he Nanticoke River is the wetland functions. Both Maryland and Delaware have Submerged aquatic largest Chesapeake Bay identified the Nanticoke watershed as a priority area vegetation (SAV) tributary on the lower for protecting and enhancing natural resources for is considered an SCALE SEAFORD River Towns and Delmarva Peninsula, Nanticoke River recreation and conservation and recognize the need indicator species for 0 1 2 3 Watershed NANTICOKE RIVER The meanderingT gently through marshland, to develop a greater sense of stewardship among water quality and 1 Points of Interest forests and farmland, on its 50 mile journey from southern the growing population. provides important miles Delaware to Tangier Sound in Maryland. Navigable beyond habitat for many Present Day307 Access and313 Information Seaford Boat Ramp SEAFORD, DE 1 Seaford, Delaware, the river has played an important role in animal species. Living Resources HURLOCK 20 Seaford was once part of Dorchester Nanticoke commerce and trade throughout its history, providing a critical Historically, there NANTICOKE WILDLIFE AREA, DELAWARE County in the Province of Maryland. First were well-established water route for early Native American tribes, and later for European The interaction between land and water that takes place in the This wildlife area surrounds historic Broad Creek called “Hooper’s Landing”, Seaford was settlers. The Nanticoke watershed encompasses approximately Nanticoke watershed has created diverse natural conditions and an SAV beds in the lower just South of Seaford, DE on the Nanticoke. Visitors laid out in 1799, and incorporated in 1865, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Atmospheric National Oceanic and Woodland just three days prior to the end of the Civil 725,000 acres, including over 50,000 acres of tidal wetlands. which abundance of wildlife. The diversity of forests, fields and shallow Nanticoke but they can enjoy leisurely hikes through the forested trails, Ferry Experience the river by kayak. SECRETARY Nanticoke War. In 1939, Seaford became the “Nylon River represent about one-third of all the tidal wetlands in the State marshes, provides suitable habitat for a number of rare, threatened have been steadily on foot or by horseback, and the area has long been Wildlife Area 14 Capital of the World” when the DuPont of Maryland. The watershed is also the most biologically diverse or endangered plant and animal species. Neotropical songbirds, declining since the 1970’s. Surveys also indicate a significant DORCHESTER COUNTY, MD coveted by anglers as a wonderful spot for fishing. EAST NEW For more information call (302) 539-3160. Company opened the first Nylon plant. watershed on the Delmarva, and is reduction in waterfowl, fish and shellfish populations. A variety of MARKET such as warblers and the American Dorchester County is the largest county on Maryland’s Eastern Tobacco cultivation was also prominent

Explorers Welcome home to the highest concentration redstart, rely on the watershed’s factors have contributed to this decline: habitat disturbance, over- Shore. It is surrounded by bays and rivers leaving only 20 miles of in Seaford. William Henry Harrison Ross, DELAWARE

