As early as the 17th century, local settlers (including the famous Dutch surveyor and map maker Augustine Herrman) recognized the possibility of connecting the Chesapeake Bay with the Delaware River. In the mid-1760s, possible canal routes were surveyed along a conceptual route stretching across the Delmarva Peninsula from the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay to the Delaware River. Not until 1824, after an unsuccessful first start further to the north, did construction begin at the Chesapeake City location.

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At its completion in October of 1829, two structures were reported to have been standing in the town (then known as Bohemia Village): a pre-revolutionary building known as Chick’s Tavern House and a lock house for collecting tolls. The town subsequently grew in response to the needs of the canal operations and commerce. In 1839, the town changed its name to Chesapeake City in anticipation of big things to come and incorporated in 1849 when the population reached 400.

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In 1927 the canal was made sea level, and a new, vertical lift bridge was constructed to span the waterway linking the end of George Street to the North side of Chesapeake City. The bridge was used until 28 July 1942 when it was struck by the tanker Franz Klasen and completely destroyed.

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The current suspension arch bridge was completed in 1949.

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Excerpt from ChesapeakeCity.com. Click to read more about Chesapeake City

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