WELCOME TO CHESTERTOWN!
Chestertown, the seat of Kent County—the Eastern Shore’s oldest
county— represents small town life at its best. Located on the
Chester River, it lies within easy driving distance of Annapolis,
Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia. The town of 4,000
boasts a rich heritage as an important grain and tobacco port, a
prominent Episcopal parish, and, later in the 18th century, the
home of citizens who played leading roles in state and national
affairs. On May 3, 1774, they boarded the brigantine Geddes, lying
at anchor in the Chester River, and tossed its cargo of tea
overboard in protest against the British tea tax—a statement of
conviction that mirrored the actions of their Boston brethren in
the same year. Nowadays, on Memorial Day weekend a parade
commemorates the Chestertown Tea Party.
In 1782, General George Washington wrote, “I am much indebted
for the honor conferred on me by giving my name to the College at
Chester.” Washington College, the liberal arts college that he
helped to establish with a gift of 50 guineas still flourishes in
Chestertown, where it is cherished as a vital asset to the cultural
life of the entire region. In recent years, Chestertown’s
architectural history has received well deserved attention. An
intensive movement aimed at preserving the town’s authentic
Colonial homes and a resurgence of interest in its many Victorian
structures have resulted in the restoration of many of the town’s
worthy 18th- and 19th-century buildings.
Today’s Chestertown is more than a museum. It is a center of
economic, social, recreational, and tourism activity. It boasts
exemplary public and private schools, attractive neighborhoods, and
a citizenry that is ever active in directing the course of its town
and in welcoming visitors to enjoy the results with them.
The cache contains a special FTF prize!
Thanks to Tonylama for helping with this hide!
