ASSATEAGUE, MD – A remarkable piece of maritime history appeared on the shores of Assateague State Park, Maryland, when a 14.5-foot piece of driftwood, identified as a deck timber from a 19th-century ship, washed up in December.
Maryland State Parks officials, in a recent Facebook post, detailed the discovery and the subsequent consultation with Maryland Historic Trust experts to ascertain the timber’s origins. Their analysis suggests that the timber dates back to the mid-to-late 1800s and likely served as a deck timber on a ship, along with other attached parts.
In an unusual decision, officials opted to leave the historic timber on the beach. To facilitate future tracking, they have tagged it, allowing for its journey to be monitored if it gets swept out to sea again and potentially identified if it washes up on another shore. This approach not only preserves the natural state of the beach but also adds an intriguing element for visitors to Assateague State Park, combining natural beauty with a touch of historical mystery.