Chesapeake City was originally named by Bohemian colonist Augustine Herman the Village of Bohemia – or Bohemia Manor – but the name was changed in 1839 after the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal (C&D Canal) was build in 1829. Today, the town contains numerous old homes from that era that have been converted into bed and breakfasts, restaurants and the local historical museum.

The town was separated into north and south sections when the C&D Canal was built through the center of the town. The two were connected by a drawbridge until 1942 when that was destroyed by a freighter that struck it. The current bridge opened in 1949.

The new bridge had to be tall enough to allow supertankers to pass beneath it, resulting in a structure so high and long that cars no longer went into the city to cross the canal. Business declined for decades thereafter.

Our brother-in-law, Bill Raney (affectionally known as Uncle Bill) worked on this bridge when he was an electrical contractor. He installed conduit and cable the entire length of the bridge. He said it sure was scary being that high up! He worked on the bridge for nine months and so is very familiar with Chesapeake City.

In the late 20th century, Chesapeake City was the home of one of the world’s most important thoroughbred stud farms, Windfields Farm, which closed in 1988.

There is free 24-hour docking at the Chesapeake City Dock – with limited capacity. Our Looper friends Anne and Mitch were already at the dock. As no dock space was available, they let us raft up next to them for the night.

We also met Looper friend Tom and his dog Ripple, who live aboard the boat Dancing Bears. Anne and Mitch were travelling with Tom. What an amazing boat Tom has! You can’t miss it.

We were expecting Chesapeake to be a podunk little town. Were we surprised! It was bustling. The waterfront inn and tiki bar were packed, and lots of music playing. I loved walking around downtown and seeing the beautiful old homes, all decorated for July 4. Here are some photos from our visit to Chesapeake City.