Surveyed as “Cheston” 1659 for John and William Coursey containing 800 acres—six generations of Courseys (who adopted the older spelling of DeCourcey) lived here and lie buried here. The original house was burned. — — Map (db m3135) HM
Home of William Paca, signer of the Declaration of Independence and twice Governor of Maryland. Born at Chilbury Hall, Harford County 1740. Died and lies buried here, 1799. The unusual house probably dates about 1740. — — Map (db m3137) HM
Born in Queen Anne's County, 1752, educated at Washington College. Rose to rank of captain in Revolutionary War. Served in State Assembly; elected to U.S. Senate 1801. Chosen 13th governor of Maryland 1806, twice re-elected, later member of U.S. . . . — — Map (db m3896) HM
Land patented in 1659 to Thomas Stagwell, English immigrant and member of the Maryland General Assembly (elected 1661). Acquired in 1706 by Richard Bennett III (1667-1749). One of the largest landowners and slaveholders in the colony. The house, no . . . — — Map (db m98716) HM WM
Patented to Thomas Stagwell 1649. Acquired by Richard Bennett 1706, one of the largest land owners in Maryland. His descendant Judge Richard Bennett Carmichael built the house about 1805. He presided over the convention of 1867, for a new . . . — — Map (db m3134) HM
Patented to Col. Philemon Lloyd as “Lloyd’s Insula” 1682, a combination of four earlier patents. Henrietta Maria Lloyd married Samuel Chew and their daughters married William Paca 3rd Governor of Maryland and John Beale Bordley, who . . . — — Map (db m5532) HM
First Free School of Queen Anne’s County erected near here 1724. Its sixth master was Charles Peale, father of the distinguished portrait painter and museum founder—born 1741 in living quarters near the school.
Luther Martin, renowned . . . — — Map (db m129231) HM
Water. The Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries weave the tapestry that is Chesapeake Country.
Land. Agriculture and pristine natural resources areas accentuate our rural character.
History. Historic buildings, churches and . . . — — Map (db m199219) HM
Few places portray the intimate connections between land and water better than Maryland's Eastern Shore.
Each place has different stories to tell—present in the wetlands, wharves, fields, homes, shops and churches.
Stevensville . . . — — Map (db m199221) HM
Built in 1804 by William Carmichael (1775-1853), attorney and state senator who freed more than 120 of his family's slaves, 1811-1839. One of the largest manumissions in the state's history. Birthplace of Richard Bennett Carmichael (1807-1884), . . . — — Map (db m80673) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m62553) HM
In 1876 The Centreville National Bank of Maryland (predecessor to CNB) was established, and in 1904 constructed this building, its headquarters, to replace the one nearby that was destroyed by fire. — — Map (db m138260) HM
Site of Marlborough, a port town laid out in the early 18th century with the creation of Queen Anne’s County. The wharf was a trade center, with a tobacco inspection warehouse administered by William Hopper. The “Captain’s Houses” were . . . — — Map (db m80659) HM
These 20th Century tickets for Centreville, while portraying a sense of the excitement of the circus coming to town do not represent the impact of those first circuses that came by boat up the Corsica, and up this street. The Aron Turner’s Circus . . . — — Map (db m80657) HM
"When our own citizens have been carrying provisions--the produce of our own soil, in their own ships--to feed the armies of England, and her allies on the continent of Europe, they have been captured on their homeward bound passage on on their . . . — — Map (db m138255) HM
Thomas Emory
Thomas Emory, a Queen Anne's County War of 1812 hero, was the first to work toward a railroad system on the Eastern Shore. He led the effort in the state legislature traveling to Europe on behalf of the State in an attempt to raise . . . — — Map (db m200766) HM
This property is listed in the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior
Female Seminary
1876 — — Map (db m138259) HM
To honor the veterans of Queen Anne’s County who served their country in time of war and especially those who made the supreme sacrifice so that we and future generations may enjoy freedom. — — Map (db m3106) WM
Born in Denton, Caroline County on June 1, 1828, Captain Ozmon was already a well-known sea captain by the time he established his business in Centreville in 1858. In the 1860’s he began purchasing properties in the wharf area and continued to do so . . . — — Map (db m80670) 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 m21455) HM
In 1631 William Claiborne established the first settlement in Maryland. A fort and trading post on Kent Island, the westernmost part of Queen Anne's County.
