Cruising Kent County

At the mouth of the Sassafras is Betterton, the site of a once prosperous Victorian summer resort known as the "Jewel of the Chesapeake". The steamboat era was responsible for the flourishing community that existed here at the turn of the century. The town was able to support 13 hotels and many boarding houses during the summer months. it is now known mainly for its beautiful public beach, free of sea nettles because of the influx of fresh water from the five rivers at the head of the Bay. Rounding Howell Point, west of Betterton, you may encounter many small craft manned by campers from the side-by-side summer camps,.Echo Hill and Tockwogh.

Thousands of youngsters come each year to enjoy the Bay and learn about its ecosystem.

Beyond Nichol's Point, the river winds almost ten miles, With picturesque views of old homes, woods, and farmland on either side. The Chester River Bridge marks the end of the deepwater channel, although in the 19th century, steamboats were able to navigate all the way up to Crumpton.Here, on the Kent side of the river, lies Chestertown, "Gem of the Chester" and home of Washington College, the first such institution chartered after the founding of our nation.

As we start you on your cruise from Georgetown on the Sassafras River, try to imagine the area as John Smith's exploring party would have found it in 1608. Here along this river shore they met the native Tockwogh tribal chief - a meeting recorded in John Smith's journal. Or in May of 1813, when local militia, positioned on the high ground above Georgetown, attempted to halt the British. Georgetown burned, except for two brick dwellings which were saved from the British torch by the defiant Kitty Knight.

After passing Cedar and Hail Points, you enter the Chester River and head up towards Chestertown. Navigating up the Chester River, you'll find many scenic coves and creeks affording secure anchorage. There's Gray's Inn Creek, where New Yarmouth, Kent's first county seat, was once located, and Langford Bay, a deep-water haven graced by beautiful homes that date back to colonial times.

Early on, Rock Hall was the terminus of the Annapolis-Rock Hall ferry used by George Washington and other colonial travelers. Today, with its fine marinas and restaurants, it is a prime destination for many Chesapeake Bay yachtsmen. The well-protected harbor is home to work and pleasure boats of all kinds.

Take time to visit The Rock Hall Museum, where you'll see exhibits of local artifacts, and The Watermens Museum, which showcases a heritage still alive today as modern watermen catch the Bay's bounty of crabs, fish and oysters. Just past Rock Hall Harbor lies The Haven on Swan Creek, with several excellent marinas and a beautiful and secure anchorage.

Nearing the mouth of the Sassafras River on the southern Kent County side, you'll find Turner's Creek opposite Ordinary Point. Here stands the only remaining 18th century granary in this part of Chesapeake Country. The wooden structure is on an old wharf once important to local farmer's for sending grain and produce to Baltimore but it now serves recreational and fishing interests. Up the hill is a park area with nature trails, a historic tree plantation, and ongoing conservation demonstration areas.

Tucked into Worton Creek, just a few minutes from the open water of the Bay, are several fine marinas, sandy beaches and secluded, secure anchorages.

Further on is Fairlee Creek, a quiet, scenic area (less quiet during the war of 1812 when homes along the shore were harassed by the British). An all-service marina/resort is located here-the sand bar to the west of the Creek entrance, however, is privately owned.

Further, to the south, is Tolchester, once home of the Tolchester Amusement Park. For over 75 years steamboats brought many a Baltimorean here to enjoy the rides, the food, and the entertainment. A full-service marina is now located here.