Cape Charles in Northampton County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Maritime Highway
Kiptopeke State Park
By Don Morfe, September 21, 2016
1. Maritime Highway Marker
Shipping traffic, commercial fisheries, recreation and tourism industries and the military rely on the Chesapeake Bay for its logistic potential. Native American canoes, colonial sailing ships, 20th century schooners, and modern cargo ships have navigated these waters helping establish port cities along the coast.
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Kiptopeke Ferry From 1949 to 1964, this area was the northern terminus of the Kiptopekke Ferry that provided passenger service between Cape Charles and Norfolk.
Featuring passenger lounges, recreation rooms and restaurants, the ferry could accommodate 100 cars and 1,200 passengers.
Operating 24 hours a day and in all types of weather, the one-way trip was 26 miles and took nearly two hours.
In 1964, with construction of the 17-mile Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, ferry services discontinued.
Commercial Fishing
Commercial fishing is an important economic activity driven by increased demand for fresh fish, oysters, lobsters, and blue crab. Pound nets, haul seining, trawling and bottom dredging are some of the commercial methods used
By Don Morfe, September 21, 2016
2. Maritime Highway Marker
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1949.
Location. 37° 10.056′ N, 75° 59.201′ W. Marker is in Cape Charles, Virginia, in Northampton County. Marker is on Kiptopeke Drive (County Route 704) 0.4 miles west of Florida Avenue, on the right when traveling west. The marker is attached to the exterior wall of the restrooms. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3540 Kiptopeke Drive, Cape Charles VA 23310, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Farm to Market (here, next to this marker); Chesapeake Bay (here, next to this marker); The Dunes (a few steps from this marker); A Good Start (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Concrete Ships (about 700 feet away); Fisherman Island NWR (approx. 3.4 miles away); Mansion Site (approx. 4.3 miles away); Bacon's Rebellion (approx. 4.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cape Charles.
By Don Morfe, September 21, 2016
3. Fishing Pier area-Sea gull heaven
By Don Morfe, September 21, 2016
4. Kiptopeke State Park
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation website entry
Click for more information.
Click for more information.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 25, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 12, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 234 times since then and 4 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 12, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
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