Maryland, Kent County, Betterton
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The Sassafras River Water Trail
From the headwaters near the Route 301 Bridge to the river's mouth between Grove Point and Howell Point, the Sassafras River Water Trail winds past forested shorelines, bucolic farms, and high sandy cliffs for 18 miles before reaching its confluence with the Chesapeake Bay. The Sassafras River Water Trail follows parts of the routes of both the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail and the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail, managed by the National Park Service. It is also part of a system of water trails in the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network.
Betterton Landing
Betterton Landing provides access to the open waters at the mouth of the Sassafras River. Betterton historically was a major tourist destination featuring a boardwalk, bandstand, and numerous hotels before the construction of the Bay Bridge in the 1950s encouraged tourists to bypass the Eastern Shore enroute to Ocean City.
Suggested Routes For Paddlers
Lloyd Creek: Before setting out from this location, paddlers should be aware that these large open waters can get rough on windy days. Use caution and make sure to check the weather forecast before embarking on your journey! If the forecast is cooperative, try heading upriver while hugging this shoreline. Scenery here is characterized by high forested cliffs that contain numerous bald eagles, ospreys, and blue heron. In just over two miles, the mouth of Lloyd Creek is an excellent location to rest, swim, and fish. At this point, paddlers can return to the landing for a 5-mile round trip,explore the unspoiled wilderness of Lloyd Creek, or continue for another 3 miles upriver to Turner Creek Landing.
Paddling & Boating Safety
Safety should be your primary concern on the water - always remember to:
- Wear a USCG approved life jacket and follow all regulations.
- Leave your travel plans with a friend/loved one.
- Check the weather and tides before you leave.
Protecting the Sassafras River
When enjoying the Sassafras River please dispose of all trash in proper receptacles, respect private property and the privacy of others, and leave the natural environment as you found it. For more information about protecting the Sassafras River contact the Sassafras River Association or visit:
www.sassafrasriver.org.
(Environment • Waterways & Vessels) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.
The Sassafras River Water Trail
From the headwaters near the Route 301 Bridge to the river's mouth between Grove Point and Howell Point, the Sassafras River Water Trail winds past forested shorelines, bucolic farms, and high sandy cliffs for 18 miles before reaching its confluence with the Chesapeake Bay. The Sassafras River Water Trail follows parts of the routes of both the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail and the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail, managed by the National Park Service. It is also part of a system of water trails in the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network.
Betterton Landing
Betterton Landing provides access to the open waters at the mouth of the Sassafras River. Betterton historically was a major tourist destination featuring a boardwalk, bandstand, and numerous hotels before the construction of the Bay Bridge in the 1950s encouraged tourists to bypass the Eastern Shore enroute to Ocean City.
Suggested Routes For Paddlers
Lloyd Creek: Before setting out from this location, paddlers should be aware that these large open waters can get rough on windy days. Use caution and make sure to check the weather forecast before embarking on your journey! If the forecast is cooperative, try heading upriver while hugging this shoreline. Scenery here is characterized by high forested cliffs that contain numerous bald eagles, ospreys, and blue heron. In just over two miles, the mouth of Lloyd Creek is an excellent location to rest, swim, and fish. At this point, paddlers can return to the landing for a 5-mile round trip,explore the unspoiled wilderness of Lloyd Creek, or continue for another 3 miles upriver to Turner Creek Landing.
Paddling & Boating Safety
Safety should be your primary concern on the water - always remember to:
- Wear a USCG approved life jacket and follow all regulations.
- Leave your travel plans with a friend/loved one.
- Check the weather and tides before you leave.
Protecting the Sassafras River
When enjoying the Sassafras River please dispose of all trash in proper receptacles, respect private property and the privacy of others, and leave the natural environment as you found it. For more information about protecting the Sassafras River contact the Sassafras River Association or visit:
www.sassafrasriver.org.
(Environment • Waterways & Vessels) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.
In mid-August 1862, Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee concentrated the Army of Northern Virginia on the western bank of the Rappahannock River near Jeffersonton, about 10 miles east of here. Union Gen. John Pope’s Army of Virginia was located on the eastern side of the river.
