This monument commemorates the completion in 1976 of the resurvey by the U.S. Department of Commerce of the north-south boundary between the State of Maryland and the State of Delaware known historically as the Mason and Dixon Line. The original . . . — — Map (db m88751) HM
While the Choptank River could pose a troublesome barrier to those without a boat, others used the river as a path to freedom.
Josiah Bailey, an enslaved logger and shipbuilder, rowed six miles up the river. His destination was Poplar Neck, . . . — — Map (db m79172) HM
"29, let's go!"
"To All Who Serve"
A Living Tribute to
Our Caroline County
Veterans
and their Families
In Honor of
their Dedication
and Sacrifice
For this Nation's
Freedom
[Engraving on nearby . . . — — Map (db m137765) WM
This bell was originally located in the First Methodist (M.E.) Church on Market Street. It is believed the bell was installed during its construction in 1867. — — Map (db m137764) HM
With more free than enslaved blacks and a sympathetic Quaker population, Caroline County was a hotbed of Underground Railroad activity until slavery was abolished in Maryland in 1864.
Slaves, freemen of color, and whites often . . . — — Map (db m205449) HM
Caroline County-established, 1773, from parts of Queen Anne's and Dorchester Counties — held its early courts at seven different locations until 1797 when its first courthouse was built on this site, once known as Pig Point.
The 1895 . . . — — Map (db m3388) HM
Many facets of 19th century rural life focused on a county’s courthouse. Elected officials, lawyers, merchants, and ordinary citizens all had reasons to gather at the Caroline County Courthouse Square. For the enslaved and abolitionists, the . . . — — Map (db m79340) HM
The Choptank River was as entwined with the history of slavery and freedom on the Eastern Shore as any plantation. Slaves arrived by boat for auction and left the dock in the hands of a new owner. At wharves like this, black watermen played an . . . — — Map (db m79342) HM
Originally called "Edenton" for Robert Eden, Maryland's last Colonial Governor.
Caroline County
was named in honor of his wife Caroline Calvert, a sister of Frederick, the last Lord Baltimore. — — Map (db m3391) HM
This property has been
placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior
[Additional plaque nearby:]
This 1883 schoolhouse and the colonial garden was owned by the Woman's . . . — — Map (db m137766) HM
Once the Native American population was annihilated, dislocated, or marginalized by the public s well as private efforts, the type of crop grown had a great impact on the new residents of Edmondson's Reserve.
The first successful crop . . . — — Map (db m199272) HM
The Caroline County 4-H Park, Delmarva Girl Scout Camp, and the farms bordering Detour Road are located on a former 1,050-acre tract of land that evidence indicates once served as a privately-owned Indian "reservation" called Edmondson's . . . — — Map (db m199271) HM
The 1863 Emancipation Proclamation did not free Maryland's enslaved people, as states that remained in the Union were excluded from the proclamation's provisions. It was Maryland's new constitution, adopted by the narrow margin of 291 votes out . . . — — Map (db m205446) HM
Sailboats and steamboats unloaded and loaded passengers and freight all along the Choptank. As trade increased in the 1800s, people built wharves and landings every few miles on the river.
A wharf bustled with activity when a boat arrived. . . . — — Map (db m68427) HM
Divided loyalties and ironies tore at Marylanders’ hearts throughout the Civil War: enslaved African-Americans and free United States Colored Troops; spies and smugglers; civilians imprisoned without trial to protect freedom; neighbors and . . . — — Map (db m168144) HM
This site recreates the Golden Age of Steam on the Choptank River
Here you'll find the restored Joppa steamboat wharf and terminal from the 1800s, a visitor center and museum, and a Chesapeake Bay skipjack. This area was once a thriving . . . — — Map (db m98435) HM
Although isolated from Maryland's largest population centers, the Eastern Shore was important to the state's role in the Civil War and exemplified the citizens' divided loyalties.
In the years before the war, enslaved African-Americans here . . . — — Map (db m113505) HM
Growing up as a slave near Easton, MD, Moses Viney often heard, "The wild geese come from Canada, where all are free." When he was 23 years old, Moses learned he might be sold to a new owner in the Deep South. To avoid this fate, he and two . . . — — Map (db m79341) HM
The boat fragments you see here are most likely from a pungy. They were discovered in nearby Watts Creek during the 1960s. Theories vary on how this vessel ended up here — pirates may have run it aground or its captain may have . . . — — Map (db m198810) HM
Neck or Tuckahoe Neck Meeting House was built in 1802 by members of the Society of Friends who had been Nicholites, a sect that originated in Caroline County. The building was used as a house of worship and as a Friends School until 1897. The . . . — — Map (db m5075) HM
These native plants have evolved in this region over 10,000 years and are well adapted to the area's uniq;ue conditions. They contribute to the health and the environment by filtering pollutants, moderating storm water runoff and preventing . . . — — Map (db m98436) HM
On August 17, 1862, the steamboat Balloon arrived at Denton wharf and disembarked a company of New York infantry and a troop of cavalry. The soldiers quickly arrested twelve prominent local citizens and transported them to imprisonment at . . . — — Map (db m68428) HM
While playing with his eight-year-old brother in front of their enslaved mother's "cottage", a six-year-old slave boy named Peter Still and his brother were sold "down South" in 1806 by the owner of Edmondson's Reserve.
