Pocomoke Sound facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pocomoke Sound |
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 Pocomoke Sound
Location in Virginia
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| Location | Accomack County, Virginia King William County, Virginia Somerset, Maryland |
| Coordinates | 37°55′17″N 75°49′24″W / 37.92139°N 75.82333°W |
| Type | Bay |
| Part of | Chesapeake Bay |
| Surface elevation | 0 feet (0 m) |
Pocomoke Sound is a beautiful bay that connects to the famous Chesapeake Bay. It helps form the border between the eastern parts of Maryland and Virginia. The biggest river flowing into Pocomoke Sound is the Pocomoke River.
The Sound is surrounded by different counties and other bays. To the north is Somerset County, Maryland, and to the east are Worcester County, Maryland and Accomack County, Virginia. To the south is the Chesapeake Bay, and to the west is Tangier Sound. The very tip of the Sound to the southwest is near Watts Island, Virginia.
Contents
Rivers and Creeks that Feed the Sound
Besides the Pocomoke River, many smaller streams called creeks also flow into Pocomoke Sound. These creeks bring fresh water into the bay.
- In Maryland, you'll find Ape Hole Creek, East Creek, and Marumsco Creek.
- In Virginia, there are Bullbegger Creek, Messongo Creek, and Guilford Creek.
Wildlife and Nature Areas
Pocomoke Sound is home to important natural areas that protect wildlife. These areas are great places for animals and plants to live safely.
- On the north side of the Sound are the Pocomoke Sound Wildlife Management Area and the Maryland Marine Properties Wildlife Management Area.
- On the east side, you'll find the Saxis Wildlife Management Area.
A Look at History
Pocomoke Sound has an interesting history, including some important events from long ago.
Early Disputes and Agreements
In 1635, Pocomoke Sound was the site of the first recorded naval conflict between Englishmen in North America. This disagreement was between the Virginia Company and Lord Baltimore, who was in charge of the Maryland Colony. They were arguing over who had the rights to Kent Island. The Maryland colonists eventually won this dispute.
Later, in 1785, Maryland and Virginia had many disagreements about fishing in the Sound and on the Pocomoke River. To solve these problems, they created a special agreement. This agreement helped manage fishing, made the waterway free for everyone, and explained how to handle disagreements between citizens from each state. However, much later, in 1894, the Supreme Court of the United States decided that Pocomoke Sound itself was not covered by this famous agreement.
