In October 2006 the commissioners of Kent County, Maryland, enacted legislation establishing an Historic Preservation Commission. Earlier in 2006, Kent County prepared a comprehensive management plan that included a chapter addressing historic preservation issues. On December 19, 2006, the National Trails System Act was amended to designate the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail (CAJO), the first completely water-based trail in the national parks system. During 2008 and 2009, the National Park Service is creating its comprehensive plan for the management and use of the trail. The NPS depends on partnerships with public and private entities at the local and regional level to help create such a plan.

herefore, a primary research question is the extent to which Kent County can concentrate historic preservation efforts to complement CAJO planning. This study will examine opportunities available to the County in historic site preservation as they relate to the development of CAJO.