A fascinating documentary sheds light on what life is like on a remote US island, which remains peaceful and largely unchanged since the first settlers arrived more than 400 years ago.
Due to its isolated, archaic status and concerns about rising sea levels, only about 200 residents remain on Smith Island in Maryland.
In an attempt to find out more about the mysterious place with extremely cheap real estate, YouTube creator Peter Santenello I spent a day there with resident Jerry Smith as my guide.
Jerry’s family has been living on Smith Island since the 17th century, and the main industry there is crab fishing.
After taking a boat from the mainland, Peter lands in a small town called Ewell, which is considered the “capital.”
Remote Smith Island in Maryland has a quiet lifestyle and extremely cheap real estate.
There is a post office, a Methodist church, a fire station and a community center. Cell phone service is “spotty to non-existent,” but a new high-speed Internet connection is on the way.
YouTuber Peter Santenello spent a day on Smith Island in Maryland. Resident Jerry Smith (pictured) gave him a full tour of the outcrop.
Facilities include a post office, a Methodist church, a fire station and a community center.
A Smith Island website warns potential visitors to bring cash as there are no ATMs.
He also points out that the ceAll phone service is “spotty or not working at all,” but a new high-speed Internet connection is on the way and will cost nearly $2 million in state money.
To start, Jerry takes Peter for a walk around the island.
When asked what kind of people live there, Jerry replies: “People who have already made a fortune in life and want to retire somewhere quiet.”
Many of the houses they pass appear to be in a poor state of repair, and Jerry points out one property that he says he has never seen anyone live in since he arrived there.
Over the years, Jerry reveals that the population of Smith Island has steadily declined, and in the mid-1990s, 100 people left in one year because the crab fishing “got a lot worse” and a prison opened on the mainland, providing new job opportunities.
“I don’t blame them… it was health care, a stable job and stable money.”
In addition to the limited employment opportunities, Jerry says rising water levels have also caused some to abandon their homes as parts of the island have become uninhabitable.
Limited employment opportunities and rising water levels have forced some to leave their homes.
In the introduction to his film, Peter explains that Jerry’s family has been living on Smith Island since the 17th century and that the main industry there is crab fishing.
During the film, Jerry and Peter visit the local store that sells brand name hoodies.
After taking a boat from the mainland, Peter lands in a small town called Ewell, which is considered the “capital.”
As the duo passes through a strip of marshy land, he explains: “There was a lot of salt water.
‘You know, the ocean level was rising and rising and all this land that used to be farmland turned into swamp.’
To make matters worse, two years ago a violent tornado swept through Smith Island and leveled several properties, including a house belonging to Jerry’s aunt.
Miraculously she escaped the natural disaster unharmed.
When they return to Jerry’s property, he explains that it dates back to around 1880 and that parts of the roof are missing following the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy.
She moved away for several years after the Category 3 superstorm, but returned to Smith Island in an attempt to rescue her home from complete disrepair.
The roof is leaking so badly that he is now confined to living in one part of the house.
Continuing the tour, he leads Peter to an outbuilding, where he brings his load of crustaceans from the crab fishery.
Detailing what the life of a crabber, or a “boatman” as Jerry prefers to be called, is like, he says: “It’s hard work. It’s all on your back, your hands and your arms.
‘Sometimes it’s from side to side… you don’t stop all day until you get home.’
Due to its isolated and archaic status, there are now only about 200 residents left on Smith Island in Maryland.
They passed the little post office where Jerry’s sister used to work.
In addition to the limited employment opportunities, Jerry says rising water levels have also caused some people to abandon their homes as parts of the island have become uninhabitable.
Jerry takes Peter to an outbuilding, where he brings his load of crustaceans from the crab fishery.
The duo’s next stop takes them to the town of Tylerton, which they reach using a local’s boat.
As they wander around, they meet a local couple who help deliver medicine to people, and they pass by the small post office where Jerry’s sister used to work.
Filmmaker Peter seems captivated by his surroundings, as he muses, “This is normal for you, Jerry, but it’s super interesting.”
“These narrow streets, these old houses… Everything seems so miniature.”
The duo enter a small shop selling items such as Smith Island-branded sweatshirts and kitchen seasonings.
A peculiarity of the island is that no alcohol is sold, although visitors are allowed to bring their own provisions to “enjoy in moderation.”
Jerry explains that in the summer they can receive up to 100 tourists a day.
He tells Peter: ‘For about three hours it’s a nightmare and then it’s all gone.’
A popular item that people like to try while on the outcrop is the famous Smith Island cake, which features multiple layers coated in a chocolate glaze.
Referring to the origin of the cake, Jerry says in one part of the documentary: ‘The history of this cake probably dates back to the late 19th century or early 20th century.
‘Women would make this cake for their husbands on the work ships. (The men) would leave in October and come back in December and their wives would send them these cakes because they are moist and the dulce de leche frosting would hold them in place.
‘That way, they could keep (the cake) on the boat… for a few weeks and that’s how the cake started.’
A popular item that people like to try is the famous Smith Island cake, which features multiple layers covered in a chocolate frosting.
Detailing what the life of a crabber (or a “boatman,” as Jerry prefers to be called) is like, he says, “It’s hard work. It’s all on your back, your hands and your arms.”
When Jerry started, there were 100 “boatmen” on Smith Island, but now he says there are about 20.
Back outside, Jerry reveals that properties on Smith Island are exceptionally cheap, starting at just $5,000.
Although he acknowledges that many houses are in poor condition and “need work”, he stresses that “the land is not going anywhere.”
Looking to the future of Smith Island, Jerry says it is threatened by rising water levels and a lack of jobs.
He points out that the crab fishing industry is gradually disappearing because younger generations have no interest in working on the water and various regulations make it increasingly difficult to make a living.
When he started, there were 100 “boatmen” on Smith Island, but now he says there are about 20.
The population of Smith Island is also aging, with only three children there who have to attend school on the mainland via boat.
Before saying goodbye to Jerry and heading off on his own, Peter tells him, “Thank you so much for bringing us into your world. It was very interesting.
‘You have a lot of knowledge about the island.’
Many viewers have thanked Peter for sharing Jerry’s story and showing the beauty of Smith Island.
One fan wrote: “Mr Smith is a happy guy. He doesn’t let a flood get him down. He seems very happy with his life, and that’s something very special. Thank you, Peter, for showing me a bigger world full of interesting people.”
Another viewer reflected: “These videos renew my faith in America. These are real people, good people living their lives.”
