Galesville's Waterfront

Galesville's Waterfront. Sustaining Economic, Social and Community Life. Central to the village identity for centuries, this area is a hub for commercial activities, recreation and leisure activities. A popular destination in South County, it serves visitors and the local community today, whether arriving by land or water.

Steamboat Emma Giles

Launched in 1887, the Emma Giles was a fixture on Galesville's waterfront from 1891 until 1932. As the steamboat docked, people gathered at the pier to greet friends, family and new arrivals, and to watch as goods from Baltimore and beyond were unloaded. Local tobacco, tomatoes, peaches and livestock bound for market were loaded and the Emma Giles steamed on to its next port of call. Once steamboat service ceased, a local family converted the old Tolchester Steamship Company pier into a restaurant in the 1930s. A restaurant at this location continues to serve the community and visitors today.

[Captions]:
The arrival of the Emma Giles (top and left), oxen with cart at Galesville Landing (right).
Photo courtesy of Galesville Heritage Society

Galesville waterfront circa 1907.
Photo courtesy of Galesville Heritage Society

Chesapeake 20's under sail.
The Chesapeake 20 was designed by boat building legend Dick Hartge. One of the oldest one-design boats still being raced today, the Chesapeake 20 is celebrated for its ability to take advantage of the Chesapeake Bay's unique light air conditions.

Zang's Pier operated as a crab and oyster house in the early 20th century. In 1930, a group of local sailors from the shores of the West River formed the OODYC (Our Own Damn Yacht Club). This group became the West River Sailing Club in 1933, meeting at Zang's Pier, until building their own clubhouse nearby. Pirate's Cove Restaurant was established here in 1960.
Photo courtesy of Galesville Heritage Society

Each summer, the community of West River eagerly awaited the arrival of the James Adams Floating Theatre which docked at the County Pier. The showboat brought professional actors, plays and vaudeville acts to the rural community during the 1920s and 1930s.
Model of James Adams Floating Theatre by Norman Marshall, modeler.
Photo courtesy of Galesville Heritage Society