Linda Finnan

Chesapeake City, MD Area Guide

Chesapeake City is a town in Cecil County, Maryland. The population was approximately 787 at the 2000 census.

The town was originally named by Czech colonist Augustine Herman the Village of Bohemia but the name was changed in 1839 when the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal was built. Today, the town contains numerous old homes from that era that have been converted in to bed and breakfasts, restaurants and the local historical museum.

History

Early in the 17th century, a group of settlers (including the famous Dutch surveyor and map maker Augustine Herrman) saw the opportunity to connect the Chesapeake Bay with the Delaware River. In the 1760s canal routes were surveyed along a possible route that spanned from the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay to the Delaware River by way of the Delmarva Peninsula. However, it wasn’t until 1824 when construction finally began at Chesapeake City, and the canal was completed in October of 1829. At this time only two buildings existed in the area (known as Bohemia Village at the time) including a lock house for collecting tolls and Chick’s Tavern House. Once the canal was complete the town’s population began to grow as canal operators and commerce opportunities came to the area. The town changed its name to Chesapeake City in 1839 and incorporated ten years later when the population reached 400.

In 1927 the canal was dropped to sea level and a new lift bridge was built to connect the end of George Street to the North Side of the city. The bridge was operable until July 28, 1942 when it was hit by tanker (the “Franz Klasen”) and was completely destroyed. The suspension bridge that stands in its place was completed in 1949.

Attractions

Chesapeake City is the place to be if you’re looking to keep busy all year long! The area offers fantastic attractions that range from museums, festivals, orchards and more. Bring your family and friends to Chesapeake City to have a memorable time!

Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum
http://www.jefpat.org/
Consisting of a whopping 560 acres, the Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum was constructed along over 2 miles of Patuxdent River and St. Leonard Creek waterfront in Calvert County. The land was donated to the State of Maryland in 1983 by Mrs. Jefferson, and archeological surveys here have uncovered over 70 dig sites spanning 9,000 years of human history.

Maryland Renaissance Festival
http://rennfest.com/
The Maryland Renaissance Festival has become the second largest Renaissance Festival in the nation, and one of the region’s most popular outdoor events. Since the event began in 1977 it has evolved into a large show with over 1,300 participants and 280,000 guests in attendance each year.

Avialantic
http://www.avialantic.com/
The Avialantic hosts airshows, events, and aviation attractions throughout the year. It also includes museums, airport news, and more.

Turkey Point Light Station Inc.
http://www.tpls.org/ or http://www.cheslights.org/heritage/turkey-pt.htm
This historic lighthouse can be found at the head of the Chesapeake Bay and is the third highest light off the water in the bay. The Turkey Point Light sits on 100 foot bluffs and is known for the large number of women who served as lightkeepers here; four of the ten known keepers served 89 of the 115 years the lighthouse was manned!

Fair Hill Nature Center
http://www.fairhillnature.org/
Here at the Fair Hill Nature Center we work to build a community where people “respect, protect, and preserve the natural environment and its resources”.

Cecil County Dragway
http://cecilcountydragway.com/
Where can you take your vehicle for a timed ¼ mile? The Cecil County Dragway! Here you will find a safe environment and qualified staff members to help you learn the ins and outs of racing on the dragway. You may even be the next John Force or Shirley Muldowney!

Dove Valley Wine
http://www.dovevalleywine.com/
Grown at the head of the Chesapeake Bay, Dove Valley grapes are the special ingredient in the eight varieties of wines offered at Dove Valley Wine. Come sample the eight varieties during a wine tasting or come in for a tour of the vineyard and winery. Dove Valley Wine has won 2 silver and 3 bronze medals from the Maryland Wineries Association.

Fairwinds Farm & Stables
http://www.fairwindsstables.com/
At the Fairwinds Farm & Stables visitors can enjoy a trail ride, hayride, pony ride, or even a sleigh ride! Carriages can also be booked for a ride that will deliver you in style to a nearby restaurant.

Milburn Orchards
http://www.milburnorchards.com/
Milburn Orchards provides farm fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the year, and has been family owned and operated since 1902. Beginning in mid-September, Milburn Orchards has festivities planned every weekend including hay rides, a corn maze, a Boo Barn for children, and a giant straw maze. All seasonal activities include games and food vendors.

Plumpton Park Zoo
http://www.plumptonparkzoo.org/
The Plumpton Park Zoo is open every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as long as the weather permits. On our website visitors can purchase annual memberships, make reservations, sign up for volunteer opportunities, and make donations to the zoo.

Bayard House
http://www.bayardhouse.com/
The Bayard House restaurant is situated right on the waterfront on the banks of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal in South Chesapeake City. This historic area has a variety of bed and breakfasts, antique stores, and gift shops for visitors to enjoy. Come spend a day with us!