From Shipwrecked Puppies to Iron Dogs

Historical marker location:
213 North Talbot Street, St. Michaels, Maryland
( Marker is on Mill Street just east of Burns Street, on the right when traveling east.)

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

Loading...
Maryland was once a center of the slave trade: Maryland was one of the thirteen colonies that allowed slavery, and by the mid-18th century, it had become a major center of the domestic slave trade. Maryland slave traders sold enslaved people to plantation owners in other southern colonies and to the Caribbean.
Talbot County, located on the eastern shore of Maryland, has a rich and storied history dating back to the early 17th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Nanticokes and the Choptanks, who lived off the land and thrived on fishing and agriculture.

In 1661, Talbot County was officially established by an Act of the Maryland General Assembly, named after the state's first provincial governor, Cecilius Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore, also known as Lord Baltimore. The county quickly became an important center for trade and commerce, with thriving industries such as shipbuilding, tobacco farming, and oyster harvesting.

During the Revolutionary War, Talbot County played a significant role in the fight for independence. The county saw both loyalist and patriot sentiment, with many residents actively joining the armed forces to fight against British rule. Talbottonians also played a crucial role in the struggle for civil rights, with prominent African American leaders such as Frederick Douglass inspiring local communities to advocate for equality and justice.

Today, Talbot County stands as a place that seamlessly blends its rich history with its natural beauty. Visitors can explore its many historical landmarks, including charming colonial towns, stately mansions, and museums that showcase the area's vibrant past. The county continues to be a hub for agriculture, aquaculture, and tourism, attracting visitors who appreciate its wonderful blend of tradition and modernity.

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

  • 1661 - Talbot County is established as part of Province of Maryland
  • 1677 - First courthouse is built in the town now known as Easton
  • 1706 - Oxford becomes the first town incorporated in Talbot County
  • 1711 - Trappe becomes the second town incorporated in Talbot County
  • 1731 - St. Michaels becomes the third town incorporated in Talbot County
  • 1783 - Frederick Douglass is born in Talbot County
  • 1810 - Easton becomes the fourth town incorporated in Talbot County
  • 1822 - Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is founded in St. Michaels
  • 1864 - Harriet Tubman leads the Combahee River Raid during the Civil War
  • 1963 - Freedom Riders are arrested and jailed in Easton during the Civil Rights Movement