1608 - CAPT. JOHN SMITH CHEATS DEATH ON THE POCOMOKE & TANGIER SOUNDS:
Possibly the most famous explorer behind Columbus is Capt. John Smith. The reason for this is his mapping expedition of the Bay, and his writings that were published a few years later.
Upon leaving Jamestown in a small, open sail boat in June of 1608, Smith and his crew crossed the Bay to the southern tip of the Eastern Shore landing near the area of present day Cape Charles, VA. Smith then sailed north and when reaching the Tangier Sound, he experienced what Locals call a ‘squall,’ which a strong thunderstorm.
He turned east sailing into the Pocomoke Sound for cover, and to also replenish his supply of drinking water. Smith wrote that they searched for two days for fresh water, but were unsuccessful. Now, anyone who is familiar with the weather conditions on the Bay in June, it’s often very hot and extremely humid, and water is essential for survival. Smith commented that they were so desperate for water that they wouldn’t have traded one puddle of water for two barrels of gold!
Jane's Island is #4 on the map. At this time it was connected to Crisfield, and the Crisfield peeps cut a canal thru to make a a short cut thru the Island so the waterman didn't have to go around the Island. The Crisfield side is the Park currently, the attached peninsula is now a Island with a canal thru it for it for workboats and the tourism of kayaks to visit the beaches of Jane's Island.
