Statement on Keeper of The National Register of Historic Places’ Designation

Annapolis, MD – Chesapeake Conservancy President and CEO Joel Dunn issued this statement following the Keeper of The National Register of Historic Places’ decision that a portion of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail along the James River is eligible for designation of important significance.

“As advocates for the Captain John Smith Trail, we are thrilled with the Keeper’s determination. Designation of important significance along this portion of the Trail will go a long way toward helping us preserve the historic view for future generations and today’s travelers along the Trail. We must protect and conserve what areas remain that ignite our imaginations of what Captain John Smith and the American Indians saw 400 years ago. This area is of critical importance to our nation’s history and is culturally important for American Indians.

“We applaud the National Trust for Historic Preservation for the successful application and theNational Park Service’s finding, and look forward to working with our partners along the James River to protect this area of important significance.”