Maryland Municipal League Geotrail - Charlestown Traditional Cache

The town of Charles Town was established in 1742 by Act of the Maryland Assembly because, to quote the Act, "the encouragement of Trade and navigation is the surest means of promoting the happiness and increasing the riches of every country…[and]…there being as yet no [town] settled at or near the head of the Chesapeake Bay…" The Assembly directed that "a place called Long Point on the west side of North East River in Cecil County" be the location of the new town and that it be named Charles Town in honor of the Right Honorable Charles, Lord Baron of Baltimore. A public wharf and a three-story warehouse were built. An inspector was appointed to ensure that only flour of superior quality was sold. And Charles Town was in business.

Charles Town was a major supply center for the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Two encounters with British war ships are recorded. Early in the conflict, a ship blockading the port was captured and its officers and crew marched through the streets of the town. In 1777, the town was bombarded as diversion while General Howe’s troops sailed up the Elk River to affect a landing.

When a severe hurricane in 1786 altered the shipping channels, making the ports of Baltimore and Havre de Grace more accessible, Charles Town’s prosperity waned. The following year, many of the towns well-to-do tore down their houses and moved to Baltimore in disgust when the town’s status as county seat was stripped in favor of Elk River (now Elkton).

Thus it is that through a devastating act of nature and political intrigues, that Charles Town escaped the ravages of “progress,” emerging as the small quaint bayside hamlet it is today.

Charlestown today is a small, water-oriented municipality with a population of about 1,500 people, four marinas, a general store, two restaurants, an elementary school and a post office.

A two-room school house was erected in 1878 and housed grades one through six until June 14, 1961, when the Board of Education deeded the property to the town. The structure now houses the post office and the Town Hall. The blackboard - with initials and dates carved thereon - is proudly displayed in the Town Hall. Charlestown, situated on the banks of the North East River, is located in the heart of Cecil County just off I-95 between Exit 100 and Exit 93.

The Geocache you seek is hidden within walking distance of the Town Hall and Post Office, located at 241 Market Street. A regular-size lok n lok container, it is available at all times. Drop on by……you'll be glad you came.

Thanks to Basketlady Bee and Umpire35 for helping with the original MML hide!

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