Caroline County, Maryland
Encyclopedia
Caroline County is a wholly rural county located in the U.S. state
of Maryland
on its Eastern Shore. It is bordered by Queen Anne's County
to the north, Talbot County
to the west, Dorchester County
to the south, Kent County, Delaware
, to the east, and Sussex County, Delaware
, to the southeast. As of 2010, the population was 33,066. Its county seat
is Denton
.
The newspaper of record is The Times-Record. A second local publication, the Caroline Review, circulates monthly and is free of charge.
and Queen Anne's Counties
. The county derives its name from Lady Caroline Eden, wife of Maryland's last colonial governor Robert Eden. At the time of its creation, seven commissioners were appointed: Charles Dickinson, Benson Stainton, Thomas White, William Haskins, Richard Mason, Joshua Clark, and Nathaniel Potter. These men bought 4 acres (16,187.4 m²) of land at Pig Point (now Denton) on which to build a courthouse and jail.
Until the completion of these buildings, court was held at Melvill's Warehouse, approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) above Pig Point. Elections and other business transactions were completed there, and the town became the center of the county. The first court session was held on March 15, 1774, at Melvill's Warehouse. In 1777, court was moved to Bridgetown (now Greensboro), but in the interest of convenience, court was moved back to Melvill's.
Disagreements arose concerning the permanent location of the county seat. The General Assembly reached a compromise in 1785 and ordered that 2 acres (8,093.7 m²) of land at Melvill's Landing should be purchased for a courthouse and jail. In 1790, the county court and its belongings moved to Pig Point. The Caroline County Courthouse was completed in 1797.
The county has a number of properties on the National Register of Historic Places
.
The National Park Service
is considering organizing a site in the southern half of Caroline County dedicated to interpreting the Underground Railroad
.
The current county commissioners through 2014 are:
Growth is a major issue faced by Caroline County and several other Mid-Shore counties. Retirees and workers willing to commute across the Chesapeake Bay
to the western shore are increasingly attracted by the rural environment and low cost of living. The county commissioners have fought to preserve the rural nature of the county.
It is the only county in the state not represented by a resident legislator in the Maryland General Assembly
. Caroline last enjoyed a home delegate in the 1994 session. Redistricting and a sparse population are to blame.
and Tuckahoe Creek
as well as the man-made Lake Todd.
Caroline County currently ranks seventh nationally in terms of land protected under the Ag Preservation Program.
Its eastern border is the Mason-Dixon Line
.
Caroline is the only Eastern Shore county not to touch either the Chesapeake Bay
or Atlantic Ocean
; it is one of three Maryland counties that does not have an interstate
or U.S. Highway running through it. Caroline County is the only county east of the Mississippi River
to never feature any heavy industry besides agriculture
.
Tuckahoe State Park
and Martinak State Park
are located in Caroline County.
John Smith
gazed upon the county during his 1608 voyage up the Nanticoke River
.
>
Year
Population
1900
16,248
1910
19,216
1920
18,652
1930
17,387
1940
17,549
1950
18,234
1960
19,462
1970
19,781
1980
23,143
1990
27,035
2000
29,772
2010
33,066
of 2000, there were 29,772 people, 11,097 households, and 8,156 families residing in the county. The population density
was 93 people per square mile (36/km²). There were 12,028 housing units at an average density of 38 per square mile (15/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 81.69% White
, 14.77% Black
or African American
, 0.37% Native American
, 0.55% Asian
, 0.02% Pacific Islander
, 1.26% from other races
, and 1.34% from two or more races. 2.65% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race. 17.4% were of United States
or American, 14.8% English
, 14.4% German and 9.9% Irish
ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 11,097 households out of which 34.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.30% were married couples
living together, 13.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.50% were non-families. 21.50% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.64 and the average family size was 3.03.
In the county the population was spread out with 26.80% under the age of 18, 7.70% from 18 to 24, 28.90% from 25 to 44, 23.10% from 45 to 64, and 13.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 95.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.70 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $38,832, and the median income for a family was $44,825. Males had a median income of $31,119 versus $21,915 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $17,275. About 9.00% of families and 11.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.50% of those under age 18 and 12.30% of those age 65 or over. It is regularly ranked among the poorest of all 23 Maryland counties.
As of Census 2010 the racial makeup of Caroline County was 78.19% Non-Hispanic white, 13.87% black, 0.37% Native American, 0.57% Asian, 0.16% Pacific Islander, 0.10% Non-Hispanics of some other race, 1.68% Non-Hispanics of two or more races and 5.49% Hispanic or Latino.
