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 story of the Bay began millions of years before that.

Captain John Smith

Travel along on the voyage of Captain John Smith, an English explorer who journeyed through the Chesapeake Bay.

Explore‍
An engraved portrait of Captain John Smith with a full beard and high white collar.

Civil War

Study how the Bay and its rivers and streams played a pivotal role in many Civil War battles—both on land and water.

Explore‍
A statue marks a historic site at Antietam National Battlefield.

Pirates

Climb aboard the ship of a pirate to learn how Blackbeard, the Davis trio and others carved out their own slice of Bay history.

Explore‍
A black flag features a white skull and crossbones.

Shipwrecks

Look back at the way people lived, worked and traveled on the Bay by uncovering the details of historic sunken ships.

Explore‍
A kayaker approaches a shipwreck at Mallows Bay.