1964 Event 1st nuclear-powered lighthouse begins operations (Chesapeake Bay) 1964 Event Chesapeake Bay Bridge opens (world's longest) 1829 Event Delaware River and Chesapeake Bay Canal formally opens 1807 Event British board USS Chesapeake, a provocation leading to War of 1812 1781 Event French fleet of 24 ships under Comte de Grasse defeat British under Admiral Graves at battle of Chesapeake Capes in Revolutionary War 1632 Event Britain grants 2nd Lord Baltimore rights to Chesapeake Bay area
