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Anne Arundel County Area Guide

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Anne Arundel County Area Guide

Anne Arundel County, MD Area Guide

Welcome to magnificent Anne Arundel County, Maryland! Anne Arundel is steeped in rich history dating back to 1649, offering visitors and residents numerous opportunities to explore the past in the County’s numerous museums and historical sites. Anne Arundel County is home to a little over 521,209 residents and was named after Anne Arundell, a member of the Arundells family in England. Enjoy taking in the scenic views, taking part in local events and festivals, and discovering all of the wonderful attractions Anne Arundell has to offer you and your family. To find out more, please visit the official Anne Arundell County page by clicking here. http://www.aacounty.org/

History

In 1649, the first European settlers arrived in what is present-day Anne Arundel County and founded a settlement called Providence on the north shore of the Severn River opposite present-day Annapolis. The county was named in honor of Anne Arundell in 1650 after her untimely death. From 1650 through 1695, a series of religious, regional and political struggles occurred in Maryland. In March of 1655, the Battle of the Severn was fought at the mouth of the Severn River and on land either at Horn Point (present-day Eastport) or across the river at Hidden Point.

In 1694, the General Assembly voted to move the capital from St. Mary's City to "Anne Arundell Towne." In 1695 the town was renamed "Annapolis" in honor of then Princess Anne, younger sister of Queen Mary. Annapolis became the economic, social and political center of the colony and the seat of government for Anne Arundel County. It remained the capital and seat of government when statehood was achieved on April 28, 1788.

Immediately after the Revolutionary War, Annapolis was succeeded by Baltimore City as the economic center of the new state. In 1840 the Annapolis & Elkridge Railroad was completed linking northern Anne Arundel County to the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. These railroads played an important role in transporting crops and people. By the mid 1800’s, tobacco was no longer the area’s only cash crop.

During the Civil War, both Annapolis and Baltimore were occupied by the Union Army to keep Maryland from seceding. Camp Parole was established near Annapolis as a prisoner exchange post for soldiers waiting to be exchanged or paroled. Some of those who died at their time at Camp Parole were buried in the military cemetery on the corner of present-day West Street and Taylor Avenue.

In the late 1880's, recreation became a major business throughout the County with the opening of numerous summer resorts including Bay Ridge, "The Queen Resort of the Chesapeake." Readily available rail and steamboat access from Baltimore brought clientele to Bay Ridge and other smaller resorts developed on creeks in the northern portion of the County. Resort areas developed in Shady Side and Mayo. In 1893, Major Charles R. Douglass, the son of abolitionist Frederick Douglass, established Highland Beach as an exclusive resort for African Americans. Many prominent African Americans, including Booker T. Washington, Paul Laurence Dunbar and Mary Church Terrell, either visited or owned homes in the community.

The increased industrialization in the County during World War II and the national movement towards suburban living that followed caused significant changes to occur in Anne Arundel County. Major employers such as National Plastics Corporation (now Nevamar) and Westinghouse relocated to the County. The Naval Academy, established in 1845 on the site of Fort Severn, continued to be a major employer. Fort George Meade was established during World War I to train troops for battle in France, but was greatly expanded during World War II. The influx of army personnel and the associated commercial enterprises transformed Odenton from a small rail stop to "Boom Town." Harundale Mall, one of the first enclosed shopping malls in the nation, was opened in 1958, reflecting the change in emphasis from Baltimore to more local commercial centers. Friendship International Airport (Baltimore-Washington International Airport), dedicated in 1950 by President Harry S. Truman, was considered the most advanced facility in the United States. In 1957 it was the East Coast terminus of the record-breaking transcontinental flight by the first Boeing 707 jetliner. For this and more information on Anne Arundel’s rich history, please visit their official historical site at: http://www.aacounty.org/AboutAACo/history.cfm

Parks and Recreation

The Anne Arundel County Department of Parks and Recreation is dedicated to providing visitors and residents alike with the tools they need to achieve a high quality of life. The mission of the Department is “to enrich the lives of our citizens by offering quality active and passive recreational opportunities and accessible youth and adult services while pursuing the preservation and enhancement of our natural, cultural and historic resources”. Choose from one of more than 140 parks and specialized recreational facilities including two swim centers, two golf courses, baseball stadium and softball complex. The Department is also responsible for setting up a variety of programs and events throughout the year. To find out all this and more, please visit their official website at: http://www.aacounty.org/RecParks/index.cfm

Attractions and Activities

Discover a rich variety of fantastic attractions and activities that await you in Anne Arundel County. Anne Arundel County offers superb shopping, delectable restaurants and eateries, and fun to be had by all. Take one of the County’s many guided tours or enjoy a day out on the water with friends and loved ones. If you’re interested in Anne Arundel County’s history and heritage, why not visit one of the many museums or historical sites Anne Arundel has to offer? Gallery hop or enjoy a challenging round of golf on one of the local courses, Anne Arundel County has something for everyone. To find out more about the incredible attractions and activities that await you, please feel free to explore the links provide below. http://www.visitannapolis.org/see/index.aspx

Events

Norman is host to a variety of exceptional events throughout the year! From free festivals and community events to excellent concerts and theatre productions, there’s something for people of all ages and interests. Please visit the link provided below to discover just a few of these family-friendly events that await you in the upcoming months. http://www.aacounty.org/Events/index.cfm