On April 18, 1706, during the reign of Queen Anne, the County received its name from . . . — — Map (db m3104) HM
The Queen Anne's County Courthouse was built between 1792 and 1794. Still in use today, it is the oldest continuously used courthouse in Maryland. In 1876, the entire building was enlarged to the rear and the wings raised to full stories, resulting . . . — — Map (db m138254) HM
Lucretia Kennard was a woman who knew how to make a difference.
Arriving in Queen Anne's County in 1903, she was appalled by the poor quality of education for black students. In those days, schools were segregated by race, the only . . . — — Map (db m138262) HM
In 1782, an Act of the Assembly authorized the removal of the County seat from Queenstown to a more central part of the County. That's why the town was called "Centre Ville", with French spelling because of the Post-Revolutionary War admiration for . . . — — Map (db m138252) HM
Before the automobile, boat transportation was the only efficient way of moving goods in the Chesapeake Bay area.
Throughout the 19th century, Centreville Landing was a prosperous commercial area serving the schooners that carried grain, . . . — — Map (db m80661) HM
By that year, a 2-story brick house, measuring 40 by 24 feet and described as “not yet fully complete,” was built on a 4-acre lot of “Chesterfield,” deeded in 1792 from Mary Nicholson to her daughter Henrietta. Henritta’s . . . — — Map (db m3109) HM
St. Paul's Parish was officially established as a result of the Vestry Act and the formal record of the vestry proceedings began on May 8, 1694. On May 1, 1834, the cornerstone for the church was laid by the Rev. Robert Goldsborough — its wall . . . — — Map (db m138264) HM
The brass pin in the adjoining sidewalk marks the former location of the stone known as "P.G. No. 1", recognized since 1791 as the beginning point of the "Public Ground" now occupied by the Court House and the reference point for all of the original . . . — — Map (db m62294) HM
Oldest courthouse in continuous use in the State of Maryland. The building was authorized by Acts of Assemby after the removal of the County Seat from Queenstown to Chester Mills, later Centreville. It was erected between 1791 and 1796 on land . . . — — Map (db m3103) HM
In 1870
Centreville had a railroad connecting it with much of the Northeast in the Queen Anne's and Kent Railroad leaving from the rail station in the center of town. What it did not have was a railroad connecting it to Queenstown and Kent . . . — — Map (db m199218) HM
The Queen Anne's County Courthouse was constructed at the time when the county seat was removed from Queenstown to Centreville. It was accepted by the County Court on June 1, 1796, and ordered to be "taken, held and deemed to be the proper Court . . . — — Map (db m138253) HM
The Railroad
brought people together as never before. It brought rescuing firemen from Wilmington to fight the biggest fire in town history as explained in the news story below. It also took the men of Centreville's Company K off to war in 1941. . . . — — Map (db m200764) HM
Built circa 1794 on the second lot to be sold in Centreville, the Tucker House is a good example of what many of the earliest homes in the town were like. It originally was two rooms deep and one room wide, a popular style of the Federal period in . . . — — Map (db m138258) HM
Welcome to Queen Anne's 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 . . . — — Map (db m174558) HM
In October, 1794 the merchant William Harper Sr. purchased the Northern half of town lot No. 3 North from Centreville founder, Elizabeth Nicholson for £55 pound. By 1798 2 Federal brick houses had been built by Harper and rented for commercial . . . — — Map (db m138256) HM
Early plantation house with original paneling.
Listed as an “old dwelling” in a 1744 resurvey of “Smith’s Forrest,” patented 1681.
Moved 1964 by the Queen Anne’s County Historical Society to present site, part of . . . — — Map (db m3107) HM
Wright's Chance was moved to this location in 1964 from its original site 6 miles east of town. Unlike the large brick plantation houses that have better survived, this type of frame structure was much more common during the Colonial period. The . . . — — Map (db m138257) HM
The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail traces the War of 1812 in the Chesapeake. Along the trail you'll encounter tangible evidence of the war and stories that bring the people and events to life. Discover the far-reaching . . . — — Map (db m204958) HM
Water The Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries weave the tapestry that is Chesapeake Country.
