Williams Wharf Landing on the East River in Mathews has been designated as a Chesapeake Gateways site by the National Park Service. The designation recognizes the wharf’s 400-year history and its role in Virginia’s Middle Peninsula as a commercial and cultural hub. Mathews Land Conservancy, which acquired and protects the site, says the designation will help preserve public access, promote education, and support environmental stewardship. The Chesapeake Gateways Network includes nearly 200 sites across six states and the District of Columbia that highlight the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Plans for the Maritime Center at Williams Wharf Landing include rowing clubs and community programs focused on conservation.
