Chesapeake Bay

https://www.nps.gov/chba/index.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chesapeake_Bay The Chesapeake Bay is an estuary in the U.S. states of Maryland and Virginia. The Bay is located in the Mid-Atlantic region and is primarily separated from the Atlantic Ocean by the Delmarva Peninsula with its mouth located between Cape Henry and Cape Charles. More than 150 major rivers and streams flow into the Bay's 64,299-square-mile (166,534 km2) drainage basin. The Bay is approximately 200 miles (320 km) long from its northern headwaters in the Susquehanna River to its outlet in the Atlantic Ocean. It is 2.8 miles (4.5 km) wide at its narrowest (between Kent County's Plum Point near Newtown and the Harford County shore near Romney Creek) and 30 miles (48 km) at its widest (just south of the mouth of the Potomac River). Total shoreline including tributaries is 11,684 miles (18,804 km), circumnavigating a surface area of 4,479 square miles (11,601 km2). Average depth is 21 feet (6.4 m), reaching a maximum of 174 feet (53 m). Over 41 million acres are connected through the waters that flow to and through Chesapeake Bay. The National Park Service strives to connect people to the opportunities and adventures throughout the watershed. Inspiring stewardship across this vast region supports recreation, business, tourism, learning, and a thriving natural resource for all to enjoy. The Chesapeake Bay office is located off of Aris T. Allen Blvd in Annapolis, Maryland. Traveling east on Route 50, take the exit towards Riva road and 665, Aris T. Allen Blvd. Continue on 665 to Forest drive. Our office is on the left through the first light, across from the Safeway. Chesapeake Gateways The Chesapeake Bay Office administers the Chesapeake Gateways Program. Cape Charles A view of docks and boats in the waterside town of Cape Charles VA Cape Charles on Virginia's lower Eastern Shore is a bayside gem with many opportunities for visitors to enjoy the water. Calvert Cliffs A family walks along the beach searching for fossils at Calvert Cliffs. Calvert Cliffs is a well known destination for fossil hunting. Great Falls A series of waterfalls and rocky conditions show the fall line on the Potomac River Great Falls marks the fall line of the Potomac River. Tangier Island At sunset, a boater returns to the docks used by working watermen at Tangier Island. At sunset, a boater returns to the docks used by working watermen at Tangier Island. Kayak Kids Four youngsters paddle kayaks on calm waters of the Susquehanna River Four youngsters paddle kayaks on calm waters of the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania. Paddle the Susquehanna The Susquehanna River is the main water source into the 18 trillion gallon Chesapeake Bay, supplying 19 million gallons of fresh water every minute. This beautiful river spans across three states – New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland - and more than 45,000 total miles of waterways. There’s no shortage of places to explore on the Susquehanna, but how do you know where to start? New Paddling Resource for the Susquehanna River The Susquehanna River is the main water source into the 18 trillion gallon Chesapeake Bay, supplying 19 million gallons of fresh water every minute. This beautiful river spans across three states – New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland - and more than 45,000 total miles of waterways. There’s no shortage of places to explore on the Susquehanna, but how do you know where to start? Lower Susquehanna River that shows blue water and lush, green fields in the background. Nearly 400 students and teachers experience a floating classroom on the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail The trail’s visitor contact station at the Zimmerman Center for Heritage and Columbia Crossing hosted 382 student participants from two school districts in two days of fun and learning on the Susquehanna River. Fifth-grade students from Title I schools learned about trail themes including Susquehannock Indians, water quality, and healthy habitats. Students paddling a canoe on the river. National Park Service & Historic Annapolis form Partnership The National Park Service Chesapeake Bay Office and Historic Annapolis announced today a new partnership to better share the story of Annapolis’ Chesapeake Bay heritage with the public. Aerial view of downtown Annapolis American Eels in the Potomac Watershed American eels are found everywhere along the Atlantic Coast, but many aspects of these fish remain poorly understood. They are perhaps one of the most mysterious fish in the Potomac watershed. Hands hold a 2 to 3 foot long eel over a red container. Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail e-Newsletter Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail, WARO quarterly e-newsletter Chesapeake Roving Ranger is Ready to Roll The National Park Service Chesapeake Bay and its principal partner, the Chesapeake Conservancy, have launched the Roving Ranger. This is a new mobile visitor center for the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail (Chesapeake Trail). NPS and Conservancy staff will take the Roving Ranger to sites that partner with Chesapeake Trail and communities throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Male ranger poses with kids in "Selfie" frame in front of park van. Crystal Clear: Chesapeake Bay Sentinel Site Cooperation The Chesapeake Bay region is currently experiencing some of the highest relative sea level rise rates reported within the United States. The Sentinel Site Cooperatives were initiated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to leverage existing information and data collection projects to address impacts of climate change of local, regional, and national significance. Arial view of green