Queen Anne's County, Maryland

Battle of Slippery Hill Bennett’s Point Farm Birthplace of Charles Willson Peale Bowlingly Bowlingly British Command British Takeover Broad Creek Cemetery Byway Destinations Byway Destinations Callister’s Ferry Carmichael House Centrally Located Centreville National Bank of Maryland Centreville Wharf Chesapeake College Chesapeake Country National Scenic Byway Chesterfield Avenue: River to Railroad Connection Christ Church Christ Church Church Hill Theatre Colonial Courthouse Command Central Country Store Cray House Crossing Point Crossing the Narrows Dudley's Chapel Dudley's Chapel Enemy Occupation Female Seminary Governor Robert Wright Governor William Grason Grollman's Store Historic Points Honor • Valor • WWI • WWII • Korea • Vietnam Island in the Marsh: a hummock James Emory Foxx John Ozmon: Captain of the Sea and Entrepreneur Joshua Seney Kent Island Kent Island Lure of Freedom Maryland's Eastern Shore Old Stevensville Post Office Protecting the Homefront Queen Anne's County Courthouse Queen Anne’s County Queenstown Road to Battle She Fought for Equal Access Short History of Centreville Shuttled By Ship Site of Goldsborough House Site of Stagwell St. Luke's Episcopal Church St. Luke’s Episcopal Parish St. Paul's Episcopal Church St. Peter’s Church Stagwell Stevensville Bank Stevensville Train Depot Sudlersville Sudlersville Memorial Library Sudlersville Train Station Surprise at Queenstown The Battle Enjoined! The Brass Pin The Courthouse The James E. Kirwan Museum The Queen Anne's County Courthouse Tucker House War Along the Chesapeake War in the Chesapeake William Harper, Sr. Houses Working the Waters Wright's Chance Wright’s Chance Wye Island "Clover Field" “Bloomingdale” “Cheston on Wye” “Lord’s Gift” “Morgan’s Neck” / Richard Bennett III and Elizabeth Rousby “Wye Plantation”
Queen Anne's County is located in the state of Maryland and holds a rich history that dates back centuries. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Matapeake and the Kent, who thrived in the region due to its fertile land and proximity to the Chesapeake Bay. European settlement began in the early 17th century when English colonists arrived in search of new opportunities.

In 1706, Queen Anne's County was officially established and named after Queen Anne of Great Britain. It quickly became an important center for trade and commerce, thanks to its ideal location along the Eastern Shore and its deepwater ports. Over the years, the county's economy thrived on agriculture, with tobacco being the primary crop. However, as the tobacco industry declined in the late 18th century, the county shifted towards other agricultural activities such as wheat, corn, and vegetable farming.

During the American Revolutionary War, Queen Anne's County played a significant role in the fight for independence. Many local residents joined the colonial forces, while others remained loyal to the British Crown. The county also saw its share of conflicts during the War of 1812 when the British launched multiple attacks on the Chesapeake Bay region, including the famous Battle of Caulk's Field, which took place in Queen Anne's County.

In the 20th century, Queen Anne's County embraced tourism, taking advantage of its beautiful landscapes and proximity to the Chesapeake Bay. Numerous historic sites, such as the historic Stevensville district and the Chesapeake Heritage and Visitor Center, were established, welcoming visitors from near and far. Today, Queen Anne's County continues to thrive as a hub for recreational activities, agriculture, and as a charming destination for history enthusiasts.
Brief timeline of the history of Queen Anne's County, Maryland:

  • 1706 - Queen Anne's County is established as part of Maryland's colony.
  • 1766 - The county seat is established in Centreville.
  • 1776 - Queen Anne's County residents support the American Revolution.
  • 1801 - The U.S. Congress authorizes the construction of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, which is completed in 1829.
  • 1813 - The British fleet attacks and burns multiple towns in Queen Anne's County during the War of 1812.
  • 1849 - The first railroad, Queen Anne's Railroad, begins operation in the county.
  • 1863 - A small skirmish occurs at Queen Anne's Railroad Bridge during the Civil War.
  • 1876 - The Chesapeake Bay Railway opens, improving transportation in the county.
  • 1906 - A new county courthouse is built in Centreville.
  • 1952 - The Chesapeake Bay Bridge connects the county to the Eastern Shore and boosts tourism.
  • 1985 - Queen Anne's County evolves as a popular suburb due to its proximity to major cities.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Queen Anne's County, Maryland.

Audiobooks about the history of Maryland.