On June 2, 1608, Captain John Smith and fourteen English colonists set out from Jamestown in a 30-foot open boat or "shallop" to explore and map the Chesapeake Bay. Traveling over 1,700 miles in just over three months, Smith and his men witnessed the Chesapeake at its productive peak, with its incredible ecosystem intact and a multitude of American Indian cultures thriving along its shores. The observations and sketches made by Smith during his travels would form the basis for his remarkable 1612 map of the Bay, which served as the definitive rendering of the region for nearly a century.

In the summer of 2007 a crew of modern-day explorers, historians, naturalists and educators will endeavor to retrace Captain John Smith's incredible 1608 expedition.  Traveling in a 28-foot reproduction of Smith's shallop, and living much as Smith and his men did 400 years ago, the shallop and her crew will spend 121-days voyaging to the headwaters of almost every tributary of the Chesapeake Bay.  At more than 20 points along the route, the shallop and her crew will stop for public exhibitions so that people from all around the region can learn about this important episode in the history of the Chesapeake.

Visit www.johnsmith400.org to see all the details about the tour, their current location, educational resources and much more

John Smith Visit Celebration, July 15-18, Rock Hall Harbor, Rock Hall. Four days of celebration leading up to the visit of Captain John Smith's shallop on Wednesday, July 18. Relive Captain John Smith's exploratory journey of the Chesapeake Bay, through exhibits, music, food and entertainment. Call 410-778-0416 or visit www.kentcounty.com for more information.

The John Smith [Shallop] Visits Rock Hall, July 18, 3-9pm, Rock Hall Waterfront, Rock Hall.  Rock Hall welcomes the John Smith [shallop] and crew with evening waterfront festivities. Call 410-778-5954 or visit www.johnsmith400.org for more information.

The John Smith [Shallop] Visits Port Deposit, July 20-21, Fri. 9am-5pm, Sat. 9am-12N, Port Deposit Waterfront.  Port Deposit welcomes the John Smith [shallop] and crew with a day of waterfront festivities.  Call 410-778-5954 or visit www.johnsmith400.org for additional details.

The John Smith [Shallop] Visits Perryville, July 21, 2:30-6pm, Perryville Waterfront.
Perryville welcomes the John Smith [shallop] and Susquehanna Sojourn with an afternoon of waterfront festivities. Call 410-778-5954 or visit www.johnsmith400.org for more information.

The John Smith [Shallop] Visits Havre de Grace, July 22, 9am-5pm, Havre de Grace Waterfront. Havre de Grace welcomes the John Smith [shallop] and crew to the historic waterfront area. Call 410-778-5954 or visit www.johnsmith400.org for further details.

The John Smith [Shallop] Visits Baltimore, July 28-29, 9am-5pm, Baltimore Inner Harbor, next to the Aquarium.  Baltimore commemorates John Smith's exploration by welcoming the [shallop] and crew to the Inner Harbor.  Call 410-778-5954 or visit www.johnsmith400.org for further details.