All ten of these are classified as town
s under Maryland law.
The United States Census Bureau
recognizes no Census-Designated Places in Caroline County, which is unusual for Maryland counties, which usually have many unincorporated population centers.
Other unincorporated communities include:
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Maryland
Maryland
Maryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...
on its Eastern Shore. It is bordered by Queen Anne's County
Queen Anne's County, Maryland
Queen Anne's County is a county located on the Eastern Shore of the U.S. state of Maryland.As of 2010, the population was 47,798. Its county seat and most populous municipality is Centreville. The census-designated place of Stevensville is the county's most populous place...
to the north, Talbot County
Talbot County, Maryland
-2010:Whereas according to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau:*81.4% White*12.8% Black*0.2% Native American*1.2% Asian*0.1% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander*1.6% Two or more races*2.7% Other races*5.5% Hispanic or Latino -2000:...
to the west, Dorchester County
Dorchester County, Maryland
Dorchester County is a county located in the U.S. state of Maryland on its Eastern Shore. It is bordered by the Choptank River to the north, Talbot County to the northwest, Caroline County to the northeast, Wicomico County to the southeast, Sussex County, Delaware, to the east, and the Chesapeake...
to the south, Kent County, Delaware
Kent County, Delaware
Kent County is a county located in the central part of the U.S. state of Delaware. It is coextensive with the Dover, Delaware, Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of 2010 the population was 162,310, a 28.1% increase over the previous decade. The county seat is Dover, the state capital...
, to the east, and Sussex County, Delaware
Sussex County, Delaware
Sussex County is a county located in the southern part of the U.S. state of Delaware. As of 2010 the population was 197,145, an increase of 25.9% over the previous decade. The county seat is Georgetown. The Seaford Micropolitan Statistical Area includes all of Sussex County.Sussex County is...
, to the southeast. As of 2010, the population was 33,066. Its county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
is Denton
Denton, Maryland
Denton is a town in Caroline County, Maryland, United States. The population was 2,960 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Caroline County. Denton is the birthplace of former Delaware governor Sherman W. Tribbitt and author Sophie Kerr, as well as the long time home of former Maryland...
.
The newspaper of record is The Times-Record. A second local publication, the Caroline Review, circulates monthly and is free of charge.
History
Caroline County was created in 1773 from parts of DorchesterDorchester County, Maryland
Dorchester County is a county located in the U.S. state of Maryland on its Eastern Shore. It is bordered by the Choptank River to the north, Talbot County to the northwest, Caroline County to the northeast, Wicomico County to the southeast, Sussex County, Delaware, to the east, and the Chesapeake...
and Queen Anne's Counties
Queen Anne's County, Maryland
Queen Anne's County is a county located on the Eastern Shore of the U.S. state of Maryland.As of 2010, the population was 47,798. Its county seat and most populous municipality is Centreville. The census-designated place of Stevensville is the county's most populous place...
. The county derives its name from Lady Caroline Eden, wife of Maryland's last colonial governor Robert Eden. At the time of its creation, seven commissioners were appointed: Charles Dickinson, Benson Stainton, Thomas White, William Haskins, Richard Mason, Joshua Clark, and Nathaniel Potter. These men bought 4 acres (16,187.4 m²) of land at Pig Point (now Denton) on which to build a courthouse and jail.
Until the completion of these buildings, court was held at Melvill's Warehouse, approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) above Pig Point. Elections and other business transactions were completed there, and the town became the center of the county. The first court session was held on March 15, 1774, at Melvill's Warehouse. In 1777, court was moved to Bridgetown (now Greensboro), but in the interest of convenience, court was moved back to Melvill's.
Disagreements arose concerning the permanent location of the county seat. The General Assembly reached a compromise in 1785 and ordered that 2 acres (8,093.7 m²) of land at Melvill's Landing should be purchased for a courthouse and jail. In 1790, the county court and its belongings moved to Pig Point. The Caroline County Courthouse was completed in 1797.
The county has a number of properties on the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places listings in Caroline County, Maryland
This is a list of the National Register of Historic Places listings in Caroline County, Maryland.This is intended to be a complete list of the properties and districts on the National Register of Historic Places in Caroline County, Maryland, United States...
.
The National Park Service
National Park Service
The National Park Service is the U.S. federal agency that manages all national parks, many national monuments, and other conservation and historical properties with various title designations...
is considering organizing a site in the southern half of Caroline County dedicated to interpreting the Underground Railroad
Underground Railroad
The Underground Railroad was an informal network of secret routes and safe houses used by 19th-century black slaves in the United States to escape to free states and Canada with the aid of abolitionists and allies who were sympathetic to their cause. The term is also applied to the abolitionists,...
