Hoopers Island | Ocean City

Hoopers Island is a distinctive and historically rich chain of three islands-Upper, Middle, and Lower Hoopers Islands-located in Dorchester County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore within the Chesapeake Bay. This rural and close-knit community is deeply intertwined with the Bay’s maritime heritage and natural environment, embodying a traditional watermen culture that has persisted for centuries.

Historical Context

The islands were first settled in 1669 by Henry Hooper, after whom they are named. Originally, the settlers attempted tobacco farming, but the marshy, tidal terrain proved unsuitable for this crop. Instead, the islanders adapted by establishing small-scale farming alongside a growing reliance on the Bay’s abundant seafood resources. Over time, the islands transformed into vibrant watermen communities focused primarily on oystering, crabbing, and fishing.

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Hoopers Island became known for its skilled boat builders and watermen who crafted distinctive “Hoopers Island dovetail” boats. These wooden vessels, featuring a unique stern design that enhanced stability and maneuverability in shallow Bay waters, were essential for the local seafood industry. The craftsmanship of these boats symbolizes the island’s connection to maritime traditions.

The islands’ economy historically revolved around seafood harvesting and processing, with crab-picking factories such as A.E. Phillips & Son, established in 1916, continuing operations today, preserving a vital link to the past.

Geography and Environment

Hoopers Island stretches along the Chesapeake Bay, connected to the mainland via Maryland Route 335 by bridges that link Upper and Middle Hoopers Islands. Lower Hoopers Island, the southernmost of the three, remains uninhabited and accessible only by boat.

The islands’ terrain is primarily low-lying, consisting of tidal marshes, creeks, and open waters, forming an ecologically rich environment. These wetlands provide critical habitat for numerous bird species, fish, and other wildlife. The islands are part of a broader ecosystem that includes the nearby Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, renowned for its diversity of waterfowl and migratory birds.

Maritime Heritage and Community Life

The residents of Hoopers Island maintain a traditional lifestyle centered around the Bay’s seafood resources. The community is small but vibrant, with many families having lived there for generations, sustaining oystering, crabbing, and fishing as both economic and cultural foundations.

Hoopers Island is recognized for its unique maritime architecture and boat-building heritage. The “Hoopers Island dovetail” boats are particularly noteworthy, representing decades of craftsmanship tailored to the Bay’s shallow waters and fishing needs. One such boat, the Martha (built in 1934), is preserved at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, serving as a tangible link to the island’s past.

Annual events such as the William T. Ruark Fishing Tournament celebrate the community’s fishing traditions and attract visitors interested in the Bay’s seafood culture.

Hooper Island Lighthouse

Situated about three miles offshore near Middle Hoopers Island, the Hooper Island Lighthouse is a historic pneumatic caisson lighthouse built in 1902. It is among the few remaining lighthouses of this type in the United States and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The lighthouse has become a local landmark and symbol of maritime safety in the Bay’s sometimes treacherous waters. In recent years, private ownership has aimed at restoring and preserving this historic structure, with plans to engage the community in its upkeep.

Outdoor Activities and Nature

The island’s extensive marshes, creeks, and open waters make it an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife watchers. The following activities are popular:

Fishing and Crabbing: The Bay’s waters around Hoopers Island are renowned for blue crabs, oysters, and a variety of fish species. Local charter operators offer fishing and crabbing excursions, providing visitors an authentic Chesapeake Bay watermen experience.

Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Exploring the island’s backwaters, tidal creeks, and marshes by kayak or paddleboard offers close encounters with wildlife and serene natural landscapes.

Birdwatching: The islands serve as habitat for diverse bird species, including oystercatchers, herons, cormorants, and bald eagles. The proximity to Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge enhances opportunities to observe migratory and resident birds.

Sea Glass Hunting: At low tide, the shores around the bridges reveal sea glass deposits, attracting visitors who collect these colorful remnants of glass worn smooth by the Bay’s waters.

Community Amenities and Dining

Despite its rural character, Hoopers Island provides essential amenities and a welcoming atmosphere:

Old Salty’s Restaurant: Located in a repurposed high school building, Old Salty’s is famed for its Maryland crab cakes, seafood platters, and local charm. It acts as a gathering place for residents and visitors alike.

Hoopers Island General Store: Serving as the community’s hub, the store offers groceries, sporting supplies, and a deli that is well-regarded for its homemade crab cakes and cheesesteak sandwiches.

Access and Transportation

Hoopers Island is accessible by car from the mainland via MD Route 335, which crosses bridges connecting the mainland to Upper and Middle Hoopers Islands. The trip from Baltimore or Washington, D.C., typically takes around two to two and a half hours, making it a manageable destination for weekend trips or longer stays.

Lower Hoopers Island remains isolated, reachable only by boat, preserving its undeveloped character and natural environment.

Summary

Hoopers Island offers a compelling blend of living maritime tradition, natural beauty, and small-community charm on the Chesapeake Bay. Its long history of watermen culture, distinct boat-building heritage, and ongoing seafood industry maintain a deep connection to the Bay’s resources. Visitors to Hoopers Island experience authentic coastal Maryland life through engaging outdoor activities, historic landmarks like the Hooper Island Lighthouse, and community-driven dining and cultural experiences. The island remains a vital part of the Chesapeake Bay’s cultural and ecological landscape, providing a unique window into the region’s past and present maritime identity.