of bald eagles in the northeastern forests during their annual migrations harvesting, blockages to fish migration, pollution and disease. land-to-land border with its neighbor, creating a prime destination MARYLAND an innovative farmer with extensive land ELDORADO for outdoor recreation. Agriculture dominates the northeast holdings in Seaford, became Delaware’s 400 Years Ago and Today United States. According to the and nesting. Other bird species found M 2 portion of the county, with the remaining land comprised primarily Governor in 1851. The Ross Mansion and 2000 Census, the watershed is home in the area include: eagles, ospreys, Historically, coastal marshes like those in the Nanticoke River 14 a BETHEL 16 rs Plantation features his Italian Renaissance of forests and marsh. Dorchester County’s wetlands account for h 313 B to 42,459 residents. Population herons, peregrine falcons, owls, wild watershed were generally wider and landforms like spits, beaches, and y road Creek approximately 39% of the all the wetlands in Maryland, which h GALESTOWN style home. density is expected to increase by islands were notably different than they are today. While wetlands o Phillips Landing turkeys, and many different waterfowl provides a diverse ecosystem and habitat for wildlife. p and coastal areas are afforded some protection from development e 19.5% between 2000 and 2020 and wading birds. Mallards, black Nanticoke Wildlife Area BETHEL, DE 2 under State and Federal wetland regulations, due to a combination duck, wood duck, and Canada geese 50 The entire town of Bethel, a quaint village are the principal migratory game of sea level rise, erosion and other factors these fragile marshes O Creek of Victorian and Italianate architecture, is C Nature and are being damaged and even destroyed. A recent report noted a E on the National Register of Historic Places. species which breed in the watershed. A Cherry Beach Park & N DORCHESTER Cope Bennett Park Once a prosperous shipbuilding center, Extensive wood duck habitat is reasonable projection for sea level rise of at least 2 feet by the year SHARPTOWN SUSSEX the community is traced to 1840 when Heritage Tourism 2100. As a result, water quality will suffer and habitat for marsh present in the wooded swamps that COUNTY 3 Kendall Lewis laid out twelve building lots. The Eastern Shore offers many dependant wildlife and food webs for many aquatic species will be 24 Days Gone By Museum, Woodland, Delaware DNREC border the upper Nanticoke River and COUNTY Originally known as Lewisville, the name opportunities to relax, recharge, and Marshyhope and Broad Creeks. irreversibly changed. 348 changed to Bethel in 1880. GATE WAY leave hectic lifestyles behind. Local roads and byways are flat, offering 331 er excellent cycling adventures, while the many pristine waterways A variety of mammals can also be found in the watershed including: iv 50 SHARPTOWN, MD 3 R Fisheries and Aquatic Life provide scenic trails for recreational boaters, as well as both novice beaver, raccoons, rabbits, otters, opossums, skunks and red and g Sharptown once laid claim to the largest in k SUSSEX COUNTY, DE fleet of schooners anywhere on the river, and experienced paddlers. Visitors to the region have the option of grey fox. Muskrats are commonly seen in the marsh along with During the 17th century Tangier Sound (just below the mouth of ua 313 nsq Sussex County, the birthplace of the broiler chicken building eighteen U.S. merchant ships bringing bicycles and kayaks from home or renting them from a nutria. The nutria is a South American rodent that was accidentally the Nanticoke) was host to a great number of historical oyster beds Tra industry, is Delaware’s largest county spanning in the latter part of the 1800’s. This local outfitter. introduced to the area in the and other shellfish, like hard clams, that thrived in the pristine industry flourished up until the early 19th FISHING BAY 4 979 square miles. The diverse landscape is home 1930’s, resulting in considerable waters. The oyster beds were sometimes found extending up into the WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA VIENNA to historic seaside and river towns full of history, century when most of the area’s forests had In addition to recreational activities, damage to the wetland and Wicomico River. Like many charm and personality. Western Sussex County is been cleared (as a result of boatbuilding Maryland’s largest parcel of publicly owned – and Vienna visitors to the Eastern Shore will field areas where they roam. areas in the Bay these oyster Boat Ramp the center of the state’s agriculture industry with and farming) and shipbuilding all but nearly pristine – tidal wetlands offers 28,500 acres of ver Ri the most land under cultivation in the State. disappeared from the region. While find opportunities to explore and Fortunately, recent efforts to bars have suffered from over remote wilderness for boaters and paddlers to explore co shipbuilding is no longer a way of life learn about the area’s rich cultural and enjoy. Adjacent to the 65,000 acre Blackwater i control nutria are achieving fishing and a decline in water m

o 54 on the Nanticoke, barges still actively

c National Wildlife Refuge, the area is ideal for bird a

heritage. The history and heritage of significant results. quality. More recently, the 5 DELAWARE transport goods up and down the river m

watchers, paddlers, anglers and hunters. a Lecompte

the Eastern Shore has been shaped diseases Dermo and MSX c B MARDELA SPRINGS as in colonial times. Cherry Beach and i WMA arr h MARYLAND en

