Cambridge

History

Settled by English colonists in 1684, Cambridge is one of the oldest colonial cities in Maryland. During the time of English colonization, the Algonquian-speaking Choptank Indians resided along the river bearing their name. Throughout the colonial years, English colonists developed farming on the Eastern Shore, with the largest plantations initially focusing on tobacco, before shifting to mixed farming. Cambridge served as a regional trading center, with its town pier being a major hub. Its history is extensively documented by historical markers scattered throughout the town center. Cambridge was officially incorporated in 1793, taking over part of the former Choptank Indian Reservation. The town received its name from a city and county in England. Cambridge also became a stop on the Underground Railroad, which provided a network of safe houses for enslaved people escaping to the north. In the late 19th century, Cambridge developed food processing industries, specializing in the canning of oysters, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes. The town's industrial growth was led by the Phillips Packing Company, which eventually became the region's largest employer. Winning contracts from the Department of Defense during the First and Second World Wars greatly aided the company's growth. At its height, the company employed as many as 10,000 workers. From 1962 to 1967, Cambridge was a center of protests during the Civil Rights Movement, with local Black residents advocating for equal employment and housing opportunities, as well as the eradication of racial segregation in schools and other public facilities. Riots broke out in Cambridge in 1963 and 1967, prompting the deployment of the Maryland National Guard to the city to help maintain peace. The movement's leader was Gloria…

Geography

Cambridge is located at . According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , of which, is land and is water. Cambridge is on the southern bank of the Choptank River. The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen climate classification system, Cambridge has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps. A 4.3 MW solar farm in Cambridge supplies about 40% of the power for the National Aquarium, and saves about 1,300 metric tons of carbon dioxide during the summer.

Race & ethnicity

Largest nearby schools

• Cambridge-South Dorchester High School
  High · Cambridge · 784 students · 17:1 ratio
• Mace's Lane Middle School
  Middle · Cambridge · 481 students · 12.3:1 ratio
• Maple Elementary School
  Elementary · Cambridge · 392 students · 11.9:1 ratio
• Choptank Elementary School
  Elementary · Cambridge · 375 students · 17:1 ratio
• Sandy Hill Elementary
  Elementary · Cambridge · 374 students · 12.1:1 ratio
• Warwick Elementary School
  Elementary · Secretary · 347 students · 15.8:1 ratio
• Judith P. Hoyer Early Childhood Center
  Other · Cambridge
• Dorchester County Career and Technology Center
  Other · Cambridge