Small Towns

The Lower Shore

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A Short History of the Town of Princess Anne, Maryland

The Town of Princess Anne exemplifies "Small Town America."  With a population just under 2400 people, this hamlet at the head of the Manokin River was named for the 24 year old daughter of King George II.  It was established in 1733  and serves as the county seat for Somerset County (the southern most county in Maryland.  

Ranked  # 3 Small Town in the State of Maryland by ePodunk Historic Small Towns (after Frostburg and Easton), Princess Anne abounds with history, culture and American Heritage in its purest form.

In the mid 18th century, Princess Anne gained considerable importance as a market center because of the river trade and the southward extension of the railroad on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. At that time, the Manokin River was navigable as far as the bridge at Princess Anne. 

Much of the town’s architectural heritage from those days has been preserved. About 150 acres of the old town, containing about 300 structures, is entered on the National Register of Historic Places.

Somerset County Courthouse in Princess Anne

The area overflows with attractions and amenities, yet still keeps a quiet rural charm and a home-town feel.  

There are two Universities (including the University of Maryland Eastern Shore located in Princess Anne), a Community College, a Professional Baseball Team (the Delmarva Shore Birds), 3 State Parks, several shopping malls, and over 20 museums that uncover and interpret the culture and heritage of the Lower Shore. 

One of the greatest local attractions is, of course - the Atlantic Beaches which include Ocean City, Maryland, Assateague, Chincoteague, Rehoboth, Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island.

Attractions include Golfing, hiking, biking, bird-watching, swimming, fishing, boating, shopping, and site-seeing.  The links below will show just a few of the attractions and amenities the Lower Shore has to offer

More Princess Anne Information