Peter's . . . — — Map (db m199279) HM
President Franklin D. Roosevelt made a critical address broadcast by radio to the entire nation from this spot at 2:00 p.m. on Labor Day, September 5, 1938.
He arrived in Denton in a large motorcade led by the local fire company, National . . . — — Map (db m137770) HM
Maryland slaves were not freed by the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863, which excluded states that remained in the Union from its provisions. It was Maryland's new constitution, adopted by the narrow margin of 291 votes of almost 60,000 cast on . . . — — Map (db m3389) HM
This garden is dedicated
in honor of
Ruth Ann Crouse
in recognition of her exceptional legacy of service to Choptank Community Health System. As a cofounder and board member for 40 years, Ms. Crouse's leadership provided a lasting impact . . . — — Map (db m198808) HM
Steamboats carrying passengers and freight brought prosperity to Denton and Caroline County during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Caroline County's economy was based on agriculture. Farmers had to market their products. Steamboats quickly . . . — — Map (db m68429) HM
Reminiscent of William Styron's novel entitled Sophie's Choice about Nazis in World War II dividing a mother from her children, a small but profound drama played out in 1806 in Caroline County: An enslaved mother named Sydney Still was . . . — — Map (db m199276) HM
A large brick structure that stood here for over two centuries had many historic uses.
Alms House (c. 1792-1826): County officials could commit a person to the "Poor House" with legal due process. The inmates had to work hard, sleep . . . — — Map (db m198805) HM
The Denton wharf, here on the Choptank River, was the site of endless steamboat traffic, escapes of enslaved people on the Underground Railroad, and the arrests of active secessionists during the Civil War.
On August 17, 1862, the steamboat . . . — — Map (db m205463) HM
The historic dwelling on on this site is not original to the tract of land first called Edmondson's Reserve. No original buildings survive from Edmondson's Reserve, which was first used as a private Indian Reservation, then as . . . — — Map (db m199275) HM
The diet of enslaved persons was especially poor in nutrition, protein, and calcium. It came from three main sources.
Rations: Frederick Douglass, enslaved in a county adjoining Caroline, stated:
The Chesapeake Bay is renowned for diverse, regionally-developed vessels. The Log Canoe evolved from the hollowed logs, or dugouts used by the indigenous peoples the colonists encountered. These were enlarged by carving additional logs that . . . — — Map (db m198820) HM
Revolutionary War Patriot
Thomas Carney, A free African-American from Caroline County, served valiantly
in the Continental Army with the Maryland Line. A survivor of Valley Forge, he fought
in nine battles from Brandywine, PA to Eutaw Springs SC. . . . — — Map (db m226124) HM
The Quakers, also known as Friends, who met in this Meeting House not only held strong opinions on the abolition of slavery and women’s rights, but they also acted on those beliefs.
After 1790, the Friends who gathered here refused membership to . . . — — Map (db m79354) HM
Less than a block in both directions from this site, two young men from this small town grew up as Depression-era neighbors, competed in sports, later entered public service, and rose to the highest elective office in the neighboring states of . . . — — Map (db m137768) HM
Welcome to Caroline County! The Civil War intruded into quiet Eastern Shore communities, and residents of this beautiful, water-laced region faced difficult choices.
