Maryland's history actually began on the Isle of Kent in 1631, when William Claiborne landed about two miles northeast of Kent Point and contracted with the natives there for their rights to possess the land for the Crown of England. This commenced the first English settlement in Maryland and one of the first in the nation, predated only by James town, Plymouth Rock and the Massachusetts Colony. Unfortunately, the exact location of Claiborne's settlement has not been found. However, records show that Claiborne built a fort named Crayford, which lies between the present Chesapeake Estates and Kentmorr, so named from Crayford Parish, Kent, England where he was born.
The 1631 settlement began as a trading post with rights from Governor Yeardley of Virginia in about 1625 for Claiborne to "trade and truck with the Indians" and from King Charles I on May 16, 1631, who issued him a license to trade in the Chesapeake. He had been in charge of the plantation for three years when the Ark and Dove arrived at St. Mary's City and for more than a year before Cecil Calvert received his charter to the Province of Maryland. Yet, Cecil Calvert instructed his brother, Leonard, to arrest Claiborne if he did not submit "unto his Lordships patent."
Years of bloodshed and turmoil, including hangings, ensued. After Lord Baltimore took control, some of Claiborne's men stayed on under the rule of St. Mary's. Claiborne had left the island for England, but he later took a strong role in the leadership of the Virginia Colony and appealed to the crown for reimbursement of his lands. His petition was ignored.
Kent Island is a part of Queen Anne's County, famous for the Wye Oak, one of the oldest in the country and for the Old Wye Grist Mill, in operation since the 1670s. Ground cornmeal from this mill was purchased by Robert Morris, financier of the American Revolution, to be used as provisions for George Washington's army at Valley Forge in 1778. Open Sat and Sun 10am to 4pm from March - December. Call 410-822-7922.
The Wildfowl Discovery Center and adjacent captive wildfowl collection in Grasonville, surrounded by more than 300 acres of natural beauty, holds workshops, guided walks, a wetland festival and lectures. One-half mile from Rt. 18 off Perry Corner Road on the way to Prospect Bay Road. Open 9am to 5pm Wed-Sun and closed on major holidays. 410-827-6694.
Land's End Manor
Lands End Manor is a new bed & breakfast near Grasonville The first land grant was probably 10,000 acres, the entirety of Prospect Bay. Prospect Bay Plantation was here and the logs of the house are beneath the present brick. When the area was subdivided, Lands End became the present 17 acre plat. The approach by a long lane of fine fir trees leads to the antique brick and shingled home, surrounded by Rhodedendras. The door, with a white Federal pediment and round window, opens on a foyer of serene beauty with a graceful stair. A Waterford crystal chandelier casts shimmering beams upon an antique needlepoint chair and chest with crystal "objets d'art." Crossing the foyer on soft Persian rugs, one finds a cozy library with russet walls. Gold and russet floral print draperies share the print in the powder room. European hearth tiles display cavaliers, complementing a European marine painting, Japanese "mudmen" and Oriental prints. Gracing the connecting hallway is a fine art collection of the owners.
Near the foyer is a parlor with mauve and gold hearth, matching carpet, large grandfather's clock and huge 18th century highboy. Four French doors open one wall to the solarium where lounge chairs command a garden and waterview also displayed from a back terrace. In the Great Room guests enjoy breakfast by the fire beneath a collection of Bing & Grondahl plates enhanced by 18th century Delft tiles. Breakfasts of fresh squeezed orange juice, fruit compote, two kinds of coffee cake made from scratch, and a hot dish, such as eggs and sausage or crab meat blintzes are also enjoyed at a window table looking out on a lovely pool. The room paneled in knotty pine reflects its heritage as a hunting lodge with large desk and working player piano .It leads into a dining room with walls scraped to reveal the original pine. A floral motif accents a precious bust of a girl and bird.
Climbing the sweeping stair, we discover the owner's mother's golden goose eggs with figures in ovals for special days. A portrait of Mr.Wheatley's great grandfather, a newspaper editor, is next to the Heron Guest Room., where a working fire place awaits with Oriental figures on tiles. A blue and cream motif accents French ancestral furnishings, floral print valances, Oriental lamps, and a lovely bath. The corner Swan Guest Room features Tiger Maple furniture from Mr. Wheatley's family, a tassel canopied bed, and swan hooked rug. Delicate swans fly on the highboy. A church chair seat reveals books, indicating the innkeeper's personalized cordial pampering.
Innkeepers: Charles and Elaine Johnson Wheatley. 2 rooms with king size beds and baths. Gourmet breakfasts, tea or beverage with hors d'oeuvres or dessert. Children over 5 only. Visa, Master card, checks, cash. Walking on 17 private acres with lovely trees, swimming pool, complimentary boat dock, row boat, canoe and bicycles. Near fine restaurants, shops and crab houses, historic Stevensville.
Bloomingdale Place
Bloomingdale Place, a colonial Georgian manor dating to 1792, has a columned pediment on both storeys divided by a terrace on the top storey. From the entrance, a long hall leads to a spacious living room on the left and dining room on the right. The owners now open the house for parties, weddings and reunions with inside or outside catering. This is not a bed and breakfast. Bloomingdale was patented by Captain Robert Morris, under the name of Mt. Hill in 1665. It was acquired by John Seth, who willed it to his son, Charles, who became owner of the entire grant. Later, Thomas Seth acquired the property and sold it to Dr. Edward Harris. He willed it to his daughters, who rechristened the lovely manor house, Bloomingdale. In 1879, Mrs.DeCoursey was being entertained by Sallie Harris, one of the doctor's daughters, when they saw a wraith-like spirit ascend the stairway toward the bedroom that Sallie's nephew, William Sterrett, had occupied when he lived in the house before he had drowned in the old mill. The spirit entered the bedroom much to the dismay of the shocked women. When Sallie Harris summoned the courage to enter the bedroom, the spirit was no longer there, but the bed clothes were rumpled.
