Queenstown in Queen Anne's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Colonial Courthouse

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 24, 2025

1. Colonial Courthouse Marker

Inscription. The frame section of the structure dates to circa 1708 and is consistent with other Maryland courthouses in size, form, character and materials. The brick section was added circa 1820–40. Laws in the 18th century mostly were enforced by fines, but records show that more serious punishments were given. In 1718, a whipping post was erected at Queenstown. Records reveal that some offenders were subjected to lashing, time in the stocks, branding, or execution by hanging in gallows Field, south of the courthouse. In 1782, when the county seat was moved to Centreville, the building was adapted to various uses. In 1977, the Town purchased the building and a citizen-government coalition restored the frame section to its original appearance. The brick addition was renovated to accommodate offices for the Board of Town Commissioners.

Erected by Historic Sites Consortium of Queen Anne's County, MD.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Notable Buildings • Political Subdivisions. A significant historical year for this entry is 1708.

Location. 38° 59.428′ N, 76° 9.465′ W. Marker is in Queenstown, Maryland, in Queen Anne's County. It is at the intersection of Maryland Route 18 and Del Rhodes Avenue, on the left when

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traveling south on Maryland Route 18. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Queenstown MD 21658, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Queenstown (here, next to this marker); Surprise at Queenstown (a few steps from this marker); War in the Chesapeake (a few steps from this marker); "O! say can you see…" (within shouting distance of this marker); Bowlingly (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Bowlingly (about 600 feet away); “Lord’s Gift” (approx. 0.4 miles away); St. Peter’s Church (approx. 1.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Queenstown.

Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, October 19, 2007

2. Colonial Courthouse Marker

This is a photo of the marker from before its restoration.

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 18, 2023

3. Colonial Courthouse Marker

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 17, 2023

4. Colonial Courthouse Marker

Queenstown Courthouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, October 19, 2007

5. Queenstown Courthouse

Courthouse Sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, October 19, 2007

6. Courthouse Sign

Credits. This page was last revised on May 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 23, 2007, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 2,026 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 26, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on October 23, 2007, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 3, 4. submitted on April 26, 2023, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 5, 6. submitted on October 23, 2007, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.