There was once a thriving fishing village off the coast in the Chesapeake Bay called Holland Island. By the early 1900’s, this picturesque village boasted over 70 homes, stores, and buildings. Due to many unforeseen natural factors including a rising sea level, coastal erosion and settling bedrock, the town is now completely submerged underneath the cold waters. Although sad and disheartening, this emotional set of photos sets the scene for a beautiful disaster that unfolded over time.
The thriving fishing village of Holland Island.
They didn’t know it at the time, but this house would be the last one standing on this disappearing island.
Holland Island has been getting smaller and smaller each year.
The bedrock under the village has been sinking and dissolving dating back to the ice age.
Each passing storm has caused erosion on the beach making it smaller and smaller.
It is said climate change is causing the sea level to rise.
And the last remaining house on Holland Island is gone forever.
More info: Holland Island
It’s sad to watch the story of Holland Island, however these pictures have some beauty about them. The residents lost everything they worked so hard for and what they achieved. This just goes to show you that humans will never be able to conquer nature. I wonder how many more beautiful islands we will lose in the future due to rising seas.