In the years before the war, enslaved African Americans from the Eastern . . . — — Map (db m205444) HM
Living in a cramped tenant house like the Doncaster Dwelling (1829) and working with only primitive tools, white tenant farmers suffered from pestilence, adverse weather and volatile markets as they labored relentlessly to provide for . . . — — Map (db m199274) HM
William Still’s mother Sidney and several of his siblings lived in a cottage on the plantation where they were enslaved. Sidney escaped with her children to join her husband in New Jersey, but she was soon recaptured and returned to Maryland. . . . — — Map (db m79313) HM
often called the "Father of the Underground Railroad" (UGRR) and second in importance only to Harriet Tubman, William Still joined the UGRR in the late 1840s as a result of decisions made decades earlier by the owner of a tract of land in . . . — — Map (db m199281) HM
During the Civil War, Maryland's Eastern Shore became a "smuggler's paradise," as coasting vessels from New York made daily runs with contraband goods to the unguarded rivers of Delaware. Cargoes were then carried by wagon to the upper reaches of . . . — — Map (db m137738) HM
Exeter
Exeter is one of the oldest remaining structures in the southern part of Caroline County. According to land records, the Reverend Thomas Dill (Dell) was granted a survey certificate and patent for 50 acres of land in Dorchester . . . — — Map (db m137763) HM
Dedicated to honor
the sacrifices of all
men and women
who served our country
God of compassion,
God of dignity and strength,
Watch over our veterans
In recognition of their loyal service
to our nation
Bless them with . . . — — Map (db m137737) WM
This building is the former clubhouse at Federal Field, and home to the Federalsburg Athletics of the Class D Eastern Shore League, which was a minor league affiliate of Connie Mack's Philadelphia Athletics. Fifteen ball players from the A's, . . . — — Map (db m137760) HM
Until it was named Federalsburg in 1812,
the community took its name from the bridge
at this crossing. This 215-foot concrete
structure was built in 1910 by the Luten
Bridge Company of York, Pennsylvania, a firm noted for
its filled Spanderel . . . — — Map (db m60467) HM
Proud of their heritage along the banks of the Choptank River, the Town of Greensboro owns and manages Choptank River Park. The park served as the volunteer fire company's carnival grounds for many years until 2015, when after years of repeated . . . — — Map (db m205486) HM
Judge Laird Goldsborough lived here 1897-1970. As onetime Adjutant General of the Philippines he authored the Island's first constitution. Part of the house is of pre-revolutionary construction.
Among other members of this Caroline County family . . . — — Map (db m3394) HM
Founded 1732 as Bridge-Town, then in Queen Anne's and Dorchester Counties. Named Greensboro 1791. Sessions of Caroline County Court held here November, December, 1778; June 1779; march, 1780. Choptank Bridge, the first across the river built near . . . — — Map (db m3395) HM
More than cargo flowed through commercial towns like Greensboro. Abolitionist ideas and freedom seekers on the move created tension within a society dependent on slavery.
Site of the northern-most bridge over the Choptank River, Greensboro . . . — — Map (db m79356) HM
The war divided communities in Maryland, pitting neighbor against neighbor. During Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee's first invasion of the North, which ended at Antietam, a Greensboro resident wrote to President Abraham Lincoln for assistance on . . . — — Map (db m3398) HM
Son of Nathan Harrington and grandson of Peter Rich, early landowners here. He served in 1778 as 2nd Lieutenant, 28th Battalion of Militia, Caroline County. In 1783, he successfully laid out town on tract called Ingram's Desire (efforts to sell lots . . . — — Map (db m3396) HM
Gilpin’s Point was one of the busiest wharves along the Choptank River in Caroline County where steamboats and sailing vessels transported people, timber, agricultural products, and seafood. It sat just upriver from Dr. Anthony C. Thompson’s . . . — — Map (db m79311) HM
Tomb of William Richardson Patriot Col. of the Flying Camp of the Maryland Line Hero of battles of Long Island and Harlem Heights 1776 — — Map (db m79312) HM
The anti-slavery movement was a major factor in the regional contention that led to the Civil War. During the 1840s and 1850s, no individual generated greater support in both America and Europe for that movement than Frederick Douglass. His eloquent . . . — — Map (db m154338) HM
Established 1748 at nearby Tuckahoe Bridge in Queen Anne's County. Congregation built church here in 1768, but it fell into decline as influence of Methodism grew on Eastern Shore. Under guidance of Rev. Robert William Goldsborough, present Gothic . . . — — Map (db m3393) HM
The forests and waterways of the Eastern Shore, traditional land of the Choptank and Nanticoke Indians, provided the backup for the austere home life, backbreaking labor, and dramatic escapes of enslaved blacks.
Hundreds of acres of white . . . — — Map (db m113807) HM
Born here on Wiltshire Manor in Caroline County in 1780. Moved to Foxley Hall, Easton on 1795. He read law under Judge Marshall. He met Andrew Jackson traveling across the Eastern Shore to the United States Congress. He moved to Nashville Tennessee. . . . — — Map (db m46119) HM
Before 1679, Indians had a settlement here. Present village stands on parts of tracts once known as Paradise, Belmont, Huntington and Gore. Community was "Leonard's Wharf" c. 1855 and "Medford's Wharf" later. In 1883 Choptank Post Office was . . . — — Map (db m3375) HM
Member Maryland Assembly 1773–76. Introduced bill forming Caroline County 1774 of which he was one of the Commissioners. Colonel of the “Flying Camp” of the Eastern Shore 1776. Fought at Harlem Heights. First Colonel 5th Maryland . . . — — Map (db m107815) HM
1760
1760: Talbot County resident Deborah Nichols is licensed to operate a ferry near the lost town of Dover. Women often took over the ferry operator position from their husbands when the men passed away.
