WASHINGTON, D.C. — The extension of the Chesapeake Country All-American Road from Chesapeake City to Crisfield is now part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s “America’s Byways” collection.

This 419 mile route along the Chesapeake Bay side of Maryland’s Eastern Shore takes in the Blue Crab Scenic Byway and provides special recognition to places of national and even international acclaim for history, culture, scenery and outdoor recreation.

“The Chesapeake Country All-American Road weaves together some of the very best historic and natural landscapes that Maryland has to offer, and its recognition by the National Scenic Byways program helps secure its status as a treasured resource that will to flourish into the future,” said U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin, chair of the Environment and Public Works Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee.

“The inclusion of the Chesapeake Country All-American Road in the National Scenic Byways network will open new doors for federal funding that can help Maryland communities preserve, showcase and monetize their historic, cultural, natural, recreational and tourism resources.”

Before the All-American Road designation, only part of the Chesapeake Country route, from Kent County to Queen Anne’s County, was a national scenic byway.

The southward extension was supported by the Somerset County Commissioners, with President Craig Mathies Sr. writing last summer that visitors “can experience world-class water and nature trails, fascinating historic districts, memorable events, working waterfronts, pristine nature preserves, and unforgettable foods of the Chesapeake Bay.”

Some of the venues on the route include Teackle Mansion in Princess Anne and Janes Island State Park in Crisfield.

Based on 2018 data, visitors to the Eastern Shore spent $18.1 billion which added $2.5 billion to state and local taxes.

“The National Scenic Byways Program brings new jobs, tourism, and other benefits to communities along these scenic roads,” said Scenic America President Mark Falzone. “We congratulate Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway on their designation as an All-American Road and are excited to partner with them as they tap into the program’s benefits.”