Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Captain John SmithChesapeake National Historic Trail |
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 Captain John Smith
Chesapeake National Historic Trail Location in Virginia
Captain John Smith
Chesapeake National Historic Trail Location in the United States
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| Location | Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, & District of Columbia, USA |
| Established | December 19, 2006 |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
| Website | Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail |
The Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail is a special water route in the United States. It stretches for about 3,000 miles (4,800 km) along the Chesapeake Bay and its connecting rivers. The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary (where fresh river water mixes with salty ocean water) in the nation.
This trail goes through Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and District of Columbia. It follows the paths that Captain John Smith explored between 1607 and 1609. He was mapping the land and waterways of the Chesapeake area. This trail is one of only two "water trails" that are also part of the National Historic Trails. The other is the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail.
In 2012, four more connecting trails were added. These trails extend up the Susquehanna River, Chester River, Upper Nanticoke River, and Upper James River.
How the Trail Was Created
The Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail was officially created on December 19, 2006. Before this, the National Park Service spent a year studying if it was a good idea. The United States Congress then gave permission for the trail to be made.
The idea for the trail started in the Senate in August 2005. Many lawmakers from both major political parties supported it. The idea quickly gained approval. In May 2006, a special committee in the Senate approved it.
After that, a similar bill was introduced in the House of Representatives. This bill was passed by the House on December 6, 2006. Just two days later, the Senate also passed it. Finally, President George W. Bush signed the bill into law on December 19, 2006. This made the trail official.
The National Park Service manages this water trail. They work with other groups like the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network. They also partner with the federal-state Chesapeake Bay Program. These groups help protect and manage the Chesapeake Bay area.
