Shortly after Queen Anne’s County was organized in 1706, Queenstown became the County Seat in 1707. It was first called Queen Anne’s Town, then in 1710 Queen’s Town and later simply Queenstown. The town and the County was named after England’s Queen Anne.
The Court House was built in 1708. In 1782 the County seat was moved to Centreville. The frame structure dates to 1708. The brick section was added between 1820 and 1840 and not used as a Court House since its construction came after Centreville became the county seat.
Since 1782 the building had served as a home, warehouse, drug store, grocery store, restaurant, beer parlor, post office, and an antique shop. In 1977 the town bought the property with the restored Court House opening taking place on May 5, 1979.
Queenstown is also the only town in Queen Anne’s County to be attacked by the British during the War of 1812. The attack, which occurred in August 1813, is one of locations on Maryland’s Eastern Shore portion of the Star Spangled Banner Trail.
Author’s Note:
In the 315 year history of Queen Anne’s County, the county has only had three Court Houses. When the County Seat was moved to Centreville a Court House was built there and remained in operation until 2019 when it was replaced with a new more modern building.
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What does the Latin on the sign translate to?
“Little Town on the Water”