peninsula jutting into ocean bay Find Your Chesapeake…Virtually! National Park Service Chesapeake Bay office and Chesapeake Conservancy have created a new Virtual Visits section filled with trips, tours, and other online experiences for those who are self-isolating in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. On the water view of the Key Bridge in Washington DC. National Park Service Chesapeake & Corazón Latino Launch New Partnership The National Park Service Chesapeake Bay Office (NPS) and Corazón Latino today announce a new partnership to engage the Chesapeake watershed’s Latinx and Hispanic communities with the region’s special places. Groundbreaking Partnership to Document African American Historic Sites in Chesapeake Bay Watershed The National Park Service’s Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network has provided the initial funding for the project, a $200,000 award to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Additional support, bringing the total project value to $400,000... New Support for Building Conservation Finance Capacity This week, the National Park Service Chesapeake Office and the Conservation Finance Network (CFN), in collaboration with the Land Trust Alliance and the Chesapeake Conservation Partnership, announced new support for building conservation finance capacity in the Chesapeake watershed. Series: Crystal Clear: A Call to Action In 2016, the nation celebrates the centennial of the National Park Service (NPS) as the steward of special places that represent our natural and cultural heritage. Many national parks were founded on the beauty and value of water. Since the preservation of the Old Faithful Geyser in Yellowstone National Park in 1872, the National Park System has grown to include significant examples within majestic rivers, the Great Lakes, oceans and coasts, and other spectacular water resources. bright blue lake green islands in between Indigenous Artistry: Debra Martin Debra Martin is a citizen of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, whose reservation is located in King William, Virginia. Martin makes pottery, beadwork, and quilting. She is also the Assistant Director of the Pamunkey Indian Museum and a councilperson in the tribe's government. Her pottery draws on traditional techniques and natural motifs. Portrait of Debra Martin in front of a building. Indigenous Artistry: Mario Harley Mario Harley is an artisan from the Piscataway Conoy tribe, located in what is now Maryland. He uses a variety of natural materials, such as feathers, porcupine quills, birch bark, and sweet grass, in his artwork. His designs are made with Native dancers in mind. Portrait of Mario Harley inside a house. Indigenous Artistry: Leonard Harmon Leonard Harmon is a citizen of the Lenape Tribe of New Jersey and the Nanticoke Tribe of Delaware. In his artwork, Harmon blends the traditional with the modern, infusing bright colors into the regalia he designs. He also uses beads made from wampum, the purple and white shell of the quahog or hard clam. The Lenape people were considered the keepers of the white wampum beads. Portrait of Leonard Harmon at the beach. Indigenous Artistry: Ethan Brown Ethan Brown is an artist from the Pamunkey Indian Tribe located in King William, Virginia. His painted gourds reflect scenes from tribal life and culture. In addition, Brown is a film maker, sculptor, painter, and potter. Artist Ethan Brown at work on his gourd paintings. National Park Service Chesapeake Office Statement on the Passing of Former U.S. Senator John Warner Statement attributable to Wendy O’Sullivan, Superintendent of the National Park Service Chesapeake Office on the passing of former U.S. Senator John Warner of Virginia. Senator John Warner Deep History & Archeological Periods Paleoindian peoples first arrived in the Chesapeake Bay watershed over 15,000 years ago. Since, Native peoples have thrived here, benefiting from the plentiful resources of the Bay. Three pipes from an archeological site. From Contact to Present: Indigenous Chesapeake This timeline provides an overview of major historical events affecting the Chesapeake's Indigenous peoples since the time of European arrival. Beginning with the first interactions with Spanish explorers in the late 1500s and concluding in the present day, this timeline describes some of the major impacts of colonization on the Chesapeake's Indigenous communities. A man in a suit and hat stands next to a river with rowboat and fishing net. Life in the Indigenous Chesapeake Prior to English settlement in the Chesapeake, indigenous cultures did more than simply “live off the land.” Native societies were sophisticated, with unique languages, religions, economies, political systems, and traditions. An illustration showing American Indians fishing using various techniques. Sew an American Shad Sew your own American Shad! The American Shad is one of the many fish species that migrates from the Atlantic Ocean up the rivers of the Chesapeake Bay to spawn each year. This silvery, iridescent swimmer has been called the fish that feeds the Atlantic. Indeed, it was historically a meal often enjoyed by American Indians and colonists that is still prized by anglers today. Make a shad of your very own with our first ever sewing pattern! Stuffed animal fish sitting on a beach. Chesapeake Office Wins Regional Education Award The National Park Service recently announced a pilot education program connecting every fourth and fifth grade student in Hampton, Virginia with the area’s natural resources and cultural history as the recipient of the award on behalf of the Northeast region. The program now qualifies for the national award, the highest award presented to a team or individual in the education field, to be announced in August. Three boys sit side by side on