This past week I had a noon meeting in Annapolis with an evening Non-profit fundraising dinner in Denton. With a few hours to spare I decided to take an alternative route to Denton. As many know, since it’s the usual route to Rehoboth Beach in Delaware, the fastest way to Denton is to take US50 to MD404. The alternative route according to my map app is only a few minutes longer. The views one can see on it is much more relaxing.

Of course it took me a little longer since I decided to stop at a few places on the way. The first stop is one that I have mentioned many times. I took the exit on US50 at Kent Narrows to stop and see the Waterman’s Memorial Monument. The monument is dedicated to all of the Maryland natives who have died while working on the water.

Back on US50 for a few miles before moving off of the usual path onto MD18. The first stop was Queenstown. Queenstown was first County seat for Queen Anne’s County. In 1707, and in 1708 the original Courthouse was built. The county seat and Courthouse moved to Centreville in 1782.

Queenstown is on the War of 1812 trail. In August of 1813 the town was attached by the British at the “Bowlingly” estate. The estate, now a private residence, and its contents were significantly damaged by the British.

My next stop on MD18 was the Queen Anne’s County Fallen Heroes Memorial. The Memorial, first dedicated in June 2003, is dedicated to emergency services workers who have given their lives protecting and serving Queen Anne’s County citizens.

At the end of MD18 in Centreville my Map App told me I was to make a right onto MD213. I however took a left so I could go to the Courthouse. The Courthouse built in 1791-92 had served the citizens of Queen Anne’s County for over 225 years until it was replaced by the new Courthouse that is just across the street opening in 2019. As the centerpiece of the town the courthouse green has a sculpture of the county’s namesake, Queen Anne.

A few miles south on MD213 I turned onto Starr Road. It takes you through the small town of Starr. Starr is typical of many small towns on the shore that only consist of a few houses.

One the Eastern Shore there are many barns that have the American Flag painted on them.

Starr Road meets MD404 a few miles north of Denton.

Soon one comes to Denton. Most people just continue on the highway bypassing the lovely Town of Denton. Denton is the county seat of Caroline County and like Centreville in Queen Anne’s County gives a perfect example of the feel of a town on the Eastern Shore.

I am sure that you have heard of the Harriet Tubman Byway. Just by taking Business 404 you can see a few locations on that byway without going very far out of your way. Both the Wharfs of Denton, on the Choptank River and the Courthouse are stops on the byway.

The Courthouse green is also a stop on the Civil War Trail, and with a new history marker that was dedicated on April 30th honors an unsung hero of the American Revolution, who also served during the War of 1812.

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About Drives With Steve
Nearly three years ago I began doing a series of posts I called “Drives with Steve” on my photography Website, SGAtkinson.com. The idea was to take a drive from my home in Chestertown to an randomly selected location and take photographs along the way.

This eventually turned into the “Point of Interest” Series. Along the way I’ve captured a pretty wide range of photos. Check back each Sunday to see photos from a latest Drive. Although due to weather or other circumstances some may be of previous drives.

If you are wondering whether you can get a print of one of myphotographs. You sure can. Three sizes are available. 8×10 (with 11×14 Matt) at $25, 11×14 at $50 or 13×19 at $75. However, if you would like another size, I’m sure I can get one to you. Just send an email to photos@shoretobefun.com if you are interested in purchasing or have any questions.

You can support this project and see additional photos if many of these “Drives” at Patreon.com/ShoreToBeFun.