Cape Charles in Northampton County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Maritime Highway
Kiptopeke State Park
(sidebar)
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 in the Chesapeake Bay.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels.
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.
Also see . . . Kiptopeke State Park. Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (Submitted on October 17, 2016.)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 17, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 12, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 212 times since then. 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.