Land Agriculture and pristine natural resource areas accentuate our rural character.
History Historic buildings, churches, and landscapes are . . . — — Map (db m80828) HM
Few places portray the intimate connections between land and water better than Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Each place has different stories to tell—present in the wetlands, wharves, fields, homes, shops and churches.
Stevensville Lovers of . . . — — Map (db m80838) HM
Located along Maryland’s Eastern Shore, the byway links Chesapeake Bay’s communities, people, and life stores into a rich experience for visitors and locals alike. With its working farms and waterfronts, historic town centers, and pristine natural . . . — — Map (db m80827) HM
The Kent Narrows was once the only crossing point from Kent Island to the Eastern Shore mainland. The earliest crossings were made by Native Americans in log canoes. Colonies crossed the marshy straits by ferry. Causeways and bridges were built to . . . — — Map (db m114902) HM
Kent Island served as an ideal base of operations for the British in August 1813, as it was already an important link between Maryland’s eastern and western shores. The British took over the Kent Island-Annapolis ferry, including a cargo of . . . — — Map (db m80825) HM
The land where you are standing was once a marsh. The straits of the Kent Narrows
were once shallow enough that the Maryland colonists called the area "The Wading Place." After the last ice age, global warming caused sea level to rise . . . — — Map (db m221783) 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 began . . . — — Map (db m8329) HM
The Kirwan House, built in 1879, was the home of former Maryland State Senator James E. Kirwan (1900-1908). The attached store, built in 1889, and his various business endeavors became the hub of the Chester/Dominion communities, and also served . . . — — Map (db m138384) HM
Welcome to Kent 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 Shore . . . — — Map (db m204955) HM
During the War of 1812 the young United States was embroiled in conflict with Great Britain. From 1812 to 1815 Americans fought to protect their rights and economic independence. They faced superior enemy forces on the homefront and the high . . . — — Map (db m204957) HM
The Church Hill Theatre was built by Elwood F. Coleman in 1929 for use as a town hall. Movies came to the town in 1935 when motion picture equipment was installed in the building. The structure was severely damaged by fire in 1944, and repairs . . . — — Map (db m138251) HM
Beneath this stone are interred the remains of Joshua Seney
who was born near the spot which now contains his ashes March 4, 1756 and died October 20, 1798. From the commencement of the American Revolution at various periods of his life he . . . — — Map (db m3101) HM
Founded 1728, when the Provincial Council in Annapolis granted a petition to establish the present parish.
St. Luke’s, the oldest brick church in the State with its original structure, was completed, 1732, at the cost of 140,000 pounds of . . . — — Map (db m3099) HM
Erected in 1732, at the cost of 140,000 pounds of tobacco, the "church on the hill" is the oldest intact brick church in the state and gave the town its name. In 1861, Union cavalry reportedly destroyed the interior of the church. However, two . . . — — Map (db m138249) HM
Due to mounting tensions with Great Britain in 1807, Governor Robert Wright appointed commissions to Queen Anne's County residents Richard Ireland Jones, Thomas Emory and Joseph H. Nicholson to establish militia cavalry units. Jones led . . . — — Map (db m199243) HM
Near this spot Henry Callister, Merchant, operated a rope and raft ferry across the Chester River during the 1750’s and 1760’s. Well into the next century the crossing at Crumpton continued to be known as “Callister’s Ferry.” It served . . . — — Map (db m114903) HM
Forests are the key to healthy air, water and land. This forest, planted with one kind of tree, creates much less biodiversity than natural mixed forests, but it provides great benefits to the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem:
Once, almost all of the Chesapeake Bay watershed was covered with forest. Over the years, most of the old forests were cut down. This forest has grown back naturally, with a diversity of plants adapted to this location. Mixed hardwood forests . . . — — Map (db m204961) HM
Rising above the salt marsh is a wooded island called a hummock. Here, loblolly pine, bayberry, and holly take root in the drier soil and protect wildlife from the challenging conditions of the open marsh.
