Life throughout the Chesapeake Bay region has always been intertwined with its most essential surrounding resource—its water. Even predating American colonization, the Native Americans inhabiting the area frequently fished along the Eastern Shore. Later on, settlers to the New World, opting to make their homes along the East Coast, discovered the potential for sustaining their livelihood from these same surrounding waters. That’s how the Chesapeake Bay Waterman came about.
For more than four centuries Chesapeake Bay Watermen have been steadfastly working the offshore waters of the Atlantic Coast, eking out a living through hard work, stamina, and an enduring timeless spirit that continues to transcend countless generations even to this day. For them, working among the waves is far more than just a job—it’s a way of life. Therefore, the word “waterman” holds a status more iconic as a Chesapeake Bay symbol than that of a professional working title.
There’s plenty to say about those who work along our vast regional waterways along the Eastern Shore, from their overall developmental history to their enduring legacy. That’s why in this Flashback Friday Feature, I’m offering this brief survey on the unique story behind the Chesapeake Bay Waterman.
What Is a Waterman Exactly?
The term “waterman” has taken on many different meanings throughout history. The simplest and most timeless term, “one who works or lives on the water,” is also the most universal.
Earlier usage of the term “waterman” can be traced back to 11th-century England. While in many cases a “waterman” was known to be someone vital to commuting, shipping, transportation, and communication along the Thames River in London, the definition didn’t always have a particularly positive connotation. In these alternate instances, “waterman” came to refer to crafty, albeit, skilled smugglers who operated via small boats throughout English waterways.
The more familiar meaning we folks throughout the Mid-Atlantic have come to associate with the Chesapeake Bay Waterman goes back to the 1600s. This newer redefining of the term emerged in tandem with the earliest settlers in Virginia and Maryland. Farming was the initial intent of many early inhabitants. But upon discovering the bounty of the surrounding seas, others quickly adapted to an altered aquatic-based livelihood. As it emerged, harvesting both the land and the sea became popular in this region. Just take a look at the Great Seal of Maryland, for example. You’ll notice that the escutcheon bearing the Calvert and Crossland Arms is supported by both a farmer on one side and a fisherman on the other.
Maryland has since become famously known for its Blue Crabs. Crisfield even holds the claim to fame as being “the Crab Capital of the World.” Virginia’s seafood scene is pretty abundant too with the state now ranking as the third-largest producer of seafood and marine products in the nation.
Diversity Among Watermen
The Chesapeake Bay Waterman has never been defined by one sole demographic. Those who were the first to adopt waterman practices were the early settlers of English descent who arrived here during the 1600s. Following the War of 1812, many other men of British descent eventually moved to the Chesapeake Bay area, adopting the trade of a waterman. They largely settled in the remote waterside communities of Smith Island, Tangier Island, Tilghman Island, and others that no longer exist.
The early 1600s was also around the time that the first African slaves were brought to the Chesapeake Bay region. They and their descendants eventually took to waterman practices as well. These included fishing, crabbing, oystering, sailing, and boat building. Coincidentally, many waterways throughout the Bay region helped in the transportation of slaves and also fed into various area plantations. These same waterways also played crucial roles as escape routes.
After the Civil War, many African Americans continued working as watermen. In some cases, it was to earn an income following emancipation. For others, it was a continuation of the livelihood so many had become such experts in leading. With the emergence of steamboats throughout the 19th century, it was largely the African American watermen who took on tasks often deemed treacherous and avoidable.
While waterman practices across race and ethnicity have traditionally been performed by males, history shows us that plenty of waterwomen have taken to this Chesapeake Bay-based profession more than a time or too as well. In fact, the numbers for this demographic have only grown larger within the last two decades alone.
The Work of a Waterman
Because the work involved as a waterman is so multifaceted, it’s nearly impossible to offer a general list of daily tasks and duties. Some, for instance, supplement work by leading navigational boat tours as well as other activities/educational pursuits for the public. Historically, though, the tricks of the trade have remained largely the same, passed down from generation to generation.
One traditional constant of the Chesapeake Bay Waterman’s line of work has always been making a living by harvesting throughout the surrounding local waters of the bay, ocean, and regional estuaries. Like their land-based farmer counterparts, watermen sometimes developed seasonal harvesting trends. During the warmer months, crabs and various kinds of finned fish have historically served as the primary catch. Wintertime is when oystering takes precedence. Depending on where a specific waterman is based and/or who their clientele may be though, seasonal harvesting trends may vary a bit. Some, for example, are tasked with supplying a specific catch to a local business daily.
Watermen work year-round, performing in all kinds of weather. They are largely undeterred by even the harshest, most extreme conditions. Furthermore, the vast majority start their day well before the crack of dawn. That speaks volumes to the fact that this is more than just a job—it’s a true labor of love that holds sentimental meaning for an entire way of life.
The Waterman of Today
The Chesapeake Bay Waterman still exists today, working hard and going strong with just as much courage and stamina as generations before them. Most are continuing a generational legacy passed down to them by grandparents and parents. But with changing times, land and erosion patterns, and other factors, there are always challenges to weather and hurdles to overcome in this line of work. Sadly, workforce numbers do seem to indicate there is a bit of a decline in the number of folks continuing to work as watermen each year.
Yet there are also a meager few who are taking to the trade as first-generation watermen as well. For them, we are most grateful for their perseverance and commitment to continuing such a unique way of life that defines the region with such originality.