Chesapeake Bay Program - A Watershed Partnership

Facts and History

The Chesapeake Bay is a fascinating place, rich in history and natural beauty. From the very first Native inhabitants of the watershed to its current population of nearly 17 million, humans have shaped the Chesapeake's history through explorations, war battles and shipwrecks. But the Bay still has many interesting tidbits to share—did you know that sharks, whales and manatees are visitors to our waters? Read on to learn about this and more!

Sections

Facts & Figures

Ever wondered how big the Chesapeake Bay is? Or how many states are in the Bay watershed? Learn all about the Bay by reading these quick, interesting facts and figures.

Bay FAQ

A list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed, including the size of the Bay, what types of fish and shellfish live in its waters, and the major problems facing the Bay.

Bay Fun

Looking for something fun to do? Check out our Bay Fun section to see great bay photos, play games, print coloring book pictures, watch a live oyster reef cam and more!

Bay History

The Chesapeake region has been around for a very long time. Many tend to begin its history with the establishment of Jamestown, Virginia in 1607. But the history of the Bay began millions of years before that.