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Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic TrailSailing the Chesapeake
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Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail
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Join the Adventure

The Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail was authorized by Congress in 2006 so that visitors to the Chesapeake Bay can understand the significance of John Smith's explorations, and his interaction with and impact upon the rich Native American cultures. Moreover, visitors can come to appreciate and care for the life and landscape of this national treasure, America's largest estuary. Although any adventure seeker can follow portions of Smith's historic routes today with the proper means, plans for the trail have just begun.

You can help forge America's first national water trail. A work in progress, the Trail comes as a result of the diligent work of many public and private partners. The trail was designated by an act of Congress in December, 2006, which set in motion what will surely be a rewarding process. To learn more about planning the National Historic Trail, e-mail us.

A portion of the map drawn during Smith's voyages.  

Did You Know?
The American Indian people of the Chesapeake region often relied on translators to work with the many languages and dialects that people spoke. Such translators were often instrumental in helping the Smith party communicate with people they met along their journeys.

Last Updated: March 26, 2007 at 12:03 EST