History of Anne Arundel County, Maryland
Anne Arundel County, located in the heart of Maryland, is a region rich in history, culture, and strategic significance. Established in 1650, the county is named after Anne Arundell, the wife of Cecilius Calvert, the second Lord Baltimore. It has played a crucial role in Maryland’s colonial, military, and economic history due to its location along the Chesapeake Bay and proximity to Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. The county is home to a diverse range of historical sites, from colonial-era landmarks to military installations, and has been a center of trade, transportation, and government for centuries.
Origins and Key Historical Events
Early History and Indigenous Peoples
Before European settlers arrived, the land that would become Anne Arundel County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, most notably the Piscataway and Susquehannock peoples. These tribes lived off the abundant resources of the Chesapeake Bay, utilizing its rich waterways for fishing, transportation, and trade. The Piscataway tribe, in particular, established villages along the Annapolis and Severn River areas.
The first European settlers arrived in the area in the early 1600s, largely from England. In 1634, the English colonists, led by Lord Baltimore (Cecilius Calvert), arrived in Maryland to establish a colony where religious tolerance would be a key principle. As the colony expanded, settlers began to push into the fertile lands along the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, leading to the creation of several counties, including Anne Arundel.
Formation and Early Development
Anne Arundel County was formed in 1650 from parts of Calvert County. Named after Anne Arundell, the wife of Lord Baltimore, the county became an important center for trade and agriculture. The early economy of the region was primarily agricultural, with settlers growing tobacco, the region’s most valuable crop. Plantations dominated the landscape, and enslaved Africans were forced to work the fields, making tobacco production a key part of the county’s economy.
In 1695, the first Maryland General Assembly was held in Annapolis, the county seat, marking the beginning of Annapolis’ role as the political heart of the colony. Annapolis was later selected as the capital of the colony, which increased the town’s importance and led to further development.
Colonial Period and Strategic Location
During the 18th century, Anne Arundel County played a pivotal role in the development of Maryland. Its strategic location along the Chesapeake Bay made it a crucial center for trade and shipping. The county became a significant port, facilitating the export of goods like tobacco, grain, and iron. The county also developed an important connection with the Atlantic Ocean through the bay, which provided trade routes to Europe and the West Indies.
The county also became an important military site, especially during the American Revolution. As the capital of Maryland, Annapolis became a key city for the Continental Congress and General George Washington. In 1783, the city of Annapolis served as the temporary capital of the United States, and it was here that the Treaty of Paris was ratified, formally ending the Revolutionary War.
The Civil War Era and the Military Legacy
The period leading up to and during the Civil War was a time of great tension for Anne Arundel County. Though Maryland was a border state and initially remained in the Union, the county’s proximity to the South made it a site of military conflict. Annapolis was used as a key military garrison and was the site of several important military installations, including the United States Naval Academy.
During the war, many men from Anne Arundel County fought on both sides of the conflict. Despite its loyalty to the Union, there was a significant Confederate presence in Maryland, and several skirmishes and battles occurred in the surrounding area. The Washington, D.C. area, with its proximity to Anne Arundel County, was also heavily fortified during the war.
After the war, Anne Arundel County, like much of Maryland, experienced economic hardship due to the end of the plantation economy and the effects of the war. However, the county began to rebound by the late 19th century with the growth of industry and transportation infrastructure.
20th Century Growth and Development
The early 20th century brought new industries to Anne Arundel County, as railroads and automobiles expanded transportation networks. The county became a hub for military installations, including the expansion of the United States Naval Academy and the establishment of new military bases such as Fort Meade. These installations became major employers and drivers of economic growth for the county.
The development of airports, particularly Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), further solidified Anne Arundel County’s importance as a transportation and trade center. With the expansion of suburban communities in the mid-20th century, Anne Arundel County saw significant growth in both population and infrastructure.
Historical Sites in Anne Arundel County
1. The United States Naval Academy
Overview
Founded in 1845, the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis is one of the premier military academies in the United States. The academy has produced some of the nation’s most prominent military leaders, including Admiral John S. McCain and President Jimmy Carter. The Naval Academy’s historic campus includes several notable buildings, including the Naval Academy Chapel, Bancroft Hall, and Preble Hall. Visitors can tour the academy and learn about its rich history, including its pivotal role in the defense of the United States.
Location:
121 Blake Road, Annapolis, MD 21402
Ticket Price:
- Free for public tours; reservations required for special tours.
Parking Information:
Parking is available at several locations around the academy, with metered street parking near the entrance.
2. Maryland State House
Overview
The Maryland State House in Annapolis is the oldest state capitol still in continuous legislative use in the United States. Built in 1772, the State House is a National Historic Landmark and has played an important role in Maryland’s political history. It was here that the Continental Congress met in 1783 and where the Treaty of Paris was ratified, officially ending the Revolutionary War. The building is open to the public and offers guided tours of its historic chambers and legislative halls.
Location:
100 State Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401
Ticket Price:
- Free entry; guided tours available.
Parking Information:
Limited parking is available at the State House, with additional parking in nearby public lots and street parking.
3. Fort Meade
Overview
Fort Meade, located in Laurel, is one of the oldest military installations in the United States. Established in 1917, it is home to several important agencies, including the National Security Agency (NSA) and the U.S. Cyber Command. Fort Meade has played a critical role in American military history, particularly during World War II and the Cold War. Today, Fort Meade remains an active military base, but some of its historic sites are open to the public for educational purposes.
Location:
Fort Meade, MD 20755
Ticket Price:
- Free for public tours, but access to base may be restricted due to security measures.
Parking Information:
Parking is available on base, but visitors should check for any access restrictions or required identification.
County Facts
Geography and Climate
Anne Arundel County is located in central Maryland, bordered by the Chesapeake Bay to the east. The county’s landscape is varied, with waterfront areas, rolling hills, and forested parks. The Severn River and South River are prominent waterways in the county, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.
The climate of Anne Arundel County is characterized as humid subtropical, with hot, humid summers and mild, cool winters. Average summer temperatures range from 75°F to 90°F, while winter temperatures typically range from 30°F to 45°F. The area receives moderate rainfall throughout the year, with an average annual precipitation of about 44 inches.
Key County Statistics
- Year Founded: 1650
- County Seat: Annapolis
- Population: Approximately 580,000
- Population Density: 1,400 people per square mile
- Largest Cities: Annapolis, Severna Park, Glen Burnie, Odenton
- Major Highways: Interstate 95, Interstate 97, U.S. Route 50
- Adjacent Counties:
- Baltimore County (north)
- Howard County (west)
- Prince George’s County (south)
- Queen Anne’s County (east)