a boat, the boy closest to the camera holds a spider crab. Chesapeake Bay Watershed Public Access Plan In 2013, the National Park Service and state partners released the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Public Access Plan. This plan reflects the state of public access to significant streams, rivers, and bays in the entire Chesapeake watershed, including portions of Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Implementing the plan will expand the number of places for people to get to the water by more than 20 percent by 2025. A kayaker within a salt marsh faces away from the camera. Estuary Landforms Estuaries are buffer zones between river (freshwater) and ocean (saltwater) environments that are affected by tidal oscillations. sunset over wetlands Series: Beach and Coastal Landforms Our national parks contain diverse coastal landforms: high-energy rocky shorelines of Acadia National Park, quiet reef-lagoons within War in the Pacific National Historic Park, and the white sandy beaches of Gulf Islands National Seashore. Coastal landforms are, or have been, affected to some degree by the direct or indirect effects of waves, tides, and currents, and may extend inland for many miles. aerial view of island and reef Multi-State: Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network The Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network is a system of over 170 sites located within the Chesapeake Bay region. The Network tells the story of the connections between people and nature in the Chesapeake region through its historic sites and communities, trails, parks, wildlife refuges, maritime museums, and more. The Network’s goal is to help connect people to the natural and cultural heritage of the Chesapeake region. Satellite image of Chesapeake Bay Series: 2023 Chesapeake Gateways Grant Recipients The National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways Program (NPS Chesapeake Gateways) offers competitive grant opportunities to advance the Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act of 1998 within the full 41-million-acre Chesapeake Bay watershed! In September 2023, NPS Chesapeake Gateways awarded 22 grants totaling nearly $2.3 million. NPS Chesapeake Gateway's Partner logo on blue background. A Late Fall Tour through Three Chesapeake Gateways November and December are exciting months to visit three Chesapeake Gateways, all essential stops on the Harriet Tubman Byway. The weather is crisp and bird migrations are in full flight! Sailwinds Park East, MD, the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical and State Park, MD and the Blackwater Wildlife Refuge, MD are enchanting and educational Chesapeake Gateways. Visitor center building with large white canvas over top to look like ship sails. Fly Fishing Adventure in Shenandoah National Park Try a new adventure, fly fishing in Shenandoah National Park! A waterfall in Shenandoah National Park Off the Beaten Path Adventures in Pocomoke State Forest Get off the beaten path for a day full of adventure in Pocomoke State Forest! A boat launch with trees and a picnic area. Paddling the Beautiful Conowingo Islands Experience paddling the Susquehanna River while marveling at beautiful rock formations known as the Conowingo Islands! As long as you come prepared and educated, paddlers of all experience levels can enjoy the river! A snapping turtle sunning on a rock. Paddling the Corsica River Water Trails Plan a day filled with kayaking at the three trails of the Corsica River! With plenty of places to kayak, rest, play, and see wildlife, you can spend a whole day on the water in Queen Anne’s County! A dog in a kayak on a stream. Plan Your Own Adventure on the Monocacy River Water Trail Experience accessible, beginner friendly paddling in the Monocacy River Water Trail! Immerse yourself in scenic views and try and spot wildlife on your paddle! Paddlers going under a bridge. Exploring the Water Trails of Saxis, Virginia Visit Saxis, Virginia and experience the history of the Chesapeake Bay through paddling! A kayak in a boat launch on the bay. Exploring the Delta of the Appomattox River The Appomattox River is rich with history, ecology, and local culture. Immerse yourself in the past and learn about how the local area was colonized and industrialized, and how the area is now moving towards restoration. See wildlife, go kayaking, and explore culturally abundant cities in the Appomattox delta. The Appomattox River with a modern bridge spanning it. Visiting the Mount Calvert Historical and Archaeological Park Kayak and explore the Patuxent River’s West Branch at Mount Calvert Historical and Archaeological Park! Spot wildlife and learn about local history while learning how to kayak! A kayaker on a river. Finding Wildflowers at Antietam and the C&O Canal Explore Maryland’s wildflowers at Antietam Battlefield. Pursue a new hobby in a place rich with history and wildlife! Bluebells by a creek. Witness a Warbler Wonderland at New Germany State Park Visiting New Germany State Park has gorgeous water access with recreation, trails to hike, and cabins to stay in. But the most impressive thing the park has to offer is its birds- especially warblers! A Canadian warbler View Virginia Bluebells and More at Bull Run Regional Park Hike the trails of Bull Run Regional Park to see the beautiful bluebells! A tree marked for a trail with bluebells in the background. Connect with History on the Mount Vernon Trail For an urban bike expedition in D.C., visit the Mount Vernon Trail! Plan ahead for many stops along the way to fully immerse yourself in the nation’s rich history! A stone monolith with a biker next to it. Visit the South Fork of the Shenandoah River Explore the Shenandoah River through South Fork, where scenic views and wildlife are plenty. A man and his dog