Ida May, Historic skipjack in Somerset County, United States.
Ida May is a historic wooden skipjack in Somerset County with a flat-bottom hull and specialized sail configuration designed for oyster dredging in Chesapeake Bay waters. The vessel shows the characteristic construction methods that developed over centuries in this region.
The vessel was included in the National Register of Historic Places in recognition of its role in Maryland's fishing industry development. This designation honors its example of an economic activity that shaped regional history.
The boat represents traditional fishing methods and maritime skills that were passed through generations of Chesapeake Bay watermen since early settlement times. These practices still shape how local people understand their connection to the water.
Visitors can examine the vessel's construction details and learn about oyster harvesting techniques that shaped the economic growth of Somerset County. The best time to visit is during warmer months when the boat is easier to access.
The boat preserves its original structural elements and demonstrates the engineering principles of 19th-century Chesapeake Bay boat building methods. This kind of craftsmanship has become rare today, making it a valuable example of past maritime techniques.
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