Londontowne, also historically spelled “London Town,” is an 18th‑century former settlement located on the Patuxent River in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, United States. The site lies approximately 15 mi south‑southeast of Annapolis and is presently part of the unincorporated community of Edgewater.
Geography
The historic area occupies a flood‑plain on the western shore of the Patuxent River near its confluence with the Chesapeake Bay. The terrain is low‑lying and historically provided a natural harbor that facilitated colonial trade. Modern access is via Maryland Route 2 (Solomons Island Road) and local county roads.
Historical Development
| Period | Key Developments |
|---|---|
| Early 1700s | Founded by Maryland colonists as a port and market town serving the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay. The settlement was named “London Town” in reference to the English capital. |
| 1730s–1760s | Became a regional commercial hub; a courthouse, taverns, warehouses, and a ferry service were established. The town hosted the colonial Maryland Court of Admiralty and a weekly market. |
| 1776–1780s | The American Revolutionary War disrupted trade; the town’s economic importance declined as maritime routes shifted. |
| Early 19th century | Most commercial activity relocated to nearby Annapolis and Baltimore. By the 1820s the settlement was largely abandoned, and many structures fell into ruin. |
| 20th century | Archaeological interest grew, leading to preservation efforts by the Maryland Historical Trust. The site was developed into a living‑history museum known as “London Town and Gardens.” |
| Present | The historic site operates as an educational museum and archaeological park, featuring reconstructed colonial buildings, demonstrations of period crafts, and interpretive programs. The surrounding area is residential and includes modern amenities. |
Archaeology and Preservation
Archaeological investigations conducted in the 1960s and 1970s uncovered foundations of the original courthouse, tavern, and merchant warehouses. Artifacts recovered include ceramics, glassware, and ironwork dated to the mid‑18th century. Based on these findings, the Maryland Historical Trust designated the area a historic district and provided funding for stabilization and public interpretation.
Cultural Significance
Londontowne exemplifies the rise and decline of small port towns in colonial America. It provides insight into:
- The economic networks linking the Chesapeake’s agricultural hinterland to trans‑Atlantic trade.
- Colonial legal and administrative functions, notably the Court of Admiralty’s role in maritime adjudication.
- Architectural styles of the period, including simple Georgian and vernacular colonial structures.
Current Use and Visitor Information
“London Town and Gardens” is operated by the Maryland Historical Trust in partnership with local non‑profit organizations. The site offers:
- Guided tours of reconstructed buildings such as the courthouse and tavern.
- Demonstrations of colonial crafts (blacksmithing, weaving, pottery).
- Seasonal events featuring period music, reenactments, and educational programs for schools.
The museum’s address is 1245 S. Road, Edgewater, MD 20715, with parking available on‑site. Admission fees are modest, and the site is open seasonally, typically from April through October.
Etymology
The name “London Town” reflects a common 17th‑ and 18th‑century practice of naming American settlements after prominent English locales, indicating either aspirational connections to the mother country or the origins of early settlers.
References
- Maryland Historical Trust, “London Town Historic District,” site inventory and archaeological report, 1978.
- The Chesapeake Bay: A Regional History, Maryland Historical Society, 1994.
- “London Town and Gardens,” official website of the Maryland Historical Trust, accessed June 2026.
Note: The spelling “Londontowne” is occasionally used in contemporary marketing materials for the historic site and surrounding residential developments, but the historically documented name is “London Town.”