paddling on a river. Enjoy Nature at Palmer State Park Reconnect with nature by spending the day in this serene and no-frills park. If you are looking for a self-guided experience to experience the outdoors without any distractions, then Palmer State Park is the place to go. A creek in the winter. Stepping Back in Time at Henricus Historical Park Everyone in the family can have a hands on learning experience at Henricus Historical Park. Delve into history with on site interpreters or just enjoy nature through walking trails and picnic areas. Two children looking at an American Indian dugout canoe. Camping at Green Ridge State Forest If you want to feel a deeper connection to the land, our history and experience what Maryland may have been like long before our time, visit Green Ridge State Forest in Allegany County, Maryland. An aerial view of green trees and a river flowing through them. Exploring Cunningham Falls State Park Cunningham Falls State Park is a great place for camping. There is plenty to do with it’s various hiking trails for all experience levels-some are wheelchair accessible. There is plenty of access to water, wildlife, and nature. A waterfalls with rocks and trees around it. Chesapeake Gateways Partner Profile: Maryland Office of Tourism Development Maryland Office of Tourism Development prides itself on creating a better life for all Marylanders through strong, sustainable local communities that welcome a diversity of explorers. Maryland Office of Tourism Logo Chesapeake Gateways Partner Profile: National Trust for Historic Preservation The National Park Service's Chesapeake Gateways and National Trust for Historic Preservation partnership advances a common goal of sharing and saving the full American story. National Trust for Historic Preservation Logo Chesapeake Gateways Partner Profile: The Conservation Fund The Conservation Fund protects America’s most critical lands and waters to provide greater access to nature, strengthen local economies and enhance climate resiliency. The Conservation Fund has worked in all 50 states since 1985 to protect more than 8.8 million acres of land. The Conservation Fund logo. Chesapeake Gateways Partner Profile: Volpe Center For more than 50 years, the U.S. DOT Volpe Center has been advancing transportation innovation for the public good. The Volpe Center is a trusted and on-going NPS partner, helping the agency to tackle its most acute transportation challenges and to adopt industry best practices. Volpe Center logo. Chesapeake Gateways Partner Profile: The Trust for Public Land The Trust for Public Land is a national nonprofit organization that works to connect everyone to the benefits and joys of the outdoors. Since 1972, the Trust for Public Land has protected more than 3 million acres of land, completed over 5,000 parks, trails, and schoolyards across the U.S., and connected 9 million people to the outdoors. Trust for Public Land logo Chesapeake Gateways Partner Profile: Preservation Maryland Preservation Maryland is the oldest and largest philanthropic preservation organization in Maryland. For more than 90 years, Preservation Maryland has worked “creatively to preserve place, affect policy change, and grow the historic preservation workforce so that Maryland’s history can be enjoyed for untold generations to come.” Preservation Maryland logo Uncovering the Past at Historic Jamestowne Situated on the beautiful banks of the James River, Historic Jamestowne in Virginia, is a short distance from many major roadways and highways in Virginia. In 2007, Preservation Virginia and the National Park Service rebranded Jamestown Island as “Historic Jamestowne,” where both organizations provide tours, programs, and events year-round. Aerial View of Historic Jamestowne Learning about Deep Bottom Stories The James River at Deep Bottom has more stories to tell than ever. It’s a splendid branch of the Chesapeake to explore by paddlecraft and powerboat alike. Go see for yourself. Civil War drawing of Deep Bottom Traversing History at Sailor’s Creek and High Bridge State Parks The Appomattox River valley in central Virginia’s Piedmont has two state parks that are forever linked by the battles fought at each during the days before Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered to Gen. Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House. Biker looking out from a deck. Visiting the National Aquarium From the moment you walk through the doors, you’re always immediately transported to a different world, one bursting with aquatic wonders. Fish in an aquarium Series: 2024 Chesapeake Gateways Grant Recipients In September 2024, NPS Chesapeake Gateways awarded 14 grants totaling more than $1.2 million. Kayaking down a stream. Traveling Through History at Gadsby’s Tavern Situated in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, Gadsby’s Tavern Museum is a fascinating site brimming with history from the 18th and 19th centuries. Everyone who was anyone in the ever-evolving political and commercial landscape of the time would have spent hour upon hour there – eating, drinking and engaging in heavy debates over the issues of the day. Eagle Watching at Caledon State Park Caledon State Park is full with quiet beauty, deep history, and abundant wildlife. Lying along the broad tidal stretch of the Potomac River about 50 miles downstream from Washington, DC, these 2,500 acres of riverside forest are a gathering place for bald eagles from up and down the East Coast. Exploring the Patuxent Research Refuge The Patuxent Research Refuge in Laurel, MD, is a wonderful surprise, a 12,841-acre nature preserve tucked between two major cities that is a world unto itself. Exploring History at Historic Sotterley Below the manor house, on the long sloping field that ends at the river, is a one-room cabin with a steeply