Images of America: Maryland Series

Exploring the rich history of Maryland's amusement parks, this book captures nearly 130 years of joy and nostalgia associated with these attractions. It showcases five remaining parks while reflecting on the nearly thirty that have shaped the state's entertainment landscape. Through captivating imagery and anecdotes, readers can relive cherished memories, from thrilling rides to romantic experiences, and gain insight into the evolution of these beloved venues in Maryland's cultural heritage.

The narrative traces the evolution of Perryville, from its early days as Lower Ferry, where notable figures like George Washington gathered, to its modern identity shaped by the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay. Key historical milestones include the town's prosperity during the 1860s, driven by the rise of railroads, which transformed its economy and workforce. Through a collection of vintage images, the book captures a century of progress and the lives of Perryville's citizens, reflecting both the triumphs and challenges faced by the community.

Hampton National Historic Site in Towson, Maryland, was established in 1948 to preserve the surviving 63 acres of the vast empire built by the Ridgely family beginning in the 18th century. In its heyday, the estate covered 25,000 noncontiguous acres and included agricultural fields, orchards, livestock, quarries, mills, and ironworks. Today visitors flock to the magnificent Georgian mansion, farm manager’s house, slave quarters, dairy, agricultural buildings, formal gardens, and family cemetery. The story of Hampton National Historic Site extends beyond its buildings and setting to the people who lived and worked on the estate during the 200plus years of Ridgely ownership, including the indentured servants, the enslaved, and the paid workforce. The legacy of Hampton National Historic Site is illustrated here through rich primary source material that was generated for and by the Ridgelys, including written documentation, historic images, and physical artifacts.

Focusing on the rich history of Crisfield, this book chronicles the city's evolution from a prominent seafood hub to a thriving community. It highlights significant events such as the Great Fire of 1928 and Hurricane Hazel in 1954, alongside cultural milestones like the National Hard Crab Derby. With over 200 images, the narrative captures daily life in schools, churches, and downtown, showcasing how the city's unique foundation of oyster shells and its nickname "Seafood Capital of the World" shaped its identity.

Cecil County's history is intricately tied to its strategic location at the head of the Chesapeake Bay, defined by rivers and the Mason-Dixon Line. Balancing its agricultural roots with the demands of trade and tourism, the county has evolved while maintaining its rural charm. Its waterways and highways have facilitated the movement of goods and people, including military supplies and romantic couples. The arrival of itinerant photographers in the 18th century marked the beginning of visual documentation, preserving the county's rich heritage for future generations.

The book explores the historical significance of oysters in Chesapeake Bay, highlighting their prominence as a vital resource for early settlers who marveled at their size and abundance. It delves into the ecological and cultural importance of these shellfish, reflecting on how they shaped the region's identity and economy. Through vivid descriptions and historical accounts, it captures the essence of the bay's natural bounty and the impact of oysters on the local environment and community.

Established in 1666, Somerset County, Maryland, has a rich history shaped by notable figures like Declaration of Independence signer Samuel Chase. The book explores the county's evolution, highlighting the impact of the railroad expansion in the 1800s on its seafood and agricultural industries. It features previously unseen photographs and details the development of local institutions, such as the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, as well as cherished traditions like Olde Princess Anne Days and the National Hard Crab Derby.

The book explores the historical significance of lighthouses in Maryland during Colonial times, highlighting their role in marking perilous waterways as shipping routes expanded. It details the unique design of these structures, particularly wood-framed cottages on screw pile foundations, and the challenges they faced from harsh conditions and ice. The narrative also addresses the decline of these beacons due to technological advancements like electricity and GPS, leading to vandalism and neglect, resulting in the loss of most original lighthouses.

The annual Labor Day weekend event in Maryland has transformed from a small crab race in 1948 into a nationally celebrated festival. It features the Governor's Cup crab race, attracting participants from across the country, all vying to break world records in crab picking and boat docking. This vibrant celebration highlights the community's love for crabs and showcases the unique cultural significance of this tradition.

Edgar Allan Poe wrote his great works while living in several cities on the East Coast of the United States, but Baltimore's claim to him is special. His ancestors settled in the burgeoning town on the Chesapeake during the 18th century, and it was in Baltimore that he found refuge when his foster family in Virginia shut him out. Most importantly, it was here that he was first paid for his literary work. If Baltimore discovered Poe, it also has the inglorious honor of being the place that destroyed him. On October 7, 1849, he died in this city, then known as "Mob Town." Edgar Allan Poe's Baltimore is the first book to explore the poet's life in this port city and in the quaint little house on Amity Street, where he once wrote.

Set in Frostburg, a historic community in the Allegheny Mountains of Western Maryland, the narrative explores the rich traditions and heritage of the area. The book delves into the lives of its residents, revealing how the past shapes their present and influences their future, creating a vivid tapestry of local culture and community bonds.

Nestled in the heart of Prince George's County, the city of Bowie has grown from a Colonial farming area to become one of Maryland's largest cities. Its rich history is intertwined with those of the railroad, early tobacco culture, the rise of suburbia, and Thoroughbred racing. Belair Mansion and Stable bred some of the 20th century's most brilliant racers, including two Triple Crown winners raced under the Belair colors. The Belair Mansion and Stable remain today as two of Thoroughbred racing's most historic places. Built on the railroads, the city's birthplace was Huntington City. At the heart of Huntington was Bowie Station, named for Maryland governor Oden Bowie, an important figure in the presence of the railroad in the area. Today, the city of Bowie is a growing, vibrant, and diverse city, incorporating almost 400 years of history in its story. Bowie is a true American hometown where the present celebrates the past every day.