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All the United States Virginia Chincoteague Island Misty of Chincoteague

Misty of Chincoteague

The taxidermy remains of the most popular pony in children's literature.

Chincoteague Island, Virginia

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Jen Nelson
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Misty’s taxidermy body at the Museum of Chincoteague.   brownpau/cc by 2.0
Misty’s taxidermy body at the Museum of Chincoteague.   brownpau/cc by 2.0
Misty.   brownpau/cc by 2.0
Misty and her daughter, Stormy.   brownpau/cc by 2.0
Exhibit has been updated 2023   Billie532 / Atlas Obscura User
  Billie532 / Atlas Obscura User
Misty and Stormy.   blimpcaptain / Atlas Obscura User
The Museum of Chincoteague Island, where Misty is on display.   blimpcaptain / Atlas Obscura User
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About

What is perhaps the most beloved pony in children’s literature is preserved in more than just books and movies. The body of the real-life Misty of Chincoteague is displayed for all to see. Her pinto coat still looks fluffy and shiny, and her lifeless eyes still hold hints of the sweetness that endeared her to children around the world.

Marguerite Henry was inspired to write her book Misty of Chincoteague while spending a summer on the titular island in 1946. Henry was there to witness the annual pony swim and auction. This long-time tradition involved “Saltwater Cowboys” rounding up feral ponies on nearby Assateague Island and having them swim the channel to Chincoteague, where they would be auctioned off.

While on Chincoteague, Henry met the owners of Beebe Ranch, and was inspired to write about it. She told the Beebes it would help make their ranch famous and they would be able to sell a lot of ponies reared there. Henry also wanted to buy a foal from the ranch named Misty. The Beebes were hesitant, but agreed to sell Misty if Henry would include their grandchildren Paul and Maureen in the book.

Once Misty was weaned, Henry had her brought back to her house in Wayne, Illinois. Misty lived there with Henry for 10 years. During that time, Misty did many fan appearances, learned to perform tricks, and was the only equine member of the American Library Association. Henry also hosted a public birthday party for Misty every year.

After 10 years in Illinois, Misty was sent back to the Beebe Ranch so she could be bred. More than 300 children attended her farewell party. Back on her native island, she had three foals, including Stormy, the subject of another book of Henry’s. Misty lived out the rest of her life on the Beebe Ranch.

Misty died in 1972 at the age of 26. The taxidermy remains of her and her daughter Stormy, who died in 1993, are now on display at the Museum of Chincoteague.

Related Tags

Horses Taxidermy Animals Museums Children's Literature

Know Before You Go

Admission is $4.00, though children 12 and under can enter for free. Its hours vary by season. After labor day, it's open Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The annual pony swim and auction still takes place every year on Chincoteague, with proceeds of the auction going to the volunteer fire department. You can also visit the Beebe Ranch and see the stalls of Misty and her foals, as well as meet her living descendants. The Chincoteague tourism board also produces a map of Misty-related sites, including filming locations from the Misty movie, and of course, Misty herself.

Community Contributors

Added By

jen487

Edited By

Kerry Wolfe, blimpcaptain, Billie532

  • Kerry Wolfe
  • blimpcaptain
  • Billie532

Published

October 1, 2018

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Sources
  • http://www.mistysheaven.com/historyofmisty.html
  • https://missmollys-inn.com/2016/05/12/visit-the-island-home-of-misty-of-chincoteague/
  • http://www.coastalvirginiamag.com/May-June-2017/Celebrating-70-Years-of-Misty-of-Chincoteague/
Misty of Chincoteague
7125 Maddox Blvd
Chincoteague Island, Virginia
United States
37.922997, -75.352668
Visit Website
Get Directions

Nearby Places

Captain Joshua L. Chandler's Grave

Chincoteague, Virginia

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Assateague Island

Berlin, Maryland

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Virginia

Virginia

United States

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Stories 34

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Captain Joshua L. Chandler's Grave

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Virginia

Virginia

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Places 315
Stories 34

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