sloped roof. It's the last standing slave quarters on the southern Maryland plantation known as Sotterley. A plantation house. Paddle Back in Time with Captain John Smith The Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, which runs for 3,000 miles up the Bay and its great rivers, is a charted course and history lesson wrapped together. It commemorates John Smith's explorations of the Bay from 1607 to 1609 and his encounters with the Indians who had lived here for centuries. Exploring Tangier Island It is a beautiful place, and all the more so when you realize how fragile and threatened it is. Just 12 miles from Crisfield, MD, and 14 from Reedville, VA, Tangier Island once included eight villages and 1,200 residents; three villages and 450 people remain, and they are all on the main island. Today, Tangier Island is one mile wide and three miles long. Marsh intersperses the few open fields, and yards take on water at high tide. Kayakers on the water. Exploring Smith Island In the middle of the Chesapeake Bay, Smith Island stands defiant. Its community remains strong and proud while all the other island towns in Maryland have faded away, their populations fleeing for the mainland. A boat on the water. Exploring Mathews County, Virginia Thirty miles up from the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay, the passage between the Bay’s Eastern and Western shores is a scant 12 miles. Though the water depths reach more than 50 feet in the main channel, Wolf Trap Shoals ripple out from Virginia’s western shore off Mathews County. A kayaker on the water. Birding at Susquehanna State Park Near the end of the Susquehanna River, just north of downtown Havre De Grace, MD, sits a pristine, 2639-acre park. Within this park, a wide variety of habitat as well as the funneling effect the river causes to bird migration, makes this spot an incredible location for one of America’s favorite hobbies, birding. Susquehanna State Park offers a wide variety of birding opportunities to a beginner, as well as the experienced birdwatcher, looking for that one rare species. A yellow bird. Feast on Slices of Natural and Agricultural History at Chippokes Plantation State Park If you take the College Run Trail at Chippokes Plantation State Park, you will reach a stretch of the James River that still looks much as it did when the Jamestown settlers encountered the Native Americans here. Cypress trees by a body of water. Exploring Cypresses at Trap Pond State Park Perched on the eastern rim of the Chesapeake’s watershed, closer to Atlantic beaches than to the Bay, Delaware’s Trap Pond State Park offers the standard recreational amenities, from ballfields and nature walks, to tenting, cabins and picnic tables shaded by tall pines. But it’s Taxiodium distichum, the lordly bald cypress, that defines this nearly 4,000-acre park that guards the headwaters of the Delmarva Peninsula’s Nanticoke River. A kayaker near trees. Finding History and Nature at Newtowne Neck State Park The club-shaped peninsula of Newtowne Neck protrudes from the north shore of the Potomac River about six miles south of Leonardtown in St. Mary’s County, MD. It’s bounded on one side by Breton Bay and on the other by Saint Clements Bay, where English colonists arrived on the Ark and the Dove in 1634. A beach with water Hiking Spruce Knob Spruce Knob stands at the western edge of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. But a visitor standing atop the windswept peak would be excused for thinking they were at the edge of a northern wilderness. Rocks and Trees Navigating Tuckahoe State Park The park has a devoted following, in part because there are so many ways to enjoy it. Equestrians, hikers and mountain bikers can enjoy more than 15 miles of wooded trails. Hunters find plentiful game, including turkeys in the spring and deer and waterfowl in the fall. A body of water and trees. Series: The Vince Leggett Legacy The Chesapeake region is a tapestry of natural wonders and cultural heritage, and Vince Leggett, “The Admiral” of the Chesapeake, dedicated his life to preserving African American history and culture in the Bay. Through his Blacks of the Chesapeake Foundation and other efforts, Vince transformed the Bay into a living archive of resilience and connection. As we mourn his passing, we honor his legacy with reflections from those whose lives he touched. An African American man in a blue hat and sunglasses with the water behind him. CURRENTS OF CULTURE FROM THE HELM Like the timeless shanties of seafarers, Vince Leggett’s legacy flows through the Chesapeake, immeasurable and enduring. As Jaelon T. Moaney reflects, from its shores to its depths, few have attuned to the Bay’s rhythms with as much care and devotion. Two African American men take a selfie infront of buildings. THERE HE GOES, HERE HE COMES… Vince Leggett was the heartbeat of the Chesapeake Bay’s Black heritage, moving as fluidly as the tides he cherished—adapting to every current yet steadfast in purpose. As Darius Johnson recalls, their first conversation was about funding for Elktonia Beach, a site once made legendary by William L. “Little Willie” Adams. Little did Darius know, he would soon call Vince—a champion of preserving this history—a friend. Four African American men pose inside an auditorium. JOINING VINCE'S CREW On a crisp fall morning in Annapolis, Wendy O'Sullivan met Vince Leggett just a few months into her role as Superintendent of the National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways program. Vince’s reputation as a change-maker preceded him, but for Wendy, meeting him felt like opening the first chapter of a treasured book—the kind you can’t put down, filled with dog-eared pages shared and reread time and again. A group of five people smile for a selfie inside a room. BRINGING HISTORY TO