Queen Anne's County Maryland

A Historical Overview of Queen Anne’s County, Maryland

Queen Anne’s County, located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, has a rich colonial past, deep agricultural roots, and significant maritime heritage. Established in 1706, the county played a crucial role in tobacco trade, the American Revolution, and the Civil War, while its waterways, farmlands, and historic towns have shaped its economic and cultural identity. Today, it is known for its scenic Chesapeake Bay coastline, historic sites, and vibrant communities.

Pre-Colonial and Indigenous History (Before 1600s)

Before European settlement, the land that became Queen Anne’s County was home to Algonquian-speaking Indigenous tribes, including the Choptank, Matapeake, and Ozinie peoples.

  • These groups relied on the Chesapeake Bay, Chester River, and Eastern Bay for fishing, hunting, and trade.
  • They established seasonal villages and trading routes but faced displacement due to European colonization.

By the late 1600s, European settlers had taken over the land, forcing many Native groups to relocate or assimilate.

Colonial Era and the Establishment of Queen Anne’s County (1600s–1776)

Founding of the County (1706)

  • Queen Anne’s County was officially established in 1706 from parts of Talbot and Kent Counties.
  • It was named after Queen Anne of England, who ruled from 1702 to 1714.
  • The county seat was originally located at Queenstown, one of Maryland’s earliest settlements.

Tobacco, Trade, and Plantation Economy

  • Like much of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Queen Anne’s County’s economy revolved around tobacco plantations.
  • Enslaved Africans were brought to the region to work on plantations, making slavery a key part of the economy.
  • The county became a major hub for tobacco exports, using ports along the Chester River and Eastern Bay.

Religious and Political Development

  • The Church of England was the established church in the county, and Christ Church in Stevensville (founded in 1692) remains one of the oldest churches in Maryland.
  • Early settlers were mostly English Protestants, though some Catholics and Quakers also lived in the area.

The American Revolution and Early Republic (1775–1800s)

Loyalty to the Patriot Cause

  • Many residents of Queen Anne’s County supported the Patriot movement, resisting British taxation and policies.
  • Several local militias were formed, and Queen Anne’s men fought in Washington’s army.
  • Queenstown saw a small British raid in 1781, as the Royal Navy attempted to disrupt local supplies.

Economic and Social Changes

  • After the war, the county shifted away from tobacco and diversified into grain farming, shipbuilding, and seafood harvesting.
  • The abolition of slavery in Maryland (1864) had lasting economic and social effects, as the county had a significant enslaved population before emancipation.

The War of 1812 and British Raids (1812–1815)

Strategic Location on the Chesapeake Bay

  • Queen Anne’s County’s location made it vulnerable to British naval attacks during the War of 1812.
  • In 1813, British forces raided Kent Island and Queenstown, burning buildings and seizing supplies.
  • The county militia attempted to defend the region, but British forces overpowered them.

Impact on Local Communities

  • Many local enslaved people escaped to British ships, as the Royal Navy promised freedom to those who fled their American enslavers.
  • The war disrupted trade and agriculture, but the county quickly recovered after the conflict ended.

The Civil War and Reconstruction (1861–1870s)

Divided Loyalties in a Border State

  • As a border county in a border state, Queen Anne’s County had mixed allegiances.
  • Some residents supported the Union, while others sympathized with the Confederacy.
  • The county had a large enslaved population before Maryland abolished slavery in 1864.

Emancipation and African American Communities

  • After emancipation, formerly enslaved people established free Black communities in the county.
  • Churches and schools were founded to serve the growing African American population.
  • The county remained racially segregated well into the 20th century.

Late 19th and Early 20th Century: Agriculture, Railroads, and Industry (1870s–1940s)

Agricultural Economy and Seafood Industry

  • Wheat, corn, and dairy farming replaced tobacco as the dominant crops.
  • The county’s watermen became key players in oystering, crabbing, and fishing in the Chesapeake Bay.
  • Ferry services and steamboats connected Queen Anne’s County to Baltimore and Annapolis, boosting trade.

The Railroad and Economic Growth

  • In the late 1800s, the arrival of the Queen Anne’s Railroad (1896) linked the county to the rest of Maryland.
  • The railroad increased tourism and allowed local farmers to ship produce to major cities.
  • Towns like Centreville, Queenstown, and Stevensville grew as transportation hubs.

World War II and Post-War Development (1940s–1960s)

Military Presence and War Effort

  • During World War II, many county residents served in the military.
  • The Chesapeake Bay became a critical defense zone, with military bases and shipyards supporting the war effort.

Suburban Expansion and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge (1952)

  • The opening of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in 1952 transformed Queen Anne’s County.
  • The county became more accessible to Baltimore and Washington, D.C., leading to rapid suburban growth.
  • Tourism increased, with more visitors traveling to Kent Island and the Eastern Shore’s beaches.

Modern Queen Anne’s County: Growth, Heritage, and Conservation (1970s–Present)

Preserving Historic Towns and Rural Landscapes

Despite suburban development, Queen Anne’s County has worked to preserve its historic sites and rural character.

Historic landmarks include:

  • Wye House (a plantation where Frederick Douglass lived as an enslaved child)
  • Sudlersville Train Station
  • Cray House (Stevensville Historic District)

A Balance Between Development and Conservation

  • Today, the county is a mix of farmland, waterfront communities, and growing suburbs.
  • Conservation efforts protect Chesapeake Bay wildlife and fisheries.

Economic and Cultural Development

  • The county remains an important agricultural and seafood hub, with local businesses thriving.
  • Tourism is fueled by fishing, boating, and historic tourism.
  • Events like the Queen Anne’s County Fair and Chesapeake Heritage & Visitor Center programs highlight local culture.

Conclusion

Queen Anne’s County has deep colonial roots, a rich maritime heritage, and a complex history of agriculture, trade, and conflict. From its Indigenous beginnings to its role in the American Revolution, War of 1812, and Civil War, the county has adapted to changing times while preserving its history.

Thank you for visiting our website! We appreciate your time and support. Before you go, check out our exclusive Queen Anne’s County MD Flag Tumbler—a perfect way to show off your Maryland pride while keeping your drinks at the perfect temperature.

Click HERE to grab yours today!

Back to blog