Cape Charles in Northampton County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Cape Charles to Little Creek
Photographed by Mike Stroud, October 15, 2011
1. Cape Charles to Little Creek Marker
SS Delmarva, SS Princess Anne, and the SS Pocahontas operated out of Cape Charles to Little Creek, VA, from about 1933 to 1950. The first two vessels handled the traffic from 1933 to 1941. In 1941, the SS Pocahontas was built to handle traffic increases and was added to the fleet.
During World War II, it became necessary to add more carrying space to accommodate leave schedules military personnel heading north on Friday and returning by early Monday. So, in the off-season, the SS Delmarva and the SS Princess Anne were taken to dry dock, cut in two, and 90 feet were added to each mid-section. The SS Pocahontas, initially 300 feet long, was renovated and 75 feet were added to her mid-section.
Around 1950, as traffic continued to increase, the ferry operation was moved to Kiptopeke Beach, VA, shortening the run by 20 minutes. The continued ferry traffic increases at Kiptopeke and a strike led to the building of the present Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.
Erected by Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1933.
Location. Marker has been permanently
this page online
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was on the Eastern Shore. It was also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, on the Delmarva Peninsula, and in the Tidewater. Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Veterans War Memorial (here, next to this marker); The Eastern Shore Railroad (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Peter Jacob Carter (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Chesapeake Bay Impact Crater (approx. 0.2 miles away); A Dynamic Environment (approx. 0.2 miles away); A Changing Way of Life / Appreciating Our Beach (approx. Ό mile away); Rails Overlooking the Chesapeake Bay (approx. Ό mile away); Pilot House (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cape Charles.
Photographed by Mike Stroud, October 15, 2011
2. Cape Charles to Little Creek Marker seen along Mason Avenue and Pine Street
Credits. This page was last revised on June 7, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 4, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,239 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 4, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.