LIFE For nearly 20 years, Vince Leggett led the fight to save Elktonia Beach from development through the Blacks of the Chesapeake Foundation. As Joel Dunn reflects, working alongside Vince and their partners to preserve this historic site was one of his proudest achievements. Vince’s passion for the cause was unwavering, and Joel feels honored to have stood by his side in this monumental effort. Two men stand at the base of a staircase pointing at each other and smiling. WHAT WOULD VINCE DO? When Jody Couser first met Vince Leggett, he was asked to help tell the Chesapeake’s Black history through "ebony eyes." In that moment, Jody realized the deep trust Vince was placing in him to carry forward such an important mission. A man and a woman smile for a selfie. THE ADMIRAL'S TRIBE When Bilal “Coach” Bahar first met Admiral Vince Leggett, it felt like glimpsing his future self. Vince effortlessly shared the intricate details of the Chesapeake Bay, simplifying the complex and turning his experiences into relatable lessons. It was as if he carried the Bay’s story within him, always ready to impart his knowledge to anyone eager to learn. Two African American men stand infront of a blue body of water. VINCE LEGGETT (1953-2024) The Chesapeake region is a rich tapestry of natural wonders and cultural heritage, a legacy championed by Vince Leggett, known as “The Admiral.” With dedication, Vince devoted his life to preserving African American history and culture of the Bay, highlighting stories of resilience and joy that resonate across generations. Join us in honoring his impactful legacy in this captivating exhibit, celebrating our shared heritage. A man with a red jacket, blue cap, and dark sunglasses stands on a dock near the water. Take a Trek Through the Marsh - Exploring Robinson Neck Preserve Trek through pine forests and open marsh at Robinson Neck Preserve, a hidden gem on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Spot eagles, Delmarva fox squirrels, and sika deer while soaking in stunning views of Slaughter Creek. This peaceful 1.25-mile trail winds through diverse landscapes, ending in a breathtaking marsh vista, no boat required. Explore, listen, and discover this wild Chesapeake treasure. Trail at Robinson Neck Preserve with a pinecone in front of two people walking in the background. Changes Slow & Seasonal - The Northern Neck of Virginia Discover the Northern Neck of Virginia, where history and nature intertwine. Explore landscapes once home to American Indians, founding fathers, and watermen. Paddle pristine waterways, hunt for fossils at Westmoreland State Park, or uncover the past at Menokin. With scenic byways, rich heritage, and stunning shorelines, this region invites you to connect with the stories of those who shaped the Chesapeake Bay. Person pulling a fishing net with a fish on a boat. Bald Cypresses at Trap Pond are Stately Shadows of Swamp that Was Nestled on the Delmarva Peninsula, Trap Pond State Park offers a serene escape featuring the majestic bald cypress—its northernmost range in the U.S. Enjoy 4,000 acres of beauty, from shaded picnic spots to scenic nature walks. Glide through enchanting cypress groves, listen for kingfishers, and witness nature's artistry. Perfect for hiking, fishing, or simply soaking in the views, Trap Pond blends history with recreation. Come immerse yourself in this natural treasure today! Public Water Access Planning for City of Annapolis, MD NPS Chesapeake Gateways and USDOT Volpe Center supported the City of Annapolis in developing s Public Water Access Plan. The project included a site inventory, stakeholder engagement, and a public-facing mapping tool. The plan identifies opportunities to improve and expand access across Annapolis’ waterfront, promoting connected and resilient water access for all. People practicing yoga on paddleboards in a calm waterfront setting with docked sailboats. Cambridge Harbor Site Transportation Technical Consultation - Cambridge, MD NPS Chesapeake Gateways and USDOT Volpe Center supported Cambridge Waterfront Development, Inc. in developing a scope for a Multimodal Connectivity Plan. The project evaluated transit gaps, identified funding sources, and offered strategies to improve pedestrian, bicycle, and transit access to the Cambridge Harbor redevelopment site in Maryland. Painted mural features women from the past and present in Dorchester County. James River Association Transportation Technical Consultation - Richmond, VA NPS Chesapeake Gateways and the USDOT Volpe Center supported the James River Association in developing a scope for a Multimodal Connectivity Plan for its River Education Center in Richmond, VA. The project identified key transportation gaps and funding opportunities to improve safe, equitable land and water-based access. Deliverables guide future planning aligned with Richmond’s Riverfront Plan. A path with a bench and trees by it. Holly Beach Farm Rapid Transportation Assistance Group Study - Washington, DC NPS Chesapeake Gateways and the USDOT Volpe Center conducted a rapid transportation study at Holly Beach Farm in Maryland to assess water- and land-based public access. The report identifies key challenges, proposes minimal-impact solutions, and offers recommendations for a future master plan that balances cultural preservation, environmental protection, and limited, equitable public access. Image of the Chesapeake Bay from the shoreline at the Holly Beach Farm site. Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Transportation Technical Consultation - Washington, DC NPS Chesapeake Gateways and USDOT Volpe Center partnered with Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens to improve access and equity at the NPS site in Washington, DC. The project assessed bicycle and pedestrian safety, proposed ADA-compliant trails, and enhanced signage. A final narrative outlines infrastructure improvements to support visitor access, resilience, and funding eligibility. Image of floating lillipads at the NPS Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens site. Baltimore National Heritage Area Preliminary Transit Analysis and Partner Engagement - Baltimore, MD NPS Chesapeake Gateways and USDOT Volpe Center conducted a transit feasibility study for the Baltimore National Heritage Area (BNHA) to explore shuttle service options that improve access and equity. The study assessed route scenarios, existing transit gaps, and stakeholder input. It recommends further analysis, pilot testing, and coordination with local transit partners. Image of the Flag House site within the Baltimore National Heritage Area. Whitehall Rapid Transportation Assistance Group Study - Anne Arundel County, MD NPS Chesapeake Gateways and the USDOT Volpe Center conducted a TAG Study to assess public access feasibility to the historic Whitehall estate in Anne Arundel County, MD. The study explored water- and land-based transportation options, shoreline resilience, and access improvements. Recommendations support The Brandywine Foundation’s goals to expand visitor access while preserving Whitehall’s cultural and environmental integrity. Image of the front view of the Estate House located at the Whitehall site on a clear, sunny day.

Voyages and Explorations Some journeys make good stories. Some make a mark on history. The travels of John Smith, who captained a small wooden boat across the Chesapeake Bay in the early 1600s, did both. Smith began exploring the Chesapeake Bay and rivers near James Fort as soon as he arrived in 1607. He traveled many of the Bay's tributaries before embarking on two major voyages during the summer of 1608. His expedition ranged from the James River in Virginia, to portions of the Chesapeakl"s Eastern Shore, the Great Falls on the Potomac River, and the mouth of the Susquehanna River near present-day Havre de Grace, Maryland. Smith and his crew sailed from a struggling English outpost into a world they knew little about. They had no maps to guide them. T hey traveled an enormous web of waterways, where forests were as vast as the marsh. And it was not vacant terrain. Both voyages lasted about two months and took place in a sma ll open boat, equipped with one sail and oars for paddling. Fifteen men traveled on the first voyage, between June 2 and July 21. They sailed and rowed up the Eastern Shore as far as the Nanticoke River, crossed the Bay near Calvert Cliffs, and explored the Patapsco and Potomac rivers. After a short stop at James Fort, Smith launched the boat again, with thirteen men on board. Between July 24 and September 7, they explored the Rappahannock, Patuxent, and Susquehanna rivers. In all, Smith documented nearly 3,000 miles of the Bay and its rivers, as well the location oflndian communities, with remarkable precision. along the shoreline met Smith at nearly every turn. - -Today, you can follow Smith's travels on the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, learn the traditions of descendant American Indian tribes who still live here, and experience the richness of the Chesapeake and its rivers. By land and by water, you'll make discoveries of your own. A d ip tych sundial (which includes a compass) would have been among the instruments used for navigation in Smith's day. John Smith's map of the Chesapeake was remarkably accurate. Smith explored the landscape by boat and on foot. Indians acted as guides and shared information about areas that he did not reach in person. John Smith and Jamestown Adventures and Encounters John Smith arrived on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay in 1607, along with three ships carrying English colonists. It was a business \'enture, run by the Virginia Company of London, \Vhich instructed the men to find gold and a westward passage to the Pacific Ocean. During his voyages, Smith visited many Indian communities on both shores of the Bay and near the mouth of the Susquehanna River. Some approached with caution or hostility, but Smith generally restrained his men and the tension of first encounters often shifted into trade and feasting. He received valuable help from Indian guides and interpreters. A Wiccocomico man named Mosco traveled with them during parts of both voyages. The colonists built a fort on what is now the James River in Virginia, on the Bay's western shore. This outpost later became Jamestown, the first capital of Virginia. Smith was one of the fort's leaders and helped see the men through difficu lt times. H is efforts in building relationships with the Indians were essential to the survival of the colony. Smith made note of many places known today, including Calvert Cliffs - which he called "Rickards Cliffs"- and the great marsh of Tangier Sound. When a storm blew awuy their sail, the men took shelter on Bloodsworth Island, whi<:h Smith dubbed "Limbo Isle," to repair the boat and search for drinking water. American Indians Native people occupied the shores of the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers for thousands of years before Europeans arrived. The people were living in towns and dispersed settlements on both sides of the Bay when the Virginia colonists set up James Fort in 1607. Smith identified more than 200 native communities on his map, although many more existed than Smith encountered. The region included Indian groups of different sizes, each with their own identities. Some of these groups also paid tribute to a powerful leader, known as Powhatan, who lived at Werowocomoco on what is now the York River in Virginia. The Atlantic short-nosed sturgeon was plentiful when John Smith sailed across the Chesapeake Bay. The simple wooden boat that carried Smith and his crew had both oars and a sail. It was ideal for moving through shallow waters, but it was also an open boat, exposing the men to heat"and storms. At times the \\'aters they traveled were teeming with fish. Smith reported "fish lying so thick with their heads above the water as for want of nets (our barge driving amongst them) we attempted to catch them with a frying pan." The crew struggled in the summer heat, and many men fell ill. One man, Richard Featherstone, died along the Rappahannock River. His funeral took place at a site that Smith called Featherstone

