Little Creek Hundred in White River Estates in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Captain John Smith Memorial
Photographed by Pete Skillman, April 26, 2024
1. Captain John Smith Memorial Marker
On June 2, 1608, Captain John Smith and fourteen English colonists left the fledgling Jamestown settlement to explore the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. One week later they entered the Kuskarawaok (or Nanticoke) River, where they spent three days exploring and trading with the Nanticoke Indians. The expedition is believed to have reached a location a short distance from here, below the river's confluence with Broad Creek. During two voyages over a three month period they traveled some 2,500 miles, enduring many hardships while relying on native peoples for nourishment and guidance. Visiting a vast region from the Virginia capes to the lower Susquehanna River, Smith documented the culture and natural wonders of a world on the cusp of great change.
Erected May 2007
By the State of Delaware
In recognition of the 400th anniversary of the establishment of the first permanent English colony in North America.
Heaven and Earth never agreed better to frame a place for man's habitation
Captain John Smith
Erected 2007 by State of Delaware.
Topics. This historical marker and memorial is listed in these
this page online
Location. 38° 33.834′ N, 75° 40.328′ W. Marker is in White River Estates, Delaware, in Sussex County. It is in Little Creek Hundred. It is on Phillips Landing Road, in the median. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Laurel DE 19956, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker and memorial is in the American Mid-Atlantic, on the Delmarva Peninsula, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Phillips Landing and Harley G. Hastings (here, next to this marker); Portsville United Methodist Church (approx. 2.4 miles away); Woodland Ferry (approx. 2.6 miles away); Woodland United Methodist Church
Photographed by Pete Skillman, April 26, 2024
2. Captain John Smith Memorial wide view
Another marker is no longer nearby. Cannon's Ferry (was approx. 2.6 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Photographed by Pete Skillman, April 26, 2024
3. Captain John Smith Memorial upper image detail
The images on the monument are difficult to see depending on how the light is hitting them.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 5, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 27, 2024, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware. This page has been viewed 517 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 27, 2024, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware.