.
Law and Government
Caroline County was granted home rule in 1984 under state code in an initiative led by County Commissioner Charles T. Dean, Sr.The current county commissioners through 2014 are:
- Jefferson L. Ghrist - RepublicanRepublican Party (United States)The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
- Larry C. Porter - RepublicanRepublican Party (United States)The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
- Wilbur Levengood, Jr. - RepublicanRepublican Party (United States)The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
Growth is a major issue faced by Caroline County and several other Mid-Shore counties. Retirees and workers willing to commute across the Chesapeake Bay
Chesapeake Bay
The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States. It lies off the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by Maryland and Virginia. The Chesapeake Bay's drainage basin covers in the District of Columbia and parts of six states: New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and West...
to the western shore are increasingly attracted by the rural environment and low cost of living. The county commissioners have fought to preserve the rural nature of the county.
It is the only county in the state not represented by a resident legislator in the Maryland General Assembly
Maryland General Assembly
The Maryland General Assembly is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Maryland. It is a bicameral body. The upper chamber, the Maryland State Senate, has 47 representatives and the lower chamber, the Maryland House of Delegates, has 141 representatives...
. Caroline last enjoyed a home delegate in the 1994 session. Redistricting and a sparse population are to blame.
Politics
The county is divided evenly between Democrats and Republicans. There are 100 fewer Democrats than Republicans. There are approximately 19,000 registered voters in the county.Geography
According to the 2000 census, the county has a total area of 326.06 square miles (844.5 km²), of which 320.14 square miles (829.2 km²) (or 98.18%) is land and 5.92 square miles (15.3 km²) (or 1.82%) is water. Notable waterways include the Choptank RiverChoptank River
The Choptank River is a major tributary of the Chesapeake Bay on the Delmarva Peninsula. Running for , it rises in Kent County, Delaware, runs through Caroline County, Maryland and forms much of the border between Talbot County, Maryland on the north, and Caroline County and Dorchester County on...
and Tuckahoe Creek
Tuckahoe Creek
Tuckahoe Creek is a tributary of the Choptank River on Maryland's Eastern Shore. It is sometimes referred to as the Tuckahoe River. Upstream of Hillsboro, it forms the boundary between Caroline County and Queen Anne's County, passing through Tuckahoe State Park and dividing the small towns of...
as well as the man-made Lake Todd.
Caroline County currently ranks seventh nationally in terms of land protected under the Ag Preservation Program.
Its eastern border is the Mason-Dixon Line
Mason-Dixon line
The Mason–Dixon Line was surveyed between 1763 and 1767 by Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon in the resolution of a border dispute between British colonies in Colonial America. It forms a demarcation line among four U.S. states, forming part of the borders of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and...
.
Caroline is the only Eastern Shore county not to touch either the Chesapeake Bay
Chesapeake Bay
The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States. It lies off the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by Maryland and Virginia. The Chesapeake Bay's drainage basin covers in the District of Columbia and parts of six states: New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and West...
or Atlantic Ocean
Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest of the world's oceanic divisions. With a total area of about , it covers approximately 20% of the Earth's surface and about 26% of its water surface area...
; it is one of three Maryland counties that does not have an interstate
Interstate Highway System
The Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways, , is a network of limited-access roads including freeways, highways, and expressways forming part of the National Highway System of the United States of America...
or U.S. Highway running through it. Caroline County is the only county east of the Mississippi River
Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the largest river system in North America. Flowing entirely in the United States, this river rises in western Minnesota and meanders slowly southwards for to the Mississippi River Delta at the Gulf of Mexico. With its many tributaries, the Mississippi's watershed drains...
to never feature any heavy industry besides agriculture
Agriculture
Agriculture is the cultivation of animals, plants, fungi and other life forms for food, fiber, and other products used to sustain life. Agriculture was the key implement in the rise of sedentary human civilization, whereby farming of domesticated species created food surpluses that nurtured the...
.
Tuckahoe State Park
Tuckahoe State Park
Tuckahoe State Park is a state park along Tuckahoe Creek in Caroline County on Maryland's Eastern Shore. The park features hiking, biking, and equestrian trails as well as picnicking, camping, cabins, flat-water canoeing, hunting, a disc golf course, and a recycled-tire playground for children.The...
and Martinak State Park
Martinak State Park
Martinak State Park is a state park in the state of Maryland. The park is located on the Choptank River and Watts Creek in Caroline County, Maryland. It features fishing, campsites, boating access, hiking trails, playground, shelters and a nature center....
are located in Caroline County.