Who takes shelter in the hummock? . . . — — Map (db m69918)
About 300 British soldiers approached Queenstown by road on August 13, 1813. Their part in a two-pronged attack involved a steamy march across Kent Island and The Narrows, towing two field cannon.
The nighttime march was interrupted near dawn by a . . . — — Map (db m80814) WM
British soldiers approaching Queenstown by land August 13, 1813, had to negotiate a thin mile-long causeway through marshes at The Narrows. The only road connection between Kent Island and the Eastern Shore mainland was the crude hand-dug rutted . . . — — Map (db m80824) HM
Large scale harvesting of the riches of the Chesapeake Bay did not begin until after the Civil War. By 1900 almost a quarter of all U.S. registered boats were making a profit on the Chesapeake Bay.
During the height of the Kent Narrows seafood . . . — — Map (db m80823) HM
Patented to William Hensley in 1730 as a resurvey of several earlier tracts granted in the sixteen hundreds. The house contains some fine woodwork. The Hemsley graveyard has some interesting tombs. — — Map (db m3894) HM
Patented 7 June, 1665, by Captain Robert Morris as “Mount Mill.” Purchased by Jacob Seth 1685, acquired about 1820 by Edward Harris whose heirs Misses Mary and Sallie Harris renamed it “Bloomingdale.” It passed under will of . . . — — Map (db m3130) HM
Granted to Henry Coursey 1658
1000 acres by order of Lord Baltimore for “conspicuous faithfulness to him during the late contest” (the Uprising of 1652 by Richard Bennett and William Claiborne). The 50 acres were for transporting . . . — — Map (db m129228) HM
“Morgan’s Neck” “Morgan’s Neck” (300 acres) was patented by Cecil Calvert on January 26, 1658, to “Henry Morgan, of the Isle of Kent, gentleman,” for transporting into the province Frances Malyn and Francis . . . — — Map (db m3125) HM
American Videttes skirmished with approximately 300 British troops under the command of Col. Sir Thomas Sidney Beckwith as they advanced on Queenstown along this road. Two British soldiers and Beckwith’s horse were killed. Fearful of being cut off . . . — — Map (db m129229) HM
Originally called “Morgan’s Neck.” Surveyed in 1658 for Henry Morgan of the “Isle of Kent” as two tracts of 150 acres each. Henry Morgan was given the land for transporting two indentured servants into the province. The . . . — — Map (db m3128) HM
Estate patented to James Bowling, 1658, and present manor house built 1733. East-west wing added about 1830.
Before dawn, August 2, 1813, British troops under Sir Charles James Napier landed here and after defeating the local militia seriously . . . — — Map (db m3116) HM
Surveyed 15 September, 1658, for James Bowling as “Bowlingley.” Patented to John Tully May 29, 1660. On August 20-30, 1813, the attack on Queenstown by the British led by Sir James Napier under Sir John Warren took place here; the forces . . . — — Map (db m3117) HM
The British invaded Kent Island on August 5, 1813. British Rear Admiral George Cockburn of the Royal Navy planned an attack on Queenstown by land and water, a pincer attack. Even though this plan was questioned by his fellow commander, British Army . . . — — Map (db m80689) HM
This first regional college in Maryland and first two-year community college on the Eastern Shore was founded December 22, 1965, and classes began on the campus September 1969. the sponsors include the State of Maryland and Caroline, Kent, Queen . . . — — Map (db m3132) HM
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, . . . — — Map (db m3111) HM
Born near this site in 1788. Took office January 1, 1839. As the first popularly elected Governor of Maryland. Remembered as an advocate of financial reform in government. Village of Grasonville named in his honor. He died near here on July 2, . . . — — Map (db m34225) HM
(Inscription under the image in the upper left) Nathan escaped from jail along with a former slave, Daniel Johns. The town sheriff advertised in the Republican Star for their apprehension.
