In a poignant homage to the watermen and women of Middlesex County, this final pair of boots stands untouched in its original white—the traditional color of the boots worn daily by those who work the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Stripped of embellishment, these boots serve as a powerful symbol of the hard work, dedication, and resilience inherent to the watermen’s lifestyle. This unadorned pair reflects the purity of their commitment and the pride of their community, offering a silent yet profound tribute to the men and women who are the backbone of the local seafood industry. It’s a reminder that sometimes simplicity speaks loudest, honoring every oyster, crab, and fish brought to shore through their labor.

About Watermen’s Way

Watermen’s Way is a public art project honoring the Watermen and Waterwomen of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Sponsored by Virginia’s River Realm in conjunction with Lancaster by the Bay Chamber of Commerce, this project benefits the Virginia Watermen’s Association, Steamboat Era Museum, and the RAL Art Center.

These oversized, fiberglass boots are iconic items for the men and women who make their living on the water. Used by the seafood industry across the world, here in the Chesapeake Bay, they have nicknames like “Guinea Slippers,” “Tangier Tennis Shoes,” “Red Balls,” or “Bubba Boots.” Each sculpture is personalized by a local artist, drawing from themes that reflect the lives of the people who work the water, harvesting crabs, oysters, and fish from the Bay, rivers, and creeks.