Virginia Shipwrecks

Book excerpt: Virginia has more shipwrecks than any other state in the continental United States. With 112 miles of Atlantic coast, Virginia includes almost half of the Chesapeake Bay and many major tributaries: the Lynnhaven River, the Elizabeth River, the James River, the York River, and the Rappahannock River. Since the Jamestown settlement in 1607, hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of military and merchant vessels have sailed through "the Capes," an important economic lifeline linking the United States to the rest of the world. With 3,315 miles of tidal coastline and natural enemies such as water, fire, wind, age, and human fallibility, countless ships and lives have been lost. Virginia Shipwrecks vividly illustrates their story. Alpheus J. Chewning was born and raised in Virginia and has spent many years fishing and sailing on the Chesapeake Bay. In his 27-year career with the Virginia Beach Fire Department, he served several years assigned to the city's first fireboat. He was on the board of advisors of the Virginia Beach Maritime Historical Museum and now serves on the Princess Anne County/Virginia Beach Historical Society Board of Governors.