and refined by its relationship to C Cope Bennet Parks provide the following Healthy populations of squirrel, have reduced the population Cr ee Mardela Springs ON THE DELMARVA PENINSULA the bay with its abundant natural rabbit and deer also provide further. Oyster harvests were k Boat Ramp amenities. resources and miles of shoreline. recreational opportunities for relatively low during the late 50 MARYLAND AND DELAWARE VIENNA, MD 4 The story begins 12,000 years hunting and wildlife observation. 1960’s and early 1970’s, The waterfront community of Vienna ago with settlement of the area Darden Tom Delmarva fox squirrel is one rebounded slightly in the Town of Vienna, Maryland WICOMICO COUNTY, MD was known as a hub for commerce and by various Native American tribes, of the rare animals that makes late 1970’s, and since that trade and in 1762 was an official customs WICOMICO Wicomico County is the “heart” of the Delmarva FOR MORE INFORMATION through the colonial and civil war eras, and continues to the its home here and were once common throughout the Delmarva time, have shown a steady Annette Chenault collecting port in the colonies. It became a Peninsula. Serving as the economic center for the region, booming seaports and agricultural community of the 19th century. Blue crabs HEBRON fortress both during the Revolutionary War Maryland Department of Natural Resources Peninsula. This large, steel-gray squirrel was declared endangered decline. Blue crabs are COUNTY the landscape is dominated by agricultural and forested and the War of 1812. The British attacked Boating Services Unit, Boat Facilities and The collection of Maryland Heritage Areas on the shore offers an in 1967 and is currently found in only four counties on Maryland’s found throughout the lower portions of the river system. While Bestpitch lands. The Nanticoke River makes up the entire western Public Access Planning Division the town time and time again, due to intriguing combination of these stories that are being preserved, Eastern Shore and in Sussex County, DE. The loss of suitable annual harvests vary, the crab remains one of the most viable border and its winding tributaries offer abundant coordinates the creation of a statewide network its importance as a major transportation interpreted and shared in various museums, attractions, oral histories, opportunities for viewing wildlife along its shoreline. of access sites and water trails in Maryland. woodland habitat (due primarily to land clearing) is the major factor commercial fisheries in the area. hub and supply line for American troops. 580 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401 k trails and events. in the squirrel’s decline. Other rare amphibians found here include ree phone: 1-877-620-8DNR C Prior to John Smith’s voyage in 1707, this ico 347 www.dnr.state.md.us/boating the carpenter frog and the eastern tiger salamander. Resident and transient fish species support both recreational and st shoreline was first inhabited by Native Fishing Bay wa www.dnr.Maryland.gov commercial fisheries. The principal recreational species include: Fishing Bay Wildlife Management Area Re Americans. Land Use WMA Dorchester County Tourism white and yellow perch, pickerel, catfish, and largemouth bass in NANTICOKE WILDLIFE Nanticoke River MANAGEMENT AREA MARDELLA SPRINGS, MD 5 2 Rose Hill Place, Cambridge, MD 21613 A majority of the Nanticoke watershed consists of forests, wetlands Wetlands and Marshes the upper reaches of the watershed and bluefish, sea trout, and Wildlife Management Area 50 phone: (410) 228-1000 Originally called Barren Creek Springs, and agricultural fields. The landscape still retains abundant The Nanticoke River Wildlife Management www.tourdorchester.org Wetlands are highly valuable striped bass (rockfish) in the lower reaches. Extensive research is Mardella Springs has many historic ek Area is nestled between Rewatico and freshwater and saltwater marshes and unspoiled areas that provide a resources which provide being conducted on the Nanticoke due to the serious decline of e Wicomico County Recreation, Parks & Tourism r Qu reek buildings including: Barren Creek Heritage

C antico C Quantico Creeks, and offers great sightseeing

500 Glen Avenue, Salisbury, MD 21804 glimpse into how things may have looked when Captain John Smith water quality enhancement, striped bass spawning. The Nanticoke has long been a spawning Center and Museum, Barren Creek

s

’ opportunities for bird and nature lovers. phone: (410) 548-4900 k

explored the area 400 years ago. flood protection, wildlife ground for Striped Bass, White Perch, and American Shad - along c Presbyterian Church built 1842 (location

