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Kent County MDGenWeb is a free genealogical site about the history of the county. It is a member of MDGenWeb, which is a member of USGenWeb®. We hope you find helpful clues for your research of Kent county ancestors.

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COUNTY FORMATION

Kent County was formed 16 Dec 1642. The county was named in tribute to the English shire of Kent, from which most of the early settlers came. Captain John Smith explored and mapped a portion of what is now Kent County in 1608.

Kent County is located on Maryland's Eastern Shore. The Sassafras River forms the northern border, separating Kent County and Cecil County. On the east, the Mason and Dixon line separated it from Delaware's New Castle and Kent Counties. The Chester River is Kent's southern border with Queen Anne's County. The upper portion of the Chesapeake Bay designates the western boundary.

In 1675, the first county seat was New Yarmouth. It was briefly moved upriver to Quaker Neck. Then, Chestertown became the county seat. An early name was Port of Chester. In 1706 New Town was laid and in 1780 was renamed Chester Town. The citizens held the Chestertown Tea Party attack on the "Geddes" on May 23, 1774. Washington College was founded at Chestertown in 1782.

In 1793, the county had its first newspaper, called Apollo, or Chestertown Spy. It was succeeded by the Chestertown Gazette.

The War of 1812 was the only war Kent County fought on its own soil. During the spring and summer of both 1813 and 1814, residents faced threats as the British terrorized the Chesapeake, looting and burning farms and towns. Kent County citizens and local militia were tested during the burning of Georgetown, the rescue of the Kitty Knight House, and the Battle of Caulk's Field.