John Smith Explores the Chesapeake

John Smith Explores the Chesapeake. Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. , (panel 1) , John Smith Explores the Chesapeake, Captain John Smith explored the Chesapeake Bay in the early 1600s seeking precious metals and a passage to Asia. He traveled the James, Chickahominy, and York rivers in 1607, and led two major expeditions from Jamestown in 1608. Smith and his crew sailed and rowed a primitive 30-foot boat nearly 3,000 miles, reaching as far north as the Susquehanna River., Although Smith did not discover gold, or a river passage to the Pacific, his precise map and detailed observations of American Indian societies and the abundant natural resources guided future explorers and settlers., An Abundance of Life , Smith discovered a treasure trove of natural wonders in the Chesapeake region: thick forests of giant pines, oaks and hickories; vast marshlands; huge turtles, 800-pound sturgeon, and great schools of shad and striped bass. Massive flocks of ducks, geese, and swans darkened the sky; and enormous oyster reefs rose above the water's surface., Native Inhabitants , At the time of Smith’s exploration, an estimated 50,000 American Indians dwelled in the Chesapeake region, as their ancestors had for thousands of years. Their sophisticated societies included arts and architecture, systems of government, extensive trade and communication networks, and shared spiritual beliefs. The native peoples hunted, fished, grew crops, and gathered food and raw materials from the land and waterways., (captions) , (upper right) Smith’s remarkably accurate map of the Chesapeake Bay (published in 1612), and his spirited written accounts of a lush landscape inspired European migration. , (lower right) Decorative shells, such as those found on this ceremonial robe, were valuable in the American Indian's trading network that extended for hundreds of miles. This robe (which may have belonged to paramount chief Powhatan) was crafted from elk skins and adorned with more than 17,000 shells., (panel 2) , Join the Adventure, Explore the places Englishman John Smith traveled in the early 1600s. Learn about the thriving American Indian communities he encountered and imagine the bountiful Chesapeake he observed. Experience the natural and cultural richness that exists in the region today., The 3,000-mile Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail traces the exploratory voyages Smith conducted from 1607 to 1609 on the Chesapeake Bay and along several major rivers. The trail includes parks, museum sites, driving tours, and water trails that align with Smith’s historic voyage routes and offer opportunities for recreation and discovery., Experience the Trail , . Explore rivers, coves, and open water by kayak, sailboat, or motor craft. , . Bicycle or hike along woodland trails and shoreline paths. , . Follow winding back roads through rural landscapes and historic villages. , . Visit places that celebrate American Indian heritage. , . See birds and other wildlife foraging in marshes, waterways, and forests. , . Attend festivals and demonstrations, or join a guided tour., To learn more about the trail, visit www.SmithTrail.net, FindYourChesapeake.com, www.nps.gov/cajo, (captions) , Bicyclists view the Susquehanna River.; Students aboard Discovery at Jamestown Settlement; Kayakers explore the trail; Indian dance demonstration at Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum., (panel 3) , James River Oxbow, Two characteristics distinguish this section of the James River: the U-shaped bends that resemble the harness for an ox, and the unusually deep water that gives this park its name. Gabriel Archer, who along with John Smith and a band of other Jamestown colonists first traveled through here in May 1607, estimated the depth at "five or six fadom eight oars' length from the shore.", This was Arrohateck territory then. The friendly Indians met up with the strangers several times by crossing the narrow neck of land at the base of the oxbows while the English tediously rowed against wind and tide around the curves of the river., "In the midway staying to refresh ourselves in a little isle, four or five savages came unto us which described unto us the course of the river. And after, in our journey, they often met us, trading with us for such provision as we had." , - Captain John Smith, A True Relation, 1608, Experience more of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake Trail at these nearby places:, . Visit Henricus Historical Park for hands-on history amidst a re-created 17th-century English settlement and Arrohateck Indian Town., . Paddle the Lagoon Water Trail at Dutch Gap Conservation Area and see how nature has reclaimed a former industrial site., . Enjoy boating and fishing from the docks of Osborne Park and Boat Landing., . Look for birds and other wildlife at Presquile National Wildlife Refuge, on an island nearly surrounded by a James River oxbow., (captions) , Smith's 1612 map clearly shows the Arrohateck's main town and other Indian settlements near the James River oxbow, about 13 miles below the fall line (identified as "The Fales" by Smith)., The river's oxbows create wetlands and marshes rich in aquatic life and edible plants, such as tuckahoe (arrow arum), a staple of the Arrohateck's diet.