www.wicomicorecandparks.org/marina.htm a Anglers and hunters will also find the area J of the original Mason-Dixon Marker), the habitat and other functions. with other anadramous fish species (species that live in saltwater but generous with fish and wildlife. 349 Barren Creek Spring House which was the Delaware Dept. of Natural Resources and When English settlement began in the 1660’s, activity was generally Non-tidal wetlands consist spawn in freshwater). Typically these spawns or ‘runs’ occur during Environmental Control focus of the town’s attraction as a mineral focused on areas of high, dry, ground suitable for farming and Division of Parks & Recreation - 302-739-9235 principally of floodplain the warmer spring and summer months. water spa in the 1800s through the early Division of Fish & Wildlife - 302-739-9912 accessible to navigable waterways. Further development took place swamps and seasonally Fishing 1900s, and the Adkins Historical Complex www.dnrec.delaware.gov “A chicken in every pot.” Fishing Bay with the arrival and expansion of the railroads in the late 1800’s flooded forests above the & Museum. Other sites of interest include: - President Herbert Hoover Bay Wildlife Management Area Legend Southern Delaware Tourism which helped to create and support small rural communities. Today, r 2 Weti Creek the Tobacco Warehouse which was an tidal limits. Expansive Poultry Industry e 1 pquin ELLIS BAY WILDLIFE phone: 800-357-1818 Tyaskin Park official exporting center for locally grown traditional activities such as farming and fishing are still regionally tidal marshes are found v and Pier Wetipquin MANAGEMENT352 AREA www.visitsoutherndelaware.com/welcome.htm The United States has come a long way toward achieving President i Park State land tobacco through much of the 1700s, ship important, however new residential development is occurring, at below Vienna and along Hoover’s vision, due in part to the inspiration of local farmers in Ellis Bay features over 3,000 acres of yards which once stood on the Barren The Nanticoke Watershed Alliance a rapid pace, due to the desire for waterfront property and greater R Local or County land is a bi-state consortium of diverse groups organized the mouth of the river Sussex County, Delaware. Agriculture has played an important role 3 marsh/wetland at the mouth of the Creek, and the Barren Creek Hotel site Cedar Hill to preserve the natural, cultural, and recreational economic opportunities. at Fishing Bay Wildlife Marina & Park Private land Lisa Gutierrez e Nanticoke and is best enjoyed by boat. which dates from the latter 1700s. resources of the Nanticoke River watershed for the benefit of in the economy and lifestyle in Delmarva, with innovation taking 4 Bivalve Warf As part of the Atlantic flyway this present and future generations. Management Area. Marsh and wetlands place throughout history to capitalize on market changes. From k Municipality Development and deforestation threaten significant natural areas o WMA boasts many wading birds and phone: (410) 873-3045 ext. 503 shortly after John Smith’s voyage to the Revolutionary War, corn www.nanticokeriver.org c waterfowl along with bald eagles, barn Water and archaeological sites, stream channelization and dredging disrupt The Nanticoke River Watershed harbors more rare plants than any i and tobacco filled the fields. Tobacco was slowly replaced by wheat, owls and many small mammals. The information on this publication was compiled and edited by staff of aquatic habitats and destroy wetlands, and nutrient and sediment- other landscape on the Delmarva Peninsula. Pitcher plants, box t Major Highway Additional although there was little export of products outside the region until 5 Cove Road 352 DNR’s Boating Services Unit and Facilities and Access Planning Division laden runoff from a variety of sources affects water quality and huckleberry, spreading pogonia orchid, wild lupine, reindeer moss, n Recreation Area Road in partnership with the Dorchester County Office of Tourism, Dorchester railroads became part of Delmarva’s infrastructure. In the 1850’s, Wicomico County Parks a County Dept. of Parks and Recreation, Maryland Historical Trust, Parker’s pipewort, seaside alder and reversed bladderwort can all be with efficient rail transport, agriculture- mostly fruits and vegetables, Canoe/Kayak Access (with water access) Wicomico County Dept. of Recreation, Parks and Tourism, Nanticoke found in the area. White cedar swamps were once quite common in boomed. Through the early twentieth century chicken as a meat Fishing Bay Ellis Bay N Motor Boat Access Watershed Alliance, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, the towns WMA 6 the Nanticoke watershed but today only remnants of them persist. product was just a small by-product of egg production. In 1923 Cecile Wildlife Management Area Tyaskin Park and Pier of Vienna and Sharptown, Delaware Dept. of Natural Resources and Nanticoke Harbor Restrooms 1 Environmental Control, and The Friends of the John Smith Water Trail. These unique and declining wetland ecosystems are named for the Steele was delivered too many chickens for her egg business. She sold tree that dominates them and are noted by their high acidity and Picnic Area 2 Wetipquin Park Additional historical and cultural information was provided by, or the excess birds at sixty two cents a pound. Delmarva agriculture referenced from the following: Virginia Busby, Wayne E. Clark, Sewell unusual plants. never looked back. By the 1950’s crops of corn and soybeans er Food/Concessions 3 Cedar Hill Park Fitzhugh, Michael DiLullo, Andrew Lazur, Kent Mountford, Kate 349 iv to feed the chickens R N Bivalve Warf Wildlife Viewing 4 Naughten, Helen C. Rountree, Ellen Uzelac, Christopher Weeks, John Giant Reed, or Phragmites, is an invasive species that invades tidal o Page Williams, Chesapeake Bay Program, Drew McMullen, Sultana began to dominate the c T i Fishing Cove Road Recreation Area Project Inc., Nanticoke Indian Association, Inc., and the National Park and nontidal wetlands areas and low areas that have been damaged rural landscape. Today, Ellis Bay m 5 a WMA co Service. or disturbed. Once established, it grows to exclude the native marsh Sussex County remains n i Museum/Historic Site g W 6 Nanticoke Harbor Cartography, layout and project coordination by Lisa A. Gutierrez species that provide wildlife and aquatic species with diverse and the largest producer of i er Monie Camping For more information contact the Wicomico with editing assistance from Ursula Lemanski. productive marsh habitats. Unfortunately, thousands of acres of broiler chickens in the Lisa Gutierrez S Bay Cover photo courtesy of Sultana Project Inc. ou County Department of Recreation, Parks Nanticoke River marshes have been degraded by the invasive plant United States. nd

Stephen Ausmus Stephen and Tourism at (410) 548-4900. 1st printing June 2008 Forests and farmland in the Nanticoke River Watershed which is a common sight along its shoreline. Another species, the arrowroot and some cultivation crops like the sunflower and squash. Reservation was established along the Nanticoke River. Land Use and Landscape or “duck potato,” was also used By 1000 years ago maize crops – introduced by tribes to the This reservation, along with the Broad Creek Nanticoke Museums and Archeological sites along the Nanticoke River’s winding as a major food source. You can south – were much more extensively grown, contributing to Reservation established in 1711, provided some protection shores contain evidence of the farming, fishing and hunting still find these freshwater plants a more sedentary lifestyle. By 1608 A.D., the Algonquians to traditional Native American culture. The reservations Historical Resources pursuits in reaches of the Nanticoke and of the Chesapeake lived in summer-fall farming villages and existed with a self-sustaining population over the next 50 of Native Marshyhope. These natural root lived in spring fishing quarters and winter hunting quarters. years. However, after a planned uprising was pre-empted SEAFORD MUSEUM, SEAFORD, DE The Seaford Museum is located at 203 High crops and excellent agricultural by the Maryland English in 1742, most Native Americans American an Street in the former post office building. It At the time of Smith’s voyage up the Nanticoke River, he soils helped the Nanticoke decide decided to leave the Eastern Shore and Maryland. The t serves as a repository for historical artifacts that peoples, N N ic their village locations. reported 200 warriors, which is much less than the re- Nanticokes who remained, tried to preserve their way of life o highlight the area from early Native American dating k ported 2,000 to 3,000 men, women and children who he presence to present day, including the DuPont back to for another five decades in Maryland and Delaware. Most e The saltwater marshland of the Lisa. Gutierrez reported gathered to trade with him. They were organized ory nylon legacy, and shipbuilding, boating and decided to leave Maryland by the end of the 18th century, t 900 A.D., is , H R fishing. The original map of Seaford is on display. Nanticoke River was used by Arrow arum into a chiefdom which meant that a paramount leader had H more than joining their relatives who e i r Open Sundays 2-4, or by appointment. (302) (Peltandra virginica) r ve the Native Americans as a source a certain amount of control over several smaller chiefdoms 700 years had moved to the north and ita 628-9828. Free.

Illustration: Mike Castelli of medicinal plants as well as for more practical uses. The and villages under his dominion. The paramount leader g before west, away from encroaching e BETHEL HERITAGE MUSEUM, DE reed-like plants like the cattail were woven into mats which controlled trade. Smith reported the Nanticoke as the “best SCALE a Europe- First encounter on the Eastern Shore settlers. nd C e Broad Creek Located on North Main Street is the Bethel served as house siding, rugs and doors by the Nanticoke merchants of all others..” 0 1 2 3 M u r Heritage Museum, exhibiting Nanticoke and ans arrived. These sites speak to the life of a people intri- ltu Nanticoke Reservation Indians who also sold these mats to the English. The Eu- ar Chesapeake Bay shipbuilding history and cately connected to the water -- living along its shorelines, s 1711 - 1768 heritage. There are no regular hours. Call (302) ropean settlers used the marshland mainly as natural open The Nanticoke River provided an abundant amount of European Influence miles CHICONE RESERVATION h and sustaining themselves through fishing and farming – a y B reek 875-5425 or (302) 875-5871. Free. pasture for livestock. A description of the area noted that natural resources and so enabled the Nanticoke people to h road C society not so different from the communities that exist of Agriculture The Chicone reservation of 1698 was located on o “ be less reliant on corn agriculture than many of their native p DAYS GONE BY MUSEUM AND along the River today. ...all the coast is low broken isls of moras grown a mile or two in and