TALBOT BOULEVARD - RADCLIFFE MEADOW

CHESTERTOWN

Chestertown, the county seat of Kent, the Eastern Shore of Maryland's oldest county, was founded in 1706 and served as a major port of entry during colonial times. Its brick sidewalks and attractive antique stores, restaurants and inns beckon visitors and residents alike to wander, browse and admire. A visit to Chestertown's Historic District is especially worthwhile, and includes a number of fine colonial residences, as well as some superb examples of later and more elaborate architectural styles. Second largest district of restored 18th-Century homes in Maryland, Chestertown is also home to Washington College, the nation's tenth oldest liberal arts college, founded in 1782.

WASH COLLEGE

WASHINGTON COLLEGE - The College Charter Washington College had evolved from the Kent County School, an institution of more than sixty years’ standing in “Chester Town,” which by 1782 had reached considerable strength and importance as a port city. The driving force behind this evolution was the Rev. Dr. Smith, a Scotsman who came to America in 1751 and served the College of Philadelphia (now the University of Pennsylvania) as its first provost from 1759 until its charter was revoked. Smith came to Chestertown in 1780 as rector of the Anglican Church. A man of great enthusiasm and energy, he was placed in charge of the Kent County School six months later. Under his leadership the School grew to 140 students and the Board of Visitors and Governors petitioned that a college charter be granted. The state agreed, with the provision that Dr. Smith raise 5,000 pounds within five years to support the College. Traveling the countryside on horseback, he raised more than double the required amount in five months, as citizens throughout the state responded with gifts totaling 6% of the currency then circulating in Maryland. The leaders of the day understood the importance of having an educated citizenry to participate in government, to launch new enterprises, and to advance society. During his nine-year tenure, Dr. William Smith set the highest academic standards for Washington College and saw to the construction of a massive college building that may have been the largest in Maryland at that time. That building was destroyed by fire on January 11, 1827. Its successor, the forerunner to William Smith Hall, also burned. The College suffered various economic hardships over the years, and progress came slowly. Middle Hall was erected in 1845, and was later flanked by East and West Halls. The Revolutionary College Project offers much more about the history of the tenth oldest college in America, and the first college chartered in the new nation.

TALBOT BOULEVARD - RADCLIFFE MEADOW

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RADCLIFFE CREEK

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CHESTERTOWN

WASH COLLEGE