Centreville in Queen Anne's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Centrally Located
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, December 28, 2012
1. Centrally Located Marker
Although Centreville wasn't incorporated until 1794, colonial settlement of the county dates back to the 1630s.
When officials decided to move the county seat and its supporting government functions, they chose a name that reflected its location and a spelling that signaled American's post Revolutionary War admiration of France. Street names such as Liberty and Commerce reflected the hopes of a newborn nation built on trade.
If You Build It, They Will Come
In 1796, the new Queen Anne's County courthouse opened for business. Close proximity of the Corsica River -- with easy access to shipping, trading and naval waters -- boded well for a settlement looking to grow. Today, Centreville's economy retains the core functions of supporting regional farms and county government.
Famous Courthouse
Centreville, the seat of Queen Anne's County, is home to the oldest courthouse in continuous use in the state. Built of Flemish-bond brickwork, the building was constructed between 1792 and 1796, and enlarged and renovated in 1876. The carved and gilded eagle on the pediment is a replica of the one installed in the 1790s.
Erected by Maryland Heritage Areas Authority.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era
this page online
Location. 39° 2.62′ N, 76° 3.941′ W. Marker has been reported damaged. Marker is in Centreville, Maryland, in Queen Anne's County. It is on South Commerce Street (Maryland Route 213), on the right when traveling north. The marker is along the fence south of Wright's Chance. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Centreville MD 21617, 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 walking distance of this location: Wright's Chance (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Wrights Chance (within shouting distance of this marker); William Harper, Sr. Houses (within shouting distance of this marker); Tucker House (within shouting distance of this marker); Centreville National Bank of Maryland (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Brass Pin (about 400 feet away); Queen Anne's County Courthouse (about 400 feet away); Queen Annes County (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Centreville.
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 25, 2025
2. Centrally Located Marker
Unfortunately the marker has weathered significantly.
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, December 28, 2012
3. Centrally Located Marker
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 25, 2025
4. The adjacent Welcome to the Chesapeake Country sign
This adjacent sign has also weathered and is significantly unreadable.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 12, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 654 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 12, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 2. submitted on October 26, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on January 12, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 4. submitted on October 26, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