Tobacco the mainstem of the Nanticoke. This reservation, e counterparts in the Chesapeake region. The Nanticoke along with several others established on the SHAD BARGE, DE breadth and ten or twelve in length, good to cut for hay in summer Agricluture U.S. Department of Kuskarawaok Lower Eastern Shore, provided some protection This private museum run by Jack Knowles, ” made use of the marshlands, hunted, fished, and grew crops Tobacco was the primary Tobacco plants During the early 17th century when John Smith visited and to catch fish and fowl in winter. Map Legend to traditional Native American culture over 1608 BROAD CREEK NANTICOKE former shad fisherman, houses a collection of along the river in addition to using the river as a major source of agricultural income in RESERVATION artifacts and memorabilia from the heyday of the River, about 1000 acres of the watershed landscape was the next 50 years. By the end of the 18th Creek transportation corridor. Unlike present-day Euro-American and around the Nanticoke during the 17th century, as it century, most Nanticokes, moved away from the shad fishing and from the Nanticoke River utilized for agriculture. Today, farming has evolved into a Fisheries Land Water As the number of English settlers along the Nanticoke culture, that view the river primarily as a boundary line and was throughout most of the southern colonies. Legislation reservation seeking land to the north and west, River grew in the century following John Smith’s voyage, and Woodland area. The museum is located in major industry that is important to the economy of the re- The Nanticoke was a thriving fishing ground and a major a political division, the Nanticoke viewed the river as a con- was passed during the later part of the century that encour- Indian Commoner village away from encroaching settlers. the Nanticoke people were pushed east and north into less Woodland, southwest of Seaford. Jack Knowles also owns the only shad barge still operating gion. The expanses of freshwater and saltwater marshes that food source for the Native Americans, and continued to be nection and often villages spanned both shorelines. aged the establishment of towns and ports where tobacco accessible areas. While the Chicone reservation of 1698 was Indian Chief village located on the main stem of the river, the 1711 Broad Creek between Seaford and Tangier Sound. No regular can still be seen today retain many qualities that provide a an important industry for people living along the River for could be shipped easily, like the town of Vienna on the hours; call (302) 629-9889. Free. glimpse into how the area may have looked at the time of reservation was located on a tributary near present-day Laurel, hundreds of years. Anecdotal tales passed on from Native TRADE Nanticoke’s western shore. This changed somewhat during Indian Trade location Chicone Reservation Delaware. When the Nanticoke reservations were terminated WOODLAND FERRY, DE Captain John Smith’s explorations in 1608. However, upon Americans up through modern day waterman of the 20th the 18th century, when farmers began to switch to other 1698 - 1768 by the Maryland provincial government in 1768, some of the The Nanticokes By the 1740s a ferry service was operated at further analysis, numerous alterations century talk about the abundance of crops like corn and grains, that were less costly to maintain remaining Nanticoke families joined with other Indian peoples were known as Capt. John Smith’s Route along the Indian River in Delaware, where they remain today. Woodland by the Cannon family and was the to the landscape are apparent, includ- fish life in the river. Evidence of the only location for many miles where the Nanticoke (needed no slaves) and easier on the soils. Although these er ing impacts from sea level rise and excellent traders Day 1 v could be safely crossed. Listed on the National existence and abundance of oysters in crops were seen as supplements to tobacco crops for many i and their most Register of Historic Places and operated by the changing land use. 1608 is demonstrated by the oyster R smaller farmers, tobacco still managed to maintain quite a Day 2 State of Delaware at no charge from sunup to prized com- PUCKAMEE INDIAN RESERVATION, MD