The edifice consists of two main units: the Lower Palace comprising the private wing, and the Upper Palace, housing the public wing. The latter, built around a large peristyle courtyard, was associated with the ruler's judicial and administrative functions, as well as the reception and the entertainment of dignitaries. The Upper Palace was built shortly after the erection of the Lower Palace.
"(Po)ntius Pilatus, the prefect of Judaea, (erected) a (building dedicated) to (the emperor) Tiberius".
Some sixty lead scroll fragments dating to the 4th. c. A.D., probably execrations tablets and binding spells, were recovered from this well, where they had been intentionally thrown as a magical practice. In his address on the dedication of the Holy Sepulchre in 335 A.D., Eusebius, Bishop of Caesarea, firmly condemned these widespread practices and what he called "curse tablets of forbidden sorcery".
"For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die; but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar. Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? Unto Caesar shalt thou go". (Acts 25: 11-12)
This garden presents a collection of architectural artifacts discovered during the excavation of Caesarea, or found by chance.
Directing Pioneers coming from the east to Black Rock Ferry
Founded in 1857, it was established in 1861 as a State Normal School, second oldest in the Commonwealth and first west of the mountains. It became a Teachers College in 1926 and a State College in 1960.
Over 1000 geared steam locomotives were built at the Climax plant here from 1888 to 1928. These were widely used on logging railroads in the United States and other countries. By making new areas accessible to large-scale lumbering, geared locomotives were a key to the industry's growth.
Established in 1876 by the Pennsylvania Fish Commission as the ”Western Hatchery,” it is the longest continuously operated fish hatchery in the Commonwealth. Supplied by abundant springs of uniform flow and temperature, it is considered the state’s pioneer trout hatchery. Its success had a positive effect on the state economy, led to the creation of many jobs related to outdoor recreation, and helped stimulate Pennsylvania’s sport-fishing prominence.
Concerned about declining wildlife populations caused by logging, development, and excessive hunting and trapping, Corry businessman H.A. Penrose assembled several influential men in Corry on Aug. 22, 1890, to form the Pennsylvania State Sportsmen’s Association (PSSA). This organization promoted wildlife conservation and enforcement of game laws. Efforts of the PSSA led to the creation of the Board of Game Commissioners by Act 187 of 1895.
Lead chemist and manager of Downer Oil Works, built nearby in 1862 following discovery of oil near Titusville. Merrill’s refining breakthroughs included an illuminating oil safer than kerosene for use on railroads and steamships and in factories. He also developed deodorized lubricating oils for machinery, opening new world markets in the late 1860s. Merrill was an award recipient at the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia.
Open 1862, this railroad revolutionized the shipment of oil from the oil fields near Titusville to Corry, a hub for major rail lines. The 27-mile line rendered dangerous and wasteful waterway transport, as well as labor intensive horse-drawn wagons, obsolete. It also brought thousands of fortune seekers to the region. From its beginning it enjoyed an extraordinary volume of business and became one of the most profitable lines in the nation.
Judah Colt as Agent began the first Pennsylvania Population Co. development here in 1797, setting up the first organized settlement in Erie County, at head of flatboat navigation on French Creek.
Noted writer; biographer of Lincoln, historian of Standard Oil; born Nov. 5, 1857, in her grandfather's log home at Hatch Hollow, about two miles to east. She died Jan. 6, 1944, at Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Near Titusville. The Park and Museum are owned by the State. On the site Col. Edwin Drake struck oil Aug. 27, 1859, marking the birth of the petroleum industry. Historical and museum material center.
The northern boundary of Pennsylvania, before the purchase of the Erie Triangle in 1792, crossed the highway at this point. The state paid $151,640.25 for the Erie tract and its port on the Lakes.
The chariot races thrilled the crowds. The counterclockwise seven-lap race commenced at the starting gates (carceres) (1) and ended at a finishing line situated in front of the dignitaries' tribune (2). At each end of the axial rib (spina) were the two turning points (meta prima and meta secunda). Their sharp curves posed a major challenge to the skilled charioteers and the galloping horses.
"Herod built (...) on the south quarter, behind the port, an amphitheater also capable of holding a vast number of men and conveniently situated for a prospect to the sea" Josephus
