Exploring
Maryland

Maryland's Watermen: End of an Era

Introduction

Chesapeake Bay waterman, working on his sailboat in the cold hours of the morning, has been a symbol of Maryland for many generations. In this Maryland Exploration, you will discover a lot about watermen and how the decline of crabs, oysters, and clams threatens their jobs and lifestyle. You will listen to watermen and hear how the health of Chesapeake Bay produces the "product" they sell. You will learn how Maryland's economy has been connected to the seafood industry, the canning industry, the wooden boat building industry, and the tourist industry. Finally, you will learn how some people use politics to help the watermen, the Bay, and the life that goes with it.

A monument to honor watermen, and their contribution to our state, is being planned. You can tell others about it to help make it happen. As a final project for this Maryland Exploration, you will design and make a flyer to share with people and businesses to inform them about the monument. You will ask for their support in building it. Let's get started!

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