middens - collections of shell and presence. During the 18th century Vienna became a central g sundown, seven days a week.

modity were the n End of exploration i

other refuse - found along the river point on the Eastern Shore for unloading and loading of The area along the east side of the Nanticoke from the mouth Wildlife and Habitat k

that are the remains of Nanticoke In- “wampumpeak,” a of Barren Creek up to Riverton once marked the part of

At the time of Smith’s explorations, tobacco. u Wicomico County that was set aside by the Colonial Maryland later just peak, or q dian fishing camps. One such oyster s Assembly as the Reservation for the Puckamee Indians -- part of Native Americans used line and fish n Puckamee Reservation shell site may be the village of Nause highly polished Vienna was known as a hub for commerce and trade, and in ra 1678 - 1698 the Nanticoke Tribe. This ended in 1698 as more white settlers hook, fish “weirs” and large nets to T where Smith noted two or three small whelk and clam 1762 became an official customs collecting port. It became B moved into this upper part of the Nanticoke River watershed. catch the fish as they came to spawn. arr houses adjacent to the river’s edge. shell beads they a fort both during the Revolutionary War and the War of en They taught the English settlers C

Broderbund r produced. Also 1812. The British attacked the town time and time again eek how to build fish weirs. Modern day Hunting wild turkey Sturgeon fossil records date back used for barter- because it was used as a major port for the shipment of sup- fishermen still enjoy the abundance of more than 150 million years making them among the old- ing, but not as plies to troops. aquatic life that inhabits the river. est vertebrates. There are two species of native sturgeon to highly valued as American Indian Select List #16 - Archives Courtesy of National Nantaquack NANTICOKE INDIAN the Chesapeake Bay, the shortnose and Atlantic sturgeon. peak was “roano- String and belt made of wampum 1608 ASSOCIATION MUSEUM, DE During the Late Woodland period animals were an impor- Shipbuilding This museum is tribally-owned and housed in a Captain John Smith wrote that there were more sturgeon ake” – strings of circular clam shell beads. Traces of these Capt. John Smith’s Explorations tant resource for Native Americans. The three woodland one-room community school house that closed - now rarely seen in the Bay - “than could be devoured beads have been found as far as the Ohio River Valley and The tobacco indus- species found most frequently in archaeological sites are in 1964. The Museum provides a historical by dog or man”. In the 1800’s Atlantic sturgeon were of the Great Lakes and their “monetary” importance in the try spawned other of the glimpse of the Nanticoke people. Pottery, spears, deer, turkey and turtles. The wild turkey was once a major Nanticoke River significant commercial importance on the East Coast, har- Indian culture extends well into the 18th century. Trade industries along the arrow points and jewelry artifacts are on display. food source for the Nanticoke people but was almost ex- The museum is located on the corners of Route vested primarily for their highly prized roe or caviar. The records show the value of items in pounds of tobacco and river most notably punged from the area until a re-introduction of the species aptain John Smith conducted two major 24 (John J. Williams Hwy.) and Route 5 (Oak Atlantic Sturgeon fishery once thrived in the Chesapeake length of roanoake. boat building. The voyages around the Chesapeake Bay Orchard Rd.) in Millsboro, DE. Open 10-4, in the early 20th century. This re-introduction has been met k Bay peaking around the turn of the 19th century. Since Nanticoke River was ree during the summer of 1608, both Friday and Saturday in April and 10-4 Tuesday with some success. Wild turkeys can be seen once again C starting from Jamestown, Virginia. On his first through Saturday from May through October. that time a major decline in the fishery has come about due Of the items to be traded between the English and the part of a thriving ico C t voyage he traveled north along the eastern throughout the watershed. Beaver were prized not only for as For more information call (302) 945-7022. to over fishing, habitat destruction, river damming and Native Americans, the English most valued pelts – specifi- shipbuilding indus- ew shore, exploring the mouth of the Pocomoke their pelts but for food as well – some considered the tail a R other issues. Reintroduction of the fish has been tried with cally beaver – and sometimes corn. The Native Americans try during the 19th River and then traveling some distance up SHARPTOWN HERITAGE delicacy. Soon after the appearance of Europeans the quest the Nanticoke River. He continued as far MUSEUM AND some success in the Nanticoke River. valued metal tools, guns, and cloth – sometimes fashioned century. Sharptown, for the desirable pelts became intense. During the 1600’s it north as present-day Baltimore, before HISTORICAL SOCIETY, MD into matchcoats or simple cloaks. Trade between the two Vienna and Bethel heading south along the western shore. On is believed that the fur trade was responsible for over a mil- his second voyage, Smith went straight up This museum, located on 408 Main Street, helps Since colonial times American shad have been valued both groups flourished until the late 17th century when over- were known as boat k uantico C guide tourists through Sharptown’s history as a ree re the Bay to the mouth of the Susquehanna, lion beavers being removed from the tidewater area. This for their delicious meat and roe. During most of the 1800’s building centers and Q ek boat building powerhouse from the 18th and C

hunting and the conversion of hunting grounds to English and present-day Havre de Grace, exploring

Broderbund

action effectively exterminated the species by the 1700’s. s 19th century to today. The building is on the site

the American shad fishery was the largest fishery in the ferries frequently trav- ’ the Patuxent and Rappahannock Rivers on

