Chesapeake facts for kids

Chesapeake is a name that can mean many different things! It's often linked to a famous bay, but it also refers to a Native American tribe, several cities, and even ships and other interesting things.

What is Chesapeake?

The name "Chesapeake" comes from an Algonquian word. It means "Great Shellfish Bay" or "Great Salt Water." This name perfectly describes the famous bay it is most often associated with.

The Chesapeake Bay

The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States. An estuary is a place where fresh water from rivers mixes with salty ocean water. It is located in the states of Maryland and Virginia. Many rivers flow into the Bay, including the Susquehanna and Potomac rivers.

The Bay is very important for wildlife. It is home to many different animals. These include blue crabs, oysters, and various fish. It is also a vital stop for many birds during their long migrations. People enjoy fishing, boating, and crabbing in the Bay. The land around the Bay is sometimes called the Delmarva Peninsula. This is because it includes parts of Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia.

The Chesapeake People

The Chesapeake people were a Native American tribe. They were also known as the Chesepian tribe. They lived in the area that is now southeastern Virginia. They were part of the Algonquian language family. The tribe lived near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. They were known for their farming and fishing skills.

Places Named Chesapeake

Several towns and cities in the United States are named Chesapeake.

Cities in Virginia

• Chesapeake, Virginia: This is a large city in southeastern Virginia. It is part of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area. The city is known for its many waterways and natural areas.
• Jamestown, Virginia: This historic place was once called the Chesapeake colony. It was the first permanent English settlement in North America. It was founded in 1607.

Other U.S. Cities

• Chesapeake, Missouri: This small community is located in Lawrence County, Missouri.
• Chesapeake, Ohio: This village is found in Lawrence County, Ohio. It is on the Ohio River.
• Chesapeake, Tennessee: This is a neighborhood within the city of Nashville.
• Chesapeake, West Virginia: This town is located in Kanawha County, West Virginia. It sits along the Kanawha River.

Famous Ships Named Chesapeake

The name Chesapeake has been used for many ships. These ships have served different purposes throughout history.

• USS Chesapeake (1799): This was an American frigate. A frigate is a type of warship. This ship was famous for its capture by a British ship, HMS Shannon, in 1813. This happened during the War of 1812.
• United States lightship Chesapeake (LV-116): A lightship is like a floating lighthouse. It helps guide other ships. This particular lightship served for many years.
• HMS Chesapeake (1855): This was a frigate of the British Royal Navy.

Other Interesting Uses of the Name

The name Chesapeake also appears in many other areas.

• Chesapeake Bay Retriever: This is a strong and loyal breed of dog. They are known for their love of water. They were originally bred to retrieve ducks from the cold waters of the Chesapeake Bay.
• Chesapeake (novel): This is a popular book written by James Michener in 1978. It tells the long history of the Chesapeake Bay region.
• Chesapeake (band): This was a folk-rock and bluegrass band from Maryland. They were known for their lively music.
• Chesapeake (train): This was a passenger train operated by Amtrak. It used to travel between Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia.
• Chesapeake Energy: This is a large American company. It focuses on producing natural gas and oil.
• Chesapeake Energy Arena: This is a big sports and entertainment building. It is located in Oklahoma City. Many concerts and basketball games are held there.
• Chesapeake Mill: This historic building is in England. It was built using timbers from the captured USS Chesapeake (1799).
• Chesapeake and Ohio Railway: This was a major American railroad company. It operated for over 100 years. It helped transport goods and people across several states.
• Chesapeake and Ohio Canal: This historic canal runs along the Potomac River. It was built to transport coal and other goods. Today, it is a national historical park.

See also

In Spanish: Chesapeake para niños