The History of Anne Arundel County, Maryland
(From 1600s to Today)
A Quick Overview of Anne Arundel County’s History
Most people going about their daily lives in Annapolis or driving through Pasadena and Glen Burnie don’t realize they’re standing in one of the most historically important counties in the country.
Anne Arundel County was founded in 1650, but its story stretches back long before that. Named after Anne Arundell, the wife of Cecilius Calvert, the county quickly became a center of politics, trade, and culture in colonial America.
It’s also one of the few places in the country that can say it briefly served as the capital of the United States—something most locals don’t even realize.
Before European Settlement: Life Along the Chesapeake Bay
Long before roads, neighborhoods, or waterfront restaurants existed, this land was home to Indigenous communities—most notably the Piscataway.
They built their lives around the Chesapeake Bay, using it as both a food source and a transportation system.
Daily life looked very different:
- Fishing, crabbing, and oyster harvesting
- Seasonal farming of corn, beans, and squash
- Trade with other tribes throughout the region
The rivers and shoreline that define Anne Arundel County today weren’t just scenic—they were essential. And that deep connection to the water still shapes the area centuries later.
The Founding of Anne Arundel County (1650)
Anne Arundel County didn’t start as the developed area we know today. In the mid-1600s, it was raw land—thick forests, open shoreline, and scattered settlements connected mostly by water.
In 1650, the county was officially established and named in honor of Lady Anne Arundell.
One of the first major settlements here was Providence, founded by Puritans who left Virginia in search of religious freedom. That settlement would eventually grow into Annapolis.
Early life in the county revolved around a few key things:
- Tobacco farming as the primary economy
- The Chesapeake Bay acting as the main “highway”
- Trade routes connecting Maryland to England and beyond
What’s now a network of towns and neighborhoods started as isolated pockets of survival and opportunity.
The Rise of Annapolis and the Colonial Era
By the late 1600s, Annapolis wasn’t just another settlement—it was becoming one of the most important cities in colonial America.
In 1694, it was named the capital of Maryland, and from there, everything accelerated.
Wealth, politics, and trade all flowed through the city. Ships moved in and out of the harbor, tobacco exports fueled the economy, and Annapolis became known for its influence and culture.
The Maryland State House still stands as a reminder of that era—built in 1779 and still in use today.
Walk through downtown Annapolis now, and you’re literally walking the same streets where colonial leaders shaped early American history.
Anne Arundel County in the American Revolution
When the American Revolution unfolded, Anne Arundel County was right in the middle of it.
Annapolis became a key political center, and one moment in particular put it on the national stage.
In 1783, George Washington resigned his commission as Commander-in-Chief at the Maryland State House.
That decision was a big deal—it set the precedent that military power would be controlled by civilians, not generals.
For a brief period from 1783 to 1784, Annapolis even served as the capital of the United States.
Not bad for a waterfront town most people today associate with sailing and seafood.
Growth and Change in the 1800s
As the country expanded, so did Anne Arundel County.
The 1800s marked a shift from a purely agricultural economy to something more connected and diverse.
Tobacco farming still mattered, but new industries started to take hold:
- Shipbuilding along the Bay
- Expanded trade routes
- Railroads connecting the county to Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
These changes made it easier for people, goods, and ideas to move through the region—and set the stage for future growth.
The Civil War Era in Anne Arundel County
When the American Civil War began, Maryland found itself in a complicated position as a border state.
Anne Arundel County didn’t see major battles, but that doesn’t mean it was untouched.
The area experienced:
- Divided loyalties between Union and Confederate sympathizers
- Military movement due to its proximity to Washington, D.C.
- Increased federal presence to secure the region
Its location made it strategically important—even without large-scale fighting.
The 20th Century: From Rural County to Suburban Hub
If you want to understand why Anne Arundel County looks the way it does today, the 1900s are where things really changed.
One of the biggest drivers was the establishment of Fort Meade in 1917.
Originally created as a military training camp, it grew into one of the most important installations in the country—bringing jobs, infrastructure, and population growth with it.
At the same time:
- Highways expanded
- Commuting to Baltimore and D.C. became easier
- Areas like Glen Burnie and Pasadena rapidly developed
What had been farmland and open space started turning into the neighborhoods and communities people live in today.
Modern Anne Arundel County: Where History Meets Growth
Today, Anne Arundel County sits in a unique position.
It’s close enough to major cities to thrive economically, but still holds onto its identity through waterfront culture, historic towns, and community roots.
You’ll find:
- Government and defense jobs tied to Fort Meade
- Tourism centered around Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay
- A mix of historic preservation and modern development
It’s not just a place with history—it’s a place where that history still shows up in everyday life.
Notable Historical Sites in Anne Arundel County
Maryland State House (Annapolis)
The oldest state capitol still in continuous legislative use—and the site of Washington’s resignation.
Historic London Town & Gardens
A preserved colonial port that shows what life looked like in the 1700s.
“William Brown House, back” by Preservation Maryland, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse
One of the most recognizable landmarks on the Chesapeake Bay.
Fort Meade
A major force behind the county’s modern growth and economy.
Anne Arundel County History Timeline
- Pre-1600s – Indigenous communities thrive along the Chesapeake
- 1649–1650 – Puritan settlers establish Providence
- 1650 – Anne Arundel County is founded
- 1694 – Annapolis becomes Maryland’s capital
- 1700s – Tobacco economy dominates
- 1783–1784 – Annapolis serves as U.S. capital
- 1861–1865 – Civil War impacts region
- 1917 – Camp Meade (Fort Meade) established
- 1900s–Present – Suburban and economic expansion
What Most Locals Don’t Realize
A lot of people think of Anne Arundel County as just a place between Baltimore and D.C.—a convenient place to live.
But in reality:
- It helped shape early American government
- It hosted one of the most important moments in U.S. history
- It’s been tied to the Chesapeake Bay economy for centuries
Once you know the story, it’s hard to see it as just another county.
Explore Anne Arundel County Today
History isn’t just something that happened here—it’s something you can still experience.
From walking the streets of Annapolis to exploring waterfront communities and local businesses across the county, Anne Arundel is packed with places that reflect its past and present.
If you want to see the best of what the county has to offer today, check out our local guides, featured businesses, and directory listings across Pasadena, Glen Burnie, Annapolis, and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anne Arundel County History
When was Anne Arundel County founded?
1650.
Who was Anne Arundel?
The wife of Maryland’s founder, Cecilius Calvert.
Was Annapolis ever the U.S. capital?
es, from 1783 to 1784.
Why is this county historically important?
Because of its role in colonial government, the American Revolution, and its long-standing economic connection to the Chesapeake Bay.