Reedville: Maritime History on Chesapeake Bay

Reedville was established after the Civil War, when Elijah Reed developed the Menhaden industry. The Reedville Fishermen’s Museum introduces visitors to the maritime past of the lower Chesapeake Bay. Historic homes, a variety of fishing vessels, and opportunities for sailing and cycling add to the range of experiences available during a stay.

Maritime History at the Museum

On the grounds of the Reedville Fishermen’s Museum, you can visit the William Walker House. Built in 1875, it is a Waterman’s home. In the Covington Building, the museum offers tours led by volunteer docents or self-guided tours. It also offers educational programs for groups of all ages.

To help orient your visit, note that the two buildings have different roles: the William Walker House is on the museum grounds and is open to visitors, while tours take place in the Covington Building. A specific historic home and different ways to tour the museum are therefore parts of distinct parts of the visit.

Fishing Through the Lens of Boat Types

The Claud W. Somers represents the type of sail-powered oyster dredger. Its design was intended to make it maneuverable in shallow areas of Chesapeake Bay. The Elva C, by contrast, is a deck boat, a type of boat built primarily for fishing with pound nets and haul seines. Comparing them reveals two different fishing purposes: oyster dredging with a sail-powered boat and fishing with pound nets and haul seines. In 2005, the Elva C was selected for inclusion in the Virginia Historic Landmark Register and the National Register of Historic Places.

Sailing and Cycling

Visitors can sail aboard the Claud W. Somers down Cockrell’s Creek to the Great Wicomico River and Chesapeake Bay. Along the way, you can observe wildlife and watermen. The museum offers scheduled and custom-arranged sailing trips; they operate seasonally. If a trip aboard the Claud W. Somers is important to you, check the schedule before traveling.

You can also explore Reedville by bike: the Reedville–Vir-Mar Beach–Smith Point Loop is 22 miles long. Alongside the museum and architecture, this gives you a cycling option with a specified distance.

Homes in Reedville Historic District

Reedville Historic District includes an exceptionally well-preserved collection of homes from the late Victorian era and early 20th century. They were built for local industrialists, sea captains, and merchants. The periods described and the original residents give the neighborhood’s architectural history its distinctive context.

Many buildings are visible from public paths, but many of the properties are private homes. When viewing the houses, please stay on public paths and respect the private nature of the properties.

Different practical considerations can help with your travel planning: in the Covington Building, you can choose between a guided and a self-guided tour; sailing trips are seasonal; and the cycling loop is 22 miles long. Check the schedule in advance if sailing is an important part of your trip.

Discover more destinations: Heathsville

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