NOAA Logo NOAA Title Home Site Map Our Partners
FAQ FAQ Explore Buoy Data Explore Buoy Data Classroom Classroom Data Data Get Involved
horizontal spacer
horizontal spacer
Potomac River (PL)
Near Point Lookout
38.0330N, 76.3355W

Buoy Image


Smith History
Geography
Seasonal Information


"The 16. of June we fell with the river Patowomek (Potomac): feare being gone, and our men recovered, we were all content to take some paines, to know the name of that seven mile broad river: for thirtie myles sayle, we could see no inhabitants"
                  - Captain John Smith, 1608

Travel this route today and you are sure to encounter many inhabitants. The Potomac River, which is adjacent to Washington, D.C., is one of the most heavily populated and altered watersheds in the Chesapeake Bay. Since 1999, NOAA has been working with local and state partners to assess contaminants, restore tidal wetlands and fish habitat, create new public access, and cleanup trash in the Anacostia River, which is a tributary of the Potomac River.

Visit the buoy from Point Lookout State Park.

Be sure to check the weather forecast before you head out.

For more information on the history of the Potomac and areas surrounding the buoy please visit:
    For more in depth analysis please visit data tools


Switch to
 James River Buoy   Patapsco River Buoy   Stingray Point Buoy 
 Susquehanna River Buoy   Elizabeth River Buoy   Annapolis Buoy   Upper Potomac River Buoy   Dominion Gooses Reef Buoy 

The Conservation Fund - Chesapeake Bay Foundation - National Park Service - Friends of the John Smith Trail
National Geographic - Sultana - Department of Commerce - About Us - Privacy Policy - Disclaimer
Email: cbibs@noaa.gov