WELCOME TO THE TOWN OF PORT DEPOSIT
Captain John Smith first explored the area that is now Port
Deposit around 1608, a time when the only inhabitants were the
Susquehannock Indians. The town that subsequently emerged there on
the Susquehanna River was known as Creswell’s Ferry prior to 1812.
As time went on, the town became a heavily used port where products
like lumber, grain, coal, and whiskey were unloaded for trading.
There were outgoing goods also—blocks of granite cut from the
cliffs behind the town and fish culled from the river—but it was
the incoming trade that gave the town its
final name—Port Deposit.
While the lumber floating down river provided the country with
building materials, one of Port Deposit’s own industries produced
building material of unmatched quality. By the early nineteenth
century the granite deposits of the town were, from an engineering
standpoint, to have few rivals. It was, however, the tone and
texture of the stone that made it a favorite aesthetic choice. The
quarries, located north of the town, provided the granite used for
many churches, schools, and buildings in Baltimore, Washington, and
Philadelphia. Many of Port Deposit’s buildings are constructed of
granite. Nowhere in the county was there a stronger stone masonry
building tradition than in this small town along the Susquehanna.
With all the work available in the mills, factories, fisheries and
lumberyards of Port Deposit the town grew into prominence. On the
eve of the Civil War, it was the eighth largest city in all of
Maryland.
In the 1830s, Jacob Tome, who had made a fortune in lumber and
banking, came to Port Deposit and placed his mark on the town. He
built the Jacob Tome Institute and endowed it generously for the
benefit of the children of the town. His intention was to ensure
that the children received a superior education without cost to
their parents. Two of the school buildings in town remain, and
there are several others located on the cliff above the town.
There have been many changes in Port Deposit over the years; the
population that once was greater than 2,000 was down to about 750
at the end of the 20th century— although it was starting to grow
again. Located between the river and the granite cliffs, the place
has been dubbed “the town that couldn’t grow,” but that
characterization has been squelched by the annexation of 125 acres
of the Bainbridge property and the forthcoming annexation of the
remaining 1,125 acres. When that occurs, Port Deposit will have
more than tripled in size.
A heritage greenway trail along the river front is being created
as a potential link to other towns and as an extension of
recreational and cultural activities within the town.
Revitalization projects have been initiated—the main business area
has new sidewalks, curbing, streetlights, and benches; utility
lines have been buried underground; and the once industrial-zoned
waterfront has been transformed into a residential condominium and
marina complex. The town is on the National Register of Historic
Places; its buildings and homes display an eclectic assortment of
Georgian, Victorian, Italianate, and Federal styles, providing
instant architectural history in a pleasant walking tour. At the
start of the 21st century, the townspeople of Port Deposit are
ready to share their growing town with new residents, new business
owners, and visitors.
This cache is located in the historic area of town; there are
many homes and businesses that have been around for many years.
From this location you can see examples of the stonework that made
this town famous. Across the street is the Tome School Arch. Ample
parking is available just off the main street where you can see the
Tome Steps that lead up the hill to the old school. Enjoy your
visit here and spend some time getting to know the history of this
quiet river town.
Thanks to The Dam Trolls for helping with this hide!
