Baltimore, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

John Smith Explores Patapsco

By Christopher Busta-Peck, March 18, 2008

1. John Smith Explores Patapsco Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the 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.

Marker series. This marker is included in the Maryland, Gwynns Falls Trail marker series.

Location. 39° 15.313′ N, 76° 36.93′ W. Marker is in Baltimore, Maryland. Marker can be reached from Waterview Avenue. Marker is near the boat ramps. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Brooklyn MD 21225, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow

By Christopher Busta-Peck, March 18, 2008

2. John Smith Explores Patapsco Marker

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

flies. On Guard (within shouting distance of this marker); Maryland Vietnam Veterans Memorial (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Gwynns Falls Trail (approx. 0.3 miles away); Senator Harry McGuirk (approx. 0.3 miles away); Reviving the Waterfront (approx. 0.3 miles away); Cherry Hill (approx. half a mile away); Strategic Post (approx. 1.2 miles away); Mount Auburn Cemetery (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Baltimore.

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

Categories. • Exploration • Notable Persons •

Hanover Street Bridge image. Click for full size.

By Christopher Busta-Peck, March 18, 2008

3. Hanover Street Bridge

As seen from the boat ramps near the marker.

More. Search the internet for John Smith Explores Patapsco.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on March 18, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,463 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 18, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio.