Captain John Smith and his crew explored the Elizabeth River over September 5-7, 1608. Captain Smith described the River as a "narrow river...that hath a good channel" and observed that the River's shores were "overgrown with the largest pine and fir trees we ever saw in this country."

Those natural features and resources were a magnet for settlers and spurred the growth of Hampton Roads as a commercial and military hub. Shipyards, coal and cargo ports, and the world's largest U.S. Navy base occupy much of the nearby shorelines; upstream, industries dot the Elizabeth River's banks. While heavily industrialized, the River is greatly enjoyed by recreational boaters who can find quiet creeks nearby in which to enjoy woodlands, wetlands, and wildlife. Mile Marker Zero of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway is located near this buoy.

You can see the buoy from Norfolk's Nauticus museum and the Portsmouth shoreline. Stop by the Nauticus museum and marina to see their interactive interpretive kiosk.

Be sure to check the weather forecast before you head out.

For more information on the history of the area surrounding the Elizabeth River Buoy, please visit:

• Elizabeth River Trail-Atlantic City Spur
• Elizabeth River Project
• Hoffler Creek Wildlife Refuge
• Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway

The Elizabeth River buoy will serve as the gateway to the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail for boaters traveling on the Intracoastal Waterway. Nauticus is located at mile marker zero of the Waterway. For more in depth analysis please visit data tools.