Middle Branch Park in Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

John Smith Explores Patapsco

Photographed by Christopher Busta-Peck, March 18, 2008

1. John Smith Explores Patapsco Marker

Inscription. Captain John Smith visited the Patapsco River twice in 1608 after settling at Jamestown the previous year. In a 40-foot shallop, Smith and his crew were exploring the Chesapeake Bay hoping, in vain, to discover a passage to the Pacific Ocean. On the first journey they moored near the Patapsco's mouth and traveled across the Middle Branch, the basin for both the Gwynns Falls stream and the Patapsco River. They found the Patapsco navigable as far as the falls at Elkridge and placed a brass cross there to claim the valley for England. On the second trip Smith's party again anchored near the Patapsco before exploring the upper Chesapeake.

Erected by Gwynns Falls Trail Council.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Exploration • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Maryland, Gwynns Falls Trail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1608.

Location. 39° 15.313′ N, 76° 36.93′ W. Marker is in Baltimore, Maryland. It is in Middle Branch Park. It can be reached from Waterview Avenue. Marker is near the boat ramps. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2801 S Hanover St, Brooklyn MD 21225, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Maryland.

It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic

and in the Chesapeake Bay Region.

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 one of the original Thirteen Colonies

and also the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this

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marker: On Guard (within shouting distance of this marker); Maryland Vietnam Veterans Memorial (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hippocrates' Platanus (Sycamore) (approx. ¼ mile away); Gwynns Falls Trail (approx. 0.3 miles away); Senator Harry McGuirk (approx. 0.3 miles away); A River that Shaped a City (approx. 0.4 miles away); River, Industry, & Community (approx. 0.4 miles away); Restoring Space (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Baltimore.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Reviving the Waterfront (was approx. 0.3 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Also see . . . Gwynns Falls Trail Council. (Submitted on March 18, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio.)

Photographed by Christopher Busta-Peck, March 18, 2008

2. John Smith Explores Patapsco Marker

Marker can be seen just to the right of the trail.

Hanover Street Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Christopher Busta-Peck, March 18, 2008

3. Hanover Street Bridge

As seen from the boat ramps near the marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 18, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. This page has been viewed 3,581 times since then and 144 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 18, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio.