminated in 1965 with the establishment of the Assateague Island National Seashore, ensuring the preservation of the island’s natural landscapes for public enjoyment and safeguarding it from extensive private development.
Today, remnants of Baltimore Boulevard can still be found on Assateague Island, serving as historical markers of past development ambitions and nature’s resilience. The island now stands as a testament to successful conservation efforts, offering visitors pristine beaches, diverse wildlife, and a glimpse into a landscape that narrowly escaped extensive urbanization.
Remains of Baltimore Boulevard on Assateague Island
In the 1950s, developers envisioned transforming Assateague Island, Maryland, into a bustling resort community akin to nearby Ocean City. Central to this plan was the construction of Baltimore Boulevard, a nearly 15-mile-long road intended to serve as the main thoroughfare for the proposed development.
Development Plans:
•Ocean Beach Subdivision: A group of investors, led by Leon Ackerman, acquired approximately 15 miles of Assateague’s oceanfront property. They commissioned the subdivision of this land into residential and commercial lots, marketing them under the name “Ocean Beach.” Prospective buyers were transported to the island to view and purchase plots, with prices ranging from $1,250 to $8,500 as of September 1954.
•Infrastructure Initiatives: To support the envisioned community, developers constructed Baltimore Boulevard, installed numbered street signs for planned lateral streets, and launched extensive sales campaigns targeting metropolitan areas. The opening of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in 1955 further bolstered interest, making the Eastern Shore more accessible to potential investors and residents.
Impact of the 1962 Storm:
The ambitious development plans came to an abrupt halt in March 1962 when a powerful nor’easter, known as the Ash Wednesday Storm, struck the Mid-Atlantic coast. This three-day storm devastated much of the existing infrastructure on Assateague Island, including significant damage to Baltimore Boulevard. The destruction underscored the island’s vulnerability to natural forces, leading to the abandonment of large-scale development projects.
Preservation Efforts:
In the aftermath of the storm, momentum shifted towards conservation. Recognizing the island’s unique ecosystem and the challenges of sustainable development, efforts intensified to protect Assateague from future commercial exploitation. These endeavors culminated in 1965 with the establishment of the Assateague Island National Seashore, ensuring the preservation of the island’s natural landscapes for public enjoyment and safeguarding it from extensive private development.
Today, remnants of Baltimore Boulevard can still be found on Assateague Island, serving as historical markers of past development ambitions and nature’s resilience. The island now stands as a testament to successful conservation efforts, offering visitors pristine beaches, diverse wildlife, and a glimpse into a landscape that narrowly escaped extensive urbanization.