Queen Anns County : Queenstown Inn Queenstown Inn
Built in 1830, the Queenstown Inn has enjoyed a colorful history. Before 1856, Dr. Winchester, inventor of the hypodermic syringe, owned the property. In 1859, it held a cabinet making shop. The Queenstown Bank and Post Office also operated here in the 1900’s. Historians have noted that the cast iron front, dating from 1888, on the older section’s facade, is probably the finest one in Maryland.
The Queenstown Inn one block from the Bay in peaceful Queenstown, is just a few miles from the Bay Bridge on Rt. 50 on the Eastern Shore. Under new ownership in 2003, it has been completely remodeled and has country quilts in each of its four rooms and The Burgess Suite. The Seaside Room is graced with a maritime decore. the Bayside has a golfing theme, the Music Room is enhanced by conservatory highlights and the Garden Room has a sliding glass door with a view of the antique gazebo. The back gardens now boast a patio and antique arbour.
A new art gallery displays local artists' works from A.R.T. East, a round table artists' group which changes shows regularly. The Carriage House is used for meetings and conferences.
Since it is on the America Trail, the inn is ideal for bikers and is just minutes from golfing, clay shoots and hunting areas. A variety of packages are available, such as the Romantic Weekend, Golfers', Bikers', and Cast & Blast for fishing and shooting. Call to take advantage of these specials.
Innkeepers: Michael Lydon and Joshua Barnes. Address: 7109 Main St. Queenstown, Md 21658, Phone: 410 827-3396, Rooms, 4 with private baths and a suite, Meals: Gourmet continental breakfast. Nearby: golfing, fishing, shooting, hiking, swimming, boating.
Hayman House
Kent Manor Inn
The Kent Manor Inn just over the Bay Bridge on the Eastern Shore is on Rt. 8 off the first exit from Rt. 50. It is one of the most spectacular historic attraction in Maryland. Rising majestically one mile from historic Stevensville, it is near the site of Maryland's first settlement on Kent Point in 1631.
In the gracious antebellum mansion built c. 1820, one may step back to a time of quiet country elegance. Romantic touches, such as a cupola with love notes on the walls take us back to the times of Scarlet O'Hara. From this glass observatory, one can look down over lush fields to the water beyond, viewing a treasure land of deer and waterfowl.
Several dining and banquet rooms are graced with Victorian draperies of mauve satin, Oriental carpets, damask linen and lace and presided over by mounted waterfowl.
At the hallways's end is a glass enclosed veranda, looking out on the Garden House, which is perfect for weddings. The inn features 24 period guest rooms each with its own private bath and working fireplace
The beautiful site was part of the tract called Smithfield which comprised "The Courthouse now Wetherell" granted to Thomas Wetherell in 1651. It past through several owners and the Bright family opened the house in 1898 as a summer hotel called the Brightsworth Inn. Later it was a hotel called Kent Hall. Whether you visit for a conference or for pleasure, your stay will afford lasting sumptuous memories.
Innkeeper: Marsh Clough, Chef: Wm. Lackey Address: 500 Kent Manor Drive, Stevensville, Md. 21666. Phone: 410-643-5757, 410-643-7716; Rooms: 24 with private baths and fireplaces. Children: yes Meals: Full breakfasts, lunches and dinners in 5 Victorian dining rooms. Nearby: Hunting, fishing, boating, shops restaurants.Pintail Point Manor House Queen Annes County Pintail Point Manor House
Built in 1936, the gracious English Tudor-style home, called the Manor House at luxurious Pintail Point offers its guests breathtaking water views in a relaxing atmosphere. The original owner is said to have been a Portugese prince. Little is known about the family, save that it was built for them when they migrated from Hawaii.
Pintail Point, itself, is comprised of approximately one thousand acres including a sporting clays facility, a working dairy farm, recreational hunting and fishing tracts and two bed & breakfasts. Currently owned by Lou Schaefer, owner of Schaefer and Stromenger auto dealerships, the Manor House is in its 5th family of owners. He purchased it in the late 70's to serve as a summer home for his family, then converted it to a bed and breakfast in 1999.
A cottage on the property offers a double bed, a full hot breakfast and full use of Manor House and guest pantry with sodas, water, beer and wine. Each room in the house offers the same facilities. The Chesapeake Suite has a queen bed and two twins in a separate bedroom for families or hunters, while the Master Suite has a king bed and double futon in its sitting room and the Skipjack Room has one Queen bed. All afford the guests with comfortable private baths. Parties may rent the house exclusively by calling Pintail Point. Private catered parties are also welcomed.
The Manor House has undergone interior design changes over the years, moving it to a more subdued 17th century style. The artwork signed "Dixon" was commissioned by Mr. Schaefer in the late 1970's, when Jim Dixon lived in the house and modeled his work from the surroundings of Pintail Point. American Indian artwork may be found in the den, living room and game room. The Schaefer collection of milkglass from the Chrysler estate is in the dining room china closet, and Franklin Porcelain is displayed through- out the house. The standing blue and white plates in the china closet are artifacts recovered from the British ship "Adgillus", lost at sea on October 20, 1874.
INNKEEPER: Renee Hill. ADDRESS 511 Pintail Point Lane, Queenstown, Md. 21658. PHONE: 410 827-7029 wwwPintailPoint.com, MEALS: Full Hot Breakfast. PETS: no, ROOMS: 4 plus cottage all with private baths. NEARBY: Sporting Clays, hunting, fishing, hiking, bird watching, golfing, tennis, Scottish pub at Hunters Oak, chartered cruises.