tobacco farms greatly diminished the viable fur-bearing k

Beaver have since been reintroduced to the Eastern Shore c his return trip south. where a large shipyard operated from the mid- eled back and forth transporting tobacco and other goods. a Chesapeake Bay with documented shad landings close to animal populations. 1800s until World War I when the last ship was and are enjoying a comeback. J one million pounds in the Nanticoke River alone. The Sharptown once boasted the largest fleet of schooners on The map that Smith made of the Chesapeake launched. An extremely busy steamboat wharf fishery suffered a sharp decline in the beginning of the 20th the river and laid claim to building eighteen U.S. merchant in 1612, resulting from his explorations, was the business and several saw mills operated nearby. Seaside Alder is a rare tree that grows in only two places in ENGLISH SETTLEMENT r) first accurate depiction of the Chesapeake and served century due to over fishing, fish blockage and poor habitat. ships in the latter part of the 1800’s. This industry flour- ive The bridge connecting Sharptown to Dorchester the world: the lower Delmarva Peninsula and Oklahoma. Fishing as the definitive map of the region for nearly a century. County was preceded by a ferry from the late Measures to boost the American shad population include After John Smith’s voyage, the Nanticoke Indians had ished up until the early 19th century when most of the R The trail blazed by Smith and his men opened the Chesapeake to thousands of It has been theorized ke 1700s to early 1800s. releasing hatchery-reared fishes and fitting dams and block- limited relations with the English until settlements began area’s forests had been cleared. Bay co European settlers, altering forever the face of the Bay and profoundly changing the lives that the species was ti of those around it. ages on rivers with fish passages to allow American shad to in the later part of the 17th century. Relations between the Nause n Wetipquin Creek VIENNA HERITAGE MUSEUM, MD brought to the west by a The Vienna Heritage Museum, located on Race reach historical spawning areas. American shad is returning two groups were often hostile with most contact limited to Bethel was a prosperous port and shipbuilding community 1608 N John Smith wrote about five towns he encountered along the Kuskarwaok (Nanticoke) the displaced Nanticoke ( with approximately 850 inhabitants. This estimate is considered conservative and did not Street, holds many unique artifacts tracing the to the Nanticoke River and the town of Vienna celebrates fur and other forms of trading. in the 1800’s and many of the town’s homes were built Indians who used the Trade location include the Monie and Wicomico chiefdoms which may have been part of the paramount town’s rich history since colonial times. The this historical fishery annually with a “Shad Fest” on the by ship carpenters for sea captains of that era. With the 1608 Nanticoke chiefdom. museum features actual working machinery plant for medicinal Tobacco farming was the driving force for settlement in river in April. incorporation of the Lewisville Marine Railway Company k used in the last mother-of-pearl button factory purposes. White Cedar the area. By the mid-1660s the English began taking land in 1871, Bethel’s reputation as a center for ship repair and o Day One: in the United States. For more information call a (410) 228-1000. Swamps, are a unique patents along the Nanticoke. This caused discord between construction was firmly established. Approximately 40 • Landing somewhere between present day Bivalve and Tyaskin, Smith had a and declining wetland Native Americans the local tribes and the settlers over unfenced livestock, and w hostile interaction with the Native Americans. vessels were built here before the last ship was launched in a MASON-DIXON MARKERS forest type, named for unlawful clearing and settling of Indian land. During cer- r • Smith explored the environs of Fishing Bay and southern reaches around Just 2.5 miles east of Mardela Springs, on Route David Stephens Native American history of 1918. Many were “sailing rams,” one of the largest types of a Elliott’s Island but did not come ashore. 54, is the original Mason-Dixon Cornerstone Atlantic White Cedar the tree that dominates the area can be traced back tain seasons of the year, the local Native Americans would sailing vessels constructed in the Chesapeake Bay region, k which marks the corner of the Delaware and (Chamaecyparis thyoides) them. Typified by leave their fields and travel to hunting or fishing quarters, • He encountered the village of Nause on the lower western shore of the through the archaeologi- and uniquely designed to sail in shallow coastal waters. s Maryland state boundary. Surveyed in 1756 by their high acidity and unusual plants, the pockets of this Nanticoke. This area was used as a summer fishing village for the Native cal record to at least 12,000 only to find their land had been claimed by the English u Americans. Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon of the British rare ecosystem that persist in the Nanticoke are probably years ago. upon their return. The English claimed they had found the Shad barges, long, flat-bottomed workboats, are exclusively Royal Observatory, this marker is one of many remnants of a past age in which they were common. fields ‘vacant’ and settled them as their own. a product of the Nanticoke River craftsmen. Boat builders Day Two: stones which eventually marked the famous K Mason-Dixon Line. The line came to symbolize ORIGINS in every town along the river produced these skiffs. The • After establishing peaceful trade, Smith er explored the village of Nantaquack which the border between Marshes and Waterways RESERVATIONS AND MIGRATION historic shad barge was rowed, but could carry a sail, and iv was located just south of the modern town of slave and free states The Nanticoke were was used to haul goods to market. Today the only shad o R Vienna in Dorchester County. This was during the Civil The Nanticoke enjoys a rich diverseness of marshland By the end of the 17th century the Maryland Assembly ic War. For details of ancestors of the great barge between Seaford and the Tangier Sound belongs to m a commoner’s village, no chiefs lived and marsh plants. The freshwater “breadbasket” began to establish reservations for the Nanticokes to protect o there until much later. how to get to the Algonquin tribes that Jack Knowles of Woodland, Delaware. ic marshes described by John Smith were plentiful along a core of their dwindling land base. The Proclamation of marker, contact the originated in the Great Lakes W • Smith explored Kuskarawaok Maryland Tourism the Nanticoke. Today these marshes reflect the changing region and then migrated 1678, which established the Puckamee Reservation, was While shipbuilding is no longer a way of life on the Nan- T which was located north of the Information landscape and salinity of the water but are still present to the eastern seaboard and then South to the Delmarva the first such attempt to save land and create Indian towns. ticoke, barges still actively transport goods up and down a Monie village of Nantaquack. This was Center at (410) n Bay the chief’s town in 1608 and the river 548-4914 or the and contain many rare plant species. The plant species area between 1000 to 2000 years ago. Like most Native This was not terribly successful since the proclamation was the river like they did during colonial times. In addition, gi name is derived from here. “arrow arum” (Peltandra virginica) or “tuckahoe” was used rarely enforced and the towns were never officially surveyed. er Delaware Heritage American populations of the time, their primary food source pleasure boating has become a dominant part of today’s S Commission at extensively by the Nanticoke Indians as a food source. was wild game and fish along with nuts, seeds, root crops English encroachment continued. In 1698, the Chicone river landscape. ou (302) 744-5077. nd Delaware Heritage Commission