Smith History and Geography Seasonal Information |
On July 17, 1608, Captain John Smith and his group of explorers ran aground at the mouth of the Rappahannock River. While they waited for the tide to come up, Smith speared a ray while fishing. The ray stung Smith in the wrist, and Smith's arm, shoulder, and chest swelled from the ray's toxin. Fearing death, Smith discussed funeral plans with his group. A doctor with the group assisted, and by evening, Smith was well enough to eat the ray for dinner. The location has been called Stingray Point ever since.
Today, Deltaville, a small community whose population swells each year during the summer vacation season, is located near Stingray Point. Many residents and visitors enjoy boating on the Rappahannock River and Bay. NOAA has worked with partners in Virginia to restore native oysters in the Rappanannock River. Visit the buoy from any of Deltaville's marinas; the Stingray Point CBIBS buoy is roughly a mile off shore. Be sure to check the weather forecast before you head out. For more information on the history of Stingray Point and areas surrounding the buoy, please visit: For more in depth analysis please visit data tools |
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