Chesapeake Bay Office National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior A BOATER’S GUIDE TO THE CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH CHESAPEAKE NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAIL BY JOHN PAGE WILLIAMS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CHESAPEAKE CONSERVANCY and the CHESAPEAKE BAY FOUNDATION ACKNOWLEDGMENTS PROJECT PARTNERS NATIONAL PARK SERVICE CHESAPEAKE BAY OFFICE National Park Service Chesapeake Bay Office (CHBA) leads National Park Service efforts to connect people to the natural and cultural heritage of the Chesapeake region. CHBA administers the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network, the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, and the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail. CHBA is a federal partner in the multistate and federal Chesapeake Bay Program and has a leadership role in the federal coordinated Strategy for Protecting and Restoring the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, in response to Executive Order 13508, issued in 2009. To learn more about National Park Service initiatives for the Chesapeake Bay and the best places to experience the authentic Chesapeake, start with online visits to the following websites: Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network www.baygateways.net Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail www.smithtrail.net Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail www.nps.gov/stsp CHESAPEAKE CONSERVANCY The Chesapeake Conservancy is dedicated to ensuring conservation, stewardship and access for the Chesapeake Bay, its lands and rivers. The Conservancy was created out of a merger between the Friends of the John Smith Chesapeake Trail and Friends of Chesapeake Gateways. The Chesapeake Conservancy works toward three strategic goals: • To realize the full potential of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail and the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network, and coordinate with other Chesapeake Bay trails to promote recreation and tourism along with education about the Bay and its waterways • To generate and direct public and private financial and technical resources to conserve the Bay’s significant landscapes and expand public access • To advance the establishment of new conservation, recreation and public access corridor designations on the Chesapeake. To learn more about the Chesapeake Conservancy’s programs, visit www.chesapeakeconservancy.org, contact info@chesapeakeconservancy.org, or call 443-321-3610. CHESAPEAKE BAY FOUNDATION The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) was one of the founding supporters for the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. CBF is the largest privately funded, nonprofit organization dedicated solely to protecting and restoring the Chesapeake Bay. The Foundation offers a wide range of educational, advocacy, and stewardship programs. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation has adopted Captain John Smith’s descriptions of the Chesapeake in the early 1600s as a baseline for measuring a rich and balanced Bay. CBF provides an annual State of the Bay report comparing the current health of the Bay to that baseline. Contact the Chesapeake Bay Foundation at webadmin@cbf.org or 410-268-8816. Visit the foundation online at www.cbf.org. i About the Guide A Boater’s Guide to the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail is a joint project of the National Park Service Chesapeake Bay Office, the Chesapeake Conservancy, and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. As the first guide to America’s first national water trail, this publication introduces paddlers and boaters to the best places to access the trail. Author John Page Williams expertly weaves practical information for today’s boaters with the historical context of the Chesapeake’s waters explored by Captain John Smith four centuries ago. The Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail was designated as part of the National Trails System in 2006. The National Park Service completed a comprehensive management plan in 2011 for the development of the trail. While this Boater’s Guide describes many places where boaters can access and explore the trail now, many more access areas and facilities will be added as trail development continues. For this reason, the Boater’s Guide is an online publication, designed to be updated as new information becomes available. The National Park Service acknowledges with appreciation the contributions of the Chesapeake Conservancy and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation as partners in creating this first Boater’s Guide to the Smith trail. We appreciate also the reviewers who gave feedback to improve the Guide. While we have endeavored to provide accurate current information at the time of publication, trailhead details, in particular, are subject to change. We encourage users of this Guide to verify contact information as they prepare for their travels along the trail. We also invite users of the Guide to notify the author of changes and new information to be considered for future editions. He can be reached by e-mail at jpwilliams@cbf.org.