Chestertown, Maryland

Chestertown is a town located in Kent County, Maryland. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 4,746. It is the county seat of Kent County{{GR|6}}. The zipcode is 21620 and the area code is 410. The local telephone exchanges are 778 and 810.

History

Founded in 1706, Chestertown rose in stature when it was named one of the colony's six Royal Ports of Entry. The shipping boom that followed this designation made the town at the navigable head of the Chester River wealthy. In the mid-18th century, Chestertown trailed only Annapolis as Maryland's leading port.

Related Topics:
Chester River - 18th century - Annapolis

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A burgeoning merchant class infused riches into the town, reflected in the many brick mansions and townhouses that sprung up along the watefront. Another area in which Chestertown is second only to Annapolis is in its number of existing 18th century homes.

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As of the 1790 census, Chestertown was the geographical center of population of the United States.

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Chestertown was home to major league baseball player Bill "Swish" Nicholson.

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