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Local Partners:

NAUTICUS

 

Hampton Roads Naval Museum

Virtual Voyage

2007 Voyage Main Page

NAUTICUS
Norfolk, Virginia
March 30 - April 15, 2007
Hours: 10am - 5pm Tuesdays - Saturdays; 12pm - 5pm Sundays

The reproduction of the John Smith shallop will be officially launched into Virginia waters at NAUTICUS during ceremonies to be attended by national and state dignitaries on March 30th at 10:30am.  After the launch, the shallop and mini-exhibit will continue to be available for public viewing at NAUTICUS.

 

 

In August 1608 Smith explored and mapped the nearby Piankatank, Elizabeth, and Nansemond Rivers.  While scouting the Nansemond, the Englishmen were ambushed by warriors from the Nansemond and Chesapeake Indian tribes.  After narrowly escaping the onslaught, the men were able to capture several of the Natives' precious dugout canoes, which Smith ordered them to chop to pieces. Smith's tactic worked:  in exchange for the safe return of their highly-valued canoes, the Indians put down their arms and presented the settlers with a substantial amount of corn.
 View John Smith's original map