Park Passport

Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail VA,MD,DE,DC,PA,NY

Lat, Long: 38.971601, -76.483355

Designation: National Historic Trail

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!

Weather:

During the summer season, visitors should dress in light, comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing, and use sunscreen. High temperatures and humidity create a higher risk of heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. We strongly recommended you carry a bottle of water with you and wear a life jacket at all times. During the winter, be aware that submersion in freezing cold water can be deadly. If you are going out, bring safety gear such as a wetsuit and practice techniques to avoid tipping over.

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.

For more details ›

Address/Contact:

1368 Colonial Parkway

Jamestown, US, 23081

Phone: (757) 856-1220

Email: cajo_info@nps.gov

Entrance Fees:

A heron at sunset in the waters and marshes of Blackwater National Wildlife RefugeA re-created American Indian town.Many baldcypress trees standing in the Chickahominy RiverA lone kayaker explores the Patuxent RiverA view of the Susquehanna River and the boat dock at Zimmerman Center for Heritage