The New International Encyclopædia/Chesapeake Bay

CHES′APEAKE BAY (N. Amer. Indian, great salt water). The largest inlet on the Atlantic coast of the United States (Map: United States, L 3; Maryland, M 5). It penetrates Virginia and Maryland, and is 200 miles long, with a maximum width of nearly 40 miles, but an average width of less than 20 miles. Its entrance, 12 miles wide, has on the north Cape Charles (q.v.), and on the south Cape Henry (q.v.). This bay has numerous arms, many of which are the estuaries of navigable rivers, such as the Susquehanna, Gunpowder, Patapsco, Patuxent, Potomac, Rappahannock, York, and James rivers on the western shore, and the Elk, Chester, Choptank, Nanticoke, and Pocomoke rivers on the eastern shore. Unlike the shallow sounds in North and South Carolina, this network of gulfs and estuaries, with an average depth of from 30 to 60 feet (usually the latter in the main channel), affords navigation for the largest vessels. In consequence, Baltimore and Norfolk are extensive shipping ports. Chesapeake Bay is noted for its extensive oyster-beds, and the vast numbers of waterfowl which frequent its waters. The shore lands of the bay produce a great amount of garden stuff, which is sent to Baltimore and the Northern markets. Chesapeake Bay is connected with Delaware Bay by canal.