Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail

Heron at sunset at Blackwater NWR

Many people visit Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge to spot birds, like this heron, that rely the natural resources of the landscape.

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!

Living History at Jamestown Settlement

At Jamestown Settlement, trail visitors can view yihakan, the houses seen pictured here, which are constructed from saplings and reed mats.

Cypress Trees Chickahominy River

Some 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 NWR

Many 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 Bay

The 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 Center

Visitors 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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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.

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Facilities

Gloucester County Visitor Center Visitor Center

Gloucester County Visitor Center is housed in the historic Colonial Courthouse in downtown Gloucester, Virginia. The National Park Service has worked with Gloucester County to produce an exhibit for the Visitor Center on Werowocomoco. Located a twenty-minute drive west on the banks of the York River, Werowocomoco is a newly-rediscovered historic site rich in cultural heritage - it was the seat of the Powhatan Chiefdom and has been occupied by American Indians for thousands of years.

Zimmerman Center for Heritage Facility

The Zimmerman Center for Heritage sits on the banks of the Susquehanna River and is part of the Susquehanna National Heritage Area. The Susquehanna River has long been a gateway to exploration and a corridor of culture and commerce. As rich in history as it is in breathtaking scenery, spectacular wildlife and soul restoring recreation, the river is a place for experiencing the stories of America.

Watermen's Museum Facility

For more than 30 years, the Watermen’s Museum has shared the stories of the men and women who have worked the water: protecting the waterways and villages, piloting ships, ferrying goods and people, and fishing for our delicious seafood. The Watermen's Museum is an exciting, vibrant community where staff, members, volunteers, and guests come together to develop, provide, and enjoy museum programs and to just have fun along the shores of the historic York River.

Historic Jamestowne - Trail Headquarters Facility

The trail shares a headquarters with Historic Jamestowne, an historic site and visitors center managed by Colonial National Historical Park. Visitors to this coastal Virginia island can explore the site where English colonists built their first successful settlement. Jamestown was the starting point of John Smith's voyages, which form the basis for the trail's route today. Take in the natural beauty of the James River, bike around the loop road, go on a guided tour, and more.

Sultana Education Foundation Facility

Sultana Education Foundation embraces the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail's vision for getting kids out on the water and learning more about the diverse ecosystem of the Bay through land and on water programming. Sultana hosts public paddles, programs for school groups, and summer programs. Check their website, sultanaeducation.org, for more information about when and how to visit.

Recreation Areas and Campground Database