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This is a sub project of Maryland counties, cities and towns
Please add profiles of those who were born, lived or died in Kent County, Maryland.
Official Website
History
In 1642, the governor and council appointed commissioners for the Isle and County of Kent. This act appears to have led to the establishment of Kent County. The county was named for the county of Kent in England.
Washington College, the oldest college in Maryland, is located in Kent County. It was the first college charted in the nation after the Declaration of Independence and was founded by William Smith in 1782. George Washington authorized the use of his name and gave the college its largest gift of 50 guineas. Washington served on the Board of Visitors and Governors for five years. The college has been host to four United States Presidents, including George Washington, Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Franklin D. Roosevelt. All were awarded honorary degrees from the college.
The War of 1812 was the only war Kent County would experience on its own soil. During the spring and summer of both 1813 and 1814, residents faced immediate threats from the enemy as the British terrorized the Chesapeake, looting and burning farms and towns. Kent County citizens and local militia were tested and stood their ground with ingenuity and determination during the burning of Georgetown, the rescue of the Kitty Knight House and the Battle of Caulk's Field.
Adjacent Counties
- Cecil County
- New Castle County, Delaware
- Harford County
- Baltimore County
- Anne Arundel County
- Queen Anne's County
- Kent County, Delaware
Towns & Communities
- Betterton
- Butlertown
- Chesterton (County Seat)
- Edesville
- Fairlee
- Galena
- Georgetown
- Golts
- Kennedyville
- Lynch
- Massey
- Millington (part)
- Rock Hall
- Still Pond
- Tolchester
- Worton
Links
National Register of Historic Places
Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge
Kent County Historical Society
The Online Books Page - Kent County, Maryland
Genealogy Guide: Records of Wills
