Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail

The week of December 4th, 2006, the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate passed legislation establishing the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail (H.R. 5466). On December 19, 2006, President Bush signed the bill into law authorizing the establishment of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. This historic legislation comes just as the nation begins to celebrate the 400th anniversary of this important chapter of American history in which Captain Smith’s 1607-1609 voyages ensured the survival of the English settlers at Jamestown and the birth of representative democracy in North America.

"When we consider that he sailed above three thousand miles in an open boat; when we contemplate the dangers, and the hardships he encountered, and the fortitude, courage and patience with which he met them; when we reflect on the useful and important additions which he made to the stock of knowledge respecting America, then possessed by his countrymen; we shall not hesitate to say that few voyages of discovery, undertaken at any time, reflect more honor on those engaged in them, than this does on captain Smith."

- Chief Justice John Marshall (The Life of George Washington, 1804)

Summary

Based in Jamestown, Smith and his crew of just over a dozen men courageously traveled and mapped almost 3,000 miles along Chesapeake Bay, and visited scores of thriving Native American communities. His voyages helped ensure the survival of Jamestown and the establishment of democracy in America.

In 1607, the Native Americans of the Chesapeake region possessed knowledge and goods that were essential to the survival of the English settlement at Jamestown. Smith's 1612 map was the first accurate depiction of the Chesapeake Bay and the Native American settlements present. Smith found that “heaven and earth have never agreed better to frame a place for man's habitation."

Challenge

The National Park Service recommended establishing the trail, after finding that Smith’s routes of travel are nationally significant and that the trail would promote recreation, tourism and environmental protection in the Chesapeake Bay region. The National Park Service needed a supportive coalition to bring the trail to life.

Solution

To commemorate Smith’s voyages, the Chesapeake Bay community, including the Members of Congress, Governors, state legislators, county commissioners, mayors, businesses, tourism agencies and non-profit organizations, including The Conservation Fund, worked together to build public support for the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail (NHT) as an addition to the National Trails System.

Results

The John Smith NHT provides an excellent opportunity for the public to learn about Native American history, early English settlement, as well as the Chesapeake Bay’s natural resources. The trail promotes public education through: trail maps and guide books; classroom and field experiences; museum and website exhibits; and interpretive buoys. It offers tremendous economic opportunities through heritage tourism, such as: trail outfitting and guide services; motor coach tours; food, lodging, and maritime commerce.

In October 2008, the trail was selected as a 2008 Regional Conservation Priority by the Washington Smart Growth Alliance. “The designation of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake Trail as a conservation priority will bring added awareness of both the vulnerability of the trail and surrounding lands and also the opportunity to use its conservation to benefit people, wildlife and the environment,” said Erik Meyers, vice president of sustainable programs for The Conservation Fund. (Read the news release »)

In 2009, under the leadership of Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley and Fund director Truman T. Semans Sr., we worked with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Friends of the John Smith Chesapeake Trail to protect nearly 4,500 acres of historic lands, including almost 20 miles along the Potomoc River. Owned for centuries by the Maryland Province of the Society of Jesus, this important piece of history is now protected for everyone to enjoy. Funding came from the state's Program Open Space.

See Related Links at right for further information on the trail and its partners.

For more information contact:
Joel Dunn, Program Coordinator, Sustainable Chesapeake
The Conservation Fund
Phone: 443-482-2826
Email: jdunn@conservationfund.org