Captain John Smith explored the water of the peninsula in 1608.
“Finding this eastern shore shallow broken isles, and for the most
Part without fresh water, we passed by the Straits of Limbo for the
western shore. So broad is the bay here we could scarce perseive
the great high clifts on the other side. By them we anchored that
night and called them ‘Riccard’s Clifts.’”
“Captain John Smith”
Go here to read more about Captain John Smith's 1608 Voyage:
http://www.johnsmith400.org/journalfirstvoyage.htm
Virginia’s Eastern Shore is a peninsula extending 70 miles from
the Maryland state line south to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.
To the east are the “seaside” marshes, shallow bays and the Barrier Islands
bordering the Atlantic Ocean. To the west or “bayside” is a variety
of creeks, large and small flowing into the Chesapeake Bay. The terrain
is overall very flat, ranging from sea level to just 50 feet about sea level.
The peninsula is divided into two counties:
Accomack County to the North
Northampton County to the south
