Chestertown

History

Indigenous peoples have lived in what is now Chestertown for thousands of years. At the time of European colonization, the primary tribe on the Eastern Shore was the Nanticoke. In Nanticoke oral tradition, their ancestors migrated south from "the land of snow and ice" through the Ohio Valley and the Allegheny Mountains until they reached the Eastern Shore. The Nanticokes spoke an Algonquian language. Founded in 1706, Chestertown rose in stature when it was named one of the English colony of Maryland's six Royal Ports of Entry. The shipping boom that followed this designation made the town at the navigable head of the Chester River wealthy. In the mid-eighteenth century, Chestertown trailed only Annapolis and was considered Maryland's second leading port. A burgeoning merchant class infused riches into the town, reflected in the many brick mansions and townhouses that sprang up along the waterfront. Another area in which Chestertown is second only to Annapolis is in its number of existing eighteenth century homes. As of the 1790 census, Chestertown was the geographical center of population of the United States. Chestertown was incorporated in 1805, and was named for the Chester River. The town has several historic properties, including Airy Hill, Bernice J., Brampton, Carvill Hall, Chester Hall, the Chestertown Armory, the Chestertown Historic District, Chestertown Railroad Station, Denton House, Gobbler Hill, Godlington Manor, the Island Image, Lauretum, Piney Grove, Radcliffe Mill, Reward-Tilden's Farm, Rose Hill, the Silver Heel, Charles Sumner Post No. 25, Grand Army of the Republic, Thornton, Washington College: Middle, East and West Halls, and White House Farm (Chestertown, Maryland), each of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Geography

Chestertown is at (39.219328, -76.068424). According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the town has a total area of , of which is land and is water. As of the first US Census in 1790, Chestertown was the geographical center of the nation's population.

Race & ethnicity

Largest nearby schools

• Kent County High
  High · Worton · 531 students · 11.1:1 ratio
• Kent County Middle School
  Middle · Chestertown · 399 students · 11.1:1 ratio
• H. H. Garnett Elementary
  Elementary · Chestertown · 347 students · 12:1 ratio