In April of 1814, British Admiral Cochrane issued a . . . — — Map (db m80688) HM
Following the Chesapeake and Leopard affair in 1807 where American sailors were impressed into British service, there was outrage on the Eastern Shore. One of the three American sailors forcibly taken aboard the HMS Leopard was John Stachan, a . . . — — Map (db m80691) HM
Queenstown, like most of the Eastern Shore in 1861, was a slaveholding community, and the impending conflict was regarded with concern and fear. When war erupted, families were torn apart because of their conflicting loyalities. It was not uncommon . . . — — Map (db m3113) HM
Congregation first organized c 1639 on nearby Kent Island by Rev. John Altham, S.J. St. Peter’s was established Feb. 3, 1765, by Rev. Joseph Mosely, S.J. of St. Joseph’s, Talbot County. A 1760 bequest of 50 pounds from Edward Neale of . . . — — Map (db m129128) HM
The British set out from Kent Island to attack Queenstown on August 13, 1813. The land and water contingents numbered 300 troops each. Intending to surprise the Queen Anne's County militia, they mistakenly fired, warning the Americans. British . . . — — Map (db m67254) HM
On the night of August 13, 300 British troops marched towards Queenstown where a large American militia force was said to be encamped. The cornfields provided a perfect cover for a picket guard of 20 Queen Anne’s County Maryland militia troops . . . — — Map (db m80690) HM
James Massey, Captain Peter Ross Joseph H. Nicholson, Jr., Corporal Sam M. Cosh Privates John D. Emory • John Hassett • Solomon E. Wright • Thomas Deroachbrune • John Green • James Jackson • James Chairs • Jeremiah Vincent • Thomas Cox • Jacob . . . — — Map (db m221721) HM
During the War of 1812 the young United States was embroiled in conflict with Great Britain. From 1812 to 1815 Americans fought to protect their rights and economic independence. They faced superior enemy forces on the homefront and the high seas. . . . — — Map (db m67252) HM
Broad Creek was an obvious landing point for the 2,000-3,000 British troops coming ashore on Kent Island August 5, 1813. This had been a ferry landing since the 1600s. Stores of grain and pens of cattle, hogs, and sheep awaited transport to the . . . — — Map (db m90634) HM
Broad Creek was established as the site of Christ Church sometime between 1651 and 1684. At that time, Broad Creek was the center of colonial activity on the Island. From 1712 to 1826, three additions or entirely new church structures were built on . . . — — Map (db m67251) HM
First Christian congregation in Maryland organized 1632 by the Reverend Richard James at Kent Fort, south end of island. Church moved here ca. 1650. Rebuilt 1712 and 1826. This oldest continuous congregation in Maryland moved to Stevensville in 1880. — — Map (db m3138) HM
The beautiful Gothic structure, dating to 1880, has a steep slate roof, a stone foundation, and is distinctly different from most other church buildings in the region. Note the unusual chimney. This style, known as "lancet," actually dates back to . . . — — Map (db m137782) HM
This National Register site is located on a tract of land once called Steven's Adventure, granted to Francis Stevens in 1694. John Denny, a ship carpenter, mechanic and farmer, constructed the earliest northern part of the house soon after he . . . — — Map (db m137779) HM
The precise construction date of this building is not yet known, but the structure appears on an 1877 map and served as the Stevensville Post Office for the first half of the 20th century. The government paid rent of $18.75 per month and $25 per . . . — — Map (db m137774) HM
This train station was built in 1902, when the Queen Anne's County Railroad Company extended its western terminus 13 miles to the northwest, from Queenstown to Love Point. A connection was made with steamboats for transport across the Chesapeake . . . — — Map (db m137781) HM
The first Methodist meeting house in Queen Anne's County, and one of the earliest in the Nation, was built in 1783 on land donated by Joshua Dudley. The Queen Anne's Methodist Society, organized in 1774, was responsible for building the chapel. The . . . — — Map (db m138248) HM
The first Methodist meeting house in Queen Anne’s County. It is one of the earliest surviving Methodist Churches in the nation. It grew out of a society organized in 1774. Bishops Francis Asbury, Thomas Coke and Richard Whatcoat preached here. The . . . — — Map (db m168191) HM
Philadelphia Athletics (A.L.) 1925-35, Boston Red Sox (A.L.) 1936-42
Chicago Cubs (N.L.) 1942, 1944, Philadelphia Phillies (N.L.) 1945
Jimmy was the greatest righthanded slugger of his time, hitting 30 or more home runs in 12 consecutive . . . — — Map (db m167313) HM
