Located just outside of Annapolis on the Mayo Peninsula, Turkey Point Island is a beacon for everything the Chesapeake Bay has to offer: access to shorelines and beaches, abundant marine and wildlife, and a beautiful natural landscape. During the War of 1812, Turkey Point Island played a crucial role in the defense of the Chesapeake Bay region against British attacks. The island's lighthouse served as a navigational beacon for American ships and as a lookout point for spotting British vessels. The Turkey Point Lighthouse, now a historic landmark, stands as a reminder of the island's maritime heritage and its importance in safeguarding navigation in the Chesapeake Bay. It is open to visitors and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Today, Turkey Point Island and its lighthouse continue to attract visitors interested in maritime history and exploration. The island's rich heritage contributes to the broader tapestry of Maryland's colonial and maritime history.
THE GREAT SHELLFISH BAY HISTORY
Chesapeake Bay
Native American tribes, including the Powhatan Confederacy, lived along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay for thousands of years before European colonization. The Bay was first explored by Captain John Smith in 1608, who mapped its waters and encountered Native American tribes. The following year, English settlers founded Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in America, near the Bay's mouth. Throughout the 19th century, the Bay served as a vital transportation route for goods and people, facilitating trade between the growing cities of Baltimore and Norfolk and the interior regions. Today, the Chesapeake Bay remains a critical ecological and economic resource. It supports diverse wildlife, including fish, crabs, and migratory birds, and sustains commercial and recreational fisheries. The Bay also attracts millions of tourists each year for activities such as boating, fishing, and birdwatching.
