Shady Side in Anne Arundel County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Changing Waterfront
Erosion has dramatically altered the waterfront you see washing away more than 200 feet of land in Captain Avery's "front yard." It is said that the Avery family had to move the house back three times in the years they owned it. The original location of the house is now beneath the West River; remains of the Avery's freshwater well have been found offshore. After severe storms caused great damage to the waterfront in 1927 and 1933, local residents brought in rocks to prevent further erosion of the shoreline.
The words of Captain Avery's grandson Erwood gave us a picture of how the waterfront has changed over the last century:
The West River used to be much more of a channel...Look across the point. Cheston Point and all were well out in the river. When it was opened up [by erosion], it made the river much more dangerous...
Erected by Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1927.
Location. 38° 51.004′ N, 76° 30.713′ W. Marker is in Shady Side,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Central Maryland. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic, in the Chesapeake Bay Region, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Cannon - From Shady Side's Rural Home Hotel (here, next to this marker); Imagine Yourself on the River (a few steps from this marker); At Work At Play on the Bay (a few steps from this marker); Vanity The boat that inspired the Chesapeake 20 (within shouting distance of this marker); Boatbuilding in Shady Side (within shouting distance of this marker);
Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 16, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 248 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 16, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
