Queenstown in Queen Anne's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Colonial Courthouse
Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, October 19, 2007
1. Colonial Courthouse Marker
Inscription.
Colonial Courthouse. . 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.
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.
Location. 38° 59.428′ N, 76° 9.465′ W. Marker is in Queenstown, Maryland, in Queen Anne's County. Marker is at the intersection of Maryland Route 18 and Del Rhodes Avenue, on the left when traveling south on State Route 18. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Queenstown MD 21658, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are
Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, October 19, 2007
4. Queenstown Courthouse
Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, October 19, 2007
5. Courthouse Sign
Credits. This page was last revised on May 9, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 23, 2007, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,686 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos:1. submitted on October 23, 2007, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 2, 3. submitted on April 26, 2023, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 4, 5. submitted on October 23, 2007, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.