Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail

National Park Service, Maryland.

People first arrived in the Chesapeake Bay during the last ice age. As glaciers melted, diverse societies learned to thrive in a world of water. When Englishman Captain John Smith explored the Bay in 1608, he documented hundreds of American Indian communities. Today, sites on his map are archeological treasures and sacred sites for tribal citizens. Come join us on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay!

Nearby Activities

  • Boating
  • Paddling

Directions

The water trail is 3,000 miles long and there are countless places to explore it. The trail's headquarters and main visitor center is at Colonial National Historical Park - Historic Jamestowne. For an internet map search or GPS, use the following: Historic Jamestowne Visitor Center, 1368 Colonial Parkway, Jamestown, Virginia 23081.

Additional Information

  • Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail Official Website
  • Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail Map

Photo Gallery

  • Heron at sunset at Blackwater NWRMany people visit Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge to spot birds, like this heron, that rely the natural resources of the landscape.
  • Living History at Jamestown SettlementAt Jamestown Settlement, trail visitors can view yihakan, the houses seen pictured here, which are constructed from saplings and reed mats.
  • Cypress Trees Chickahominy RiverSome scenes - like this one of cypress trees in the Chickahominy River - look similar to what Captain John Smith would have seen 400 years ago.
  • Heron at sunset at Blackwater NWRMany people visit Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge to see the many bird species, like this heron, that use the natural resources of the landscape.
  • Kayaker at Jug BayThe upper reaches of the Patuxent River at Jug Bay give visitors a view of the Chesapeake region that feels similar to a time before European settlement.
  • Susquehanna River view from Zimmerman CenterVisitors can use the dock at Zimmerman Center for Heritage to launch canoes and kayaks onto the beautiful Susquehanna River in south central Pennsylvania.

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