Chestertown in Kent County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
We honor them here
Photographed by Karen Somerville, Local Historian, November 13, 2021
1. We honor them here Marker
From the year 1642 until the end of the Civil War in 1865, slavery prevailed in Maryland. During that period, this harbor is where human beings captured from Africa were enslaved and transported to be bought and sold for the profit of free labor.
Following the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation, African Americans continued to suffer gross injustices and subjugation. The Town of Chestertown recognizes this and hold in highest esteem the contributions attained under duress by the enslaved men, women, and children. In sorrow and regret for these past atrocities, we recognize that upon the backs of many of Chestertowns African American ancestors, this Town and County were built and flourished.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Industry & Commerce • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1642.
Location. 39° 12.37′ N, 76° 3.845′ W. Marker is in Chestertown, Maryland, in Kent County. It is at the intersection of Cannon Street and High Street, on the right when traveling west on Cannon Street. Can be accessed from the foot of High Street Waterfront by walking the harbor trail west to Cannon Street near the resturant
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on the Eastern Shore. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic, on the Delmarva Peninsula, in the Tidewater, and in the Chesapeake Bay Region. 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: Revolution on the River (within shouting distance of this marker); About Us (within shouting distance of this marker); Bateau Ric (within shouting distance of this marker); Stanley Vansant (within shouting distance of this marker); U.S. Marines Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Annie D (within shouting distance of this marker); Steamboats on the Chester River (within shouting distance of this marker); Tomorrow's Chesapeake Bay (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chestertown.
More about this marker. Can be accessed from Cannon Street by following the street to the end as going to the marina or the access the restaurant 98 Cannon
Regarding We honor them here. A marker was placed at the African American Schoolhouse Museum at Worton Point by Ms. Somerville in 2010.
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 24, 2025
2. Nearby signage for the Chester River Water Trail stop at the Cannon Street Pier in Chestertown
Photographed by Blaise Dickinson, February 24, 2026
3. We honor them here Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 1, 2022, by Karen Somerville, Local Historian of Chestertown, MD, Kent County. This page has been viewed 271 times since then and 22 times this year. Last updated on October 21, 2022, by Karen Somerville, Local Historian of Chestertown, MD, Kent County. Photos: 1. submitted on July 1, 2022, by Karen Somerville, Local Historian of Chestertown, MD, Kent County. 2. submitted on May 26, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on May 27, 2026, by Blaise Dickinson of Chestertown, Maryland. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide shot of the marker in context. • Can you help?
