Kent County, Maryland

1937 Douglas DC-3 A County Seat A Diversion A Heavy Price A Home with a Rich Past African American Schoolhouse Agricultural Demonstration Area / Historic Tree Grove American Mettle American Revolution Memorial American Victory Antonov AN-2 Attracted By Bounty Baltimore Regional Trail Bass Propagation Lake Battle of Caulk’s Field Betterton Birds of Prey-Hunters in the Sky Bordley Corner Bounty Below Brampton Brig. Gen. John Cadwalader Captain John Smith on the Sassafras River Captain Lambert Wickes Caulk’s Field Monument Chance-Vought F4U-1 Corsair Charles Sumner Post, G.A.R. Charley's House Chestertown Historic District Chestertown Memorial Chestertown Vol. Fire Co., Inc. Chestertown, First Population Center of the United States Chestertown, Maryland Christ Episcopal IU Church and Cemetery Civil War Monument Clever Ruse Cliffs Schoolhouse Colonel Isaac Perkins Common Cause Corn Crib Crew’s Landing Daring to Resist Desert Storm Memorial Downs’ Cross Roads From This Point George Vickers George Washington George Washington Georgetown, Maryland Gratitude Henry Highland Garnet In Memory of More Than 400 Prominent United States Colored Troops from Kent County In This Church John Leeds Barroll Long Distance Travelers Martin Wagner Mary Roe Walkup Pavilion Maryland’s First Women Voters Mason-Dixon Line Crownstone Meet our AN-2 Mistress Kitty Knight Natural Diversity at Turner's Creek On This Site Stood the Courthouse Reluctant Aide Revolution on the River Revolutionary Cannon Right Place, Right Time Rock Hall Landing Rock Hall, Maryland Royal Port of Entry Rude Awakening Senator George Vickers Stanley B. Vansant Memorial Taking Command Tercentenary Celebration The Kent County Free School The Tockwogh and the Bay This Monument Honors the Area Veterans Tolchester Beach Amusement Park Turner's Creek Veterans Memorial War Along the Chesapeake War of 1812 Memorial Washington College Waterfront Hub for Trade Welcome to the Kent Museum White & Black, Blue & Gray Wickliffe Widehall William Beck Nicholson Worrell’s Tavern
Kent County, Maryland, located on the eastern shore of the state, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1642. The area was home to Native American tribes, including the Algonquin-speaking Nanticoke and Lenape groups, before English colonists arrived. The first European settlement in Kent County was established by William Claiborne, and it soon became a major hub of economic activity.

During the colonial period, Kent County prospered due to its fertile land and strategic location along the Chesapeake Bay. Tobacco cultivation became a dominant industry, bringing wealth and growth to the region. The county played a significant role in the Revolutionary War, with many residents actively participating in the fight for independence. Kent County was one of the first counties to ratify the Declaration of Independence for Maryland in 1776.

In the 19th century, Kent County experienced both economic booms and challenges. The advent of steamships led to increased commerce and trade, particularly in the towns of Chestertown and Rock Hall. Agriculture diversified beyond tobacco, with crops like corn and wheat gaining importance. However, like much of the southern United States, Kent County was heavily reliant on enslaved labor, and the institution of slavery was a significant part of its history. The county was deeply divided during the American Civil War, with some residents supporting the Union and others the Confederacy.

In the 20th century, Kent County faced various social and economic changes. Modernization brought infrastructure improvements, such as the construction of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, which connected the eastern and western shores of the state. The county experienced urbanization and suburbanization, as people sought new opportunities outside of traditional agricultural pursuits. Today, Kent County remains known for its scenic landscapes, historic towns, and agricultural heritage, attracting visitors who appreciate its natural beauty and cultural significance.
Brief timeline of the history of Kent County, Maryland:

  • 1642: Kent County established as one of Maryland's original counties
  • 1677: Kent County named after county in England
  • 18th century: Kent County becomes a major center for tobacco cultivation
  • 1774: Chestertown, the county seat, becomes an important port city
  • 1776: Kent County residents sign the Declaration of Independence
  • 1786: Washington College, the tenth oldest college in the United States, is founded in Chestertown
  • 19th century: Agriculture, particularly grain farming, becomes the mainstay of Kent County's economy
  • 1833: Dover Bridge, the oldest surviving documented covered bridge in Maryland, is built
  • 1875: The Kent County Courthouse is constructed in Chestertown
  • 20th century: Kent County experiences shifts in agricultural practices and economic challenges
  • 1970: The county's population reaches its peak at around 26,000
  • Present: Kent County maintains its rural character while embracing tourism and recreational opportunities

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Kent County, Maryland.