1765: . . . — — Map (db m199288) HM
Harriet Tubman’s parents, Rit and Ben Ross, moved to Poplar Neck in 1847. Her father worked as a lumber foreman on Dr. Anthony C. Thompson’s 2,200 heavily forested acres. Harriet probably made her first escape from this place in 1849, and she . . . — — Map (db m79173) HM
Refugees from slavery came here for temporary sanctuary.
Under the cover of darkness, they crept across these fields toward the home of Quaker Jacob and Hannah Leverton. The house, a rare, documented Underground Railroad station, still . . . — — Map (db m79303) HM
Since the establishment of Hunting Creek Grist Mill prior to 1681, a mill on this site has served farmers. Known during the Revolutionary War as Murray’s Mill, it supplied provisions to the Continental Army. Linchester also was a Colonial Port of . . . — — Map (db m3366) HM
Linchester Mill borders Hunting Creek, a tributary of the Choptank River flowing into the Chesapeake Bay. This historic site provided a crossing for Native Americans who traveled the Choptank Indian Trail; colonists en route to the first Choptank . . . — — Map (db m79301) HM
Daily life at and around Linchester Mill provided fertile yet dangerous ground for those seeking freedom.
The mill, a general store, post office and homes at this site brought whites and blacks, free and enslaved, into regular contact. . . . — — Map (db m79299) HM
After Quakers sold their meetinghouse to the local black community in 1849, the new owners established Mt. Pleasant Methodist Episcopal Church. The original church building has since burned, but the modern day congregation still uses the . . . — — Map (db m79178) HM
Mt. Pleasant M. E. Church served the communities of Preston, Elwood, Tanyard, Jonestown and Marsh Creek. The church grew spiritually and financially for many years fostering many local preachers.
Dedicated leaders of the Sunday School, choir, . . . — — Map (db m98434) HM
Started 1846 around Frazier's Chapel, an early Methodist Church, the land for which was purchased 1797. First called "Snowhill", the name was changed to Preston 1856, in honor of a prominent Baltimore lawyer. Preston was chartered as a town 1892. — — Map (db m3365) HM
Built by Rev. Freeborn Garrettson and Captain William Frazier. Early Methodist pastors included Jesse Lee, Joseph Everette and Bishops Francis Asbury and John Emory. Remodeled and named Bethesda 1849. Present church built 1875. Rebuilt 1958. — — Map (db m3362) HM
The Dover Bridge was first built in 1811 at a ferry crossing. Eventual failure of the wooden structure and damage from storm events during the 19th century caused the bridge to be replaced in 1860 and 1898. By 1908, the State Roads Commission . . . — — Map (db m199290) HM
Among the factors that contributed to the coming of the Civil War was the increasing animosity between Southerners and Northerners over the issue of slavery. The operation of the Underground Railroad to help slaves escape to the free North and . . . — — Map (db m5411) HM
Common in the mid-19th century, this cabin is a rare survivor today. James H. and Mary Ann Webb built this one-room house in the 1850s, using materials found in the surrounding landscape. Hand-hewn log walls rest on a foundation of ballast stones . . . — — Map (db m79305) HM
It was in the teens when an select group of ladies formed a Community Club in Ridgely. Their goal was to improve the town's appearance. The bulk of the members consisted of the "wives of local merchants, cannery owners, and farmers." . . . — — Map (db m205477) HM
1867 - 1887
The railroad was completed to Ridgely in 1867. At that time there were two houses in the place — the Vernon property and the Ridgely Hotel. One of the factors getting the railroad to come. Mr. Thomas Bell had to give an area of . . . — — Map (db m205474) HM
In 1896, Ridgely emerged from a village into the dignity of a town. It was incorporated as such with the following first town commissioners: Mr. Sylvester Smith; Mr. T.W. Jones, Dr. F.P. Herr; Mr. T.L. Day; and Mr. J.T. Saulsbury.
The entire . . . — — Map (db m205470) HM
The Railroad was completed to Ridgely in 1867. The Saulsbury home was one of the earliest residences in Ridgely. Erected in 1867 by James K. Saulsbury, the building combined a large store where a widely known general merchandise business was . . . — — Map (db m205482) HM
A century ago, before the widespread use of gasoline-powered trucks, hundreds of horses and mules pulled heavy wagons loaded with farm products to Ridgely, a major agricultural center for the processing and shipping of fruits, vegetables, grains . . . — — Map (db m205481) HM
The Ridgely Flag was designed by Yolanda Mayers in honor of the town's Sesquicentennial Celebration. The flag incorporates elements of Ridgely history. The town colors are a perfect backdrop for the "Dream City" banner and train number 513 in . . . — — Map (db m205483) HM
The Wood Duck, Aix sponsa, is arguably one of North America's most colorful waterfowl. Although rarely seen due to their reclusive habits, they are relatively abundant along the Atlantic Flyway.
Natural History
Wood ducks form . . . — — Map (db m205466) HM