John Smith
John Smith of Jamestown
Captain John Smith Admiral of New England was an English soldier, explorer, and author. He was knighted for his services to Sigismund Bathory, Prince of Transylvania and friend Mózes Székely...
gazed upon the county during his 1608 voyage up the Nanticoke River
Nanticoke River
The Nanticoke River is a major tributary of the Chesapeake Bay on the Delmarva Peninsula. It rises in southern Kent County, Delaware, flows through Sussex County, Delaware, and forms the boundary between Dorchester County, Maryland and Wicomico County, Maryland. The river course proceeds southwest...
.
Adjacent Counties
- Kent County, DelawareKent County, DelawareKent County is a county located in the central part of the U.S. state of Delaware. It is coextensive with the Dover, Delaware, Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of 2010 the population was 162,310, a 28.1% increase over the previous decade. The county seat is Dover, the state capital...
(northeast) - Sussex County, DelawareSussex County, DelawareSussex County is a county located in the southern part of the U.S. state of Delaware. As of 2010 the population was 197,145, an increase of 25.9% over the previous decade. The county seat is Georgetown. The Seaford Micropolitan Statistical Area includes all of Sussex County.Sussex County is...
(southeast) - Dorchester CountyDorchester County, MarylandDorchester County is a county located in the U.S. state of Maryland on its Eastern Shore. It is bordered by the Choptank River to the north, Talbot County to the northwest, Caroline County to the northeast, Wicomico County to the southeast, Sussex County, Delaware, to the east, and the Chesapeake...
(south) - Talbot CountyTalbot County, Maryland-2010:Whereas according to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau:*81.4% White*12.8% Black*0.2% Native American*1.2% Asian*0.1% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander*1.6% Two or more races*2.7% Other races*5.5% Hispanic or Latino -2000:...
(west) - Queen Anne's CountyQueen Anne's County, MarylandQueen Anne's County is a county located on the Eastern Shore of the U.S. state of Maryland.As of 2010, the population was 47,798. Its county seat and most populous municipality is Centreville. The census-designated place of Stevensville is the county's most populous place...
(northwest)
Demographics
> | Year | Population |
---|---|
1790 | 9,506 |
1800 | 9,226 |
1810 | 9,453 |
1820 | 10,108 |
1830 | 9,070 |
1840 | 7,806 |
1850 | 9,692 |
1860 | 11,129 |
1870 | 12,101 |
1880 | 13,766 |
1890 | 13,903 |
2010
Whereas according to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau:- 79.8% WhiteWhite AmericanWhite Americans are people of the United States who are considered or consider themselves White. The United States Census Bureau defines White people as those "having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa...
- 13.9% BlackAfrican AmericanAfrican Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have at least partial ancestry from any of the native populations of Sub-Saharan Africa and are the direct descendants of enslaved Africans within the boundaries of the present United States...
- 0.4% Native AmericanNative Americans in the United StatesNative Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...
- 0.6% AsianAsian AmericanAsian Americans are Americans of Asian descent. The U.S. Census Bureau definition of Asians as "Asian” refers to a person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian subcontinent, including, for example, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan,...
- 0.0% Native Hawaiian or Pacific IslanderPacific Islander AmericanPacific Islander Americans, also known as Oceanian Americans, are residents of the United States with original ancestry from Oceania. They represent the smallest racial group counted in the United States census of 2000. They numbered 874,000 people or 0.3 percent of the United States population...
- 2.1% Two or more racesMultiracial AmericanMultiracial Americans, US residents who identify themselves as of "two or more races", were numbered at around 9 million, or 2.9% of the population, in the census of 2010. However there is considerable evidence that the real number is far higher. Prior to the mid-20th century many people hid their...
- 3.2% Other racesRace (United States Census)Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
- 5.5% Hispanic or LatinoHispanic and Latino AmericansHispanic or Latino Americans are Americans with origins in the Hispanic countries of Latin America or in Spain, and in general all persons in the United States who self-identify as Hispanic or Latino.1990 Census of Population and Housing: A self-designated classification for people whose origins...
(of any race)
2000
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 29,772 people, 11,097 households, and 8,156 families residing in the county. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 93 people per square mile (36/km²). There were 12,028 housing units at an average density of 38 per square mile (15/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 81.69% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 14.77% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.37% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.55% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.02% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 1.26% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.34% from two or more races. 2.65% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race. 17.4% were of United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
or American, 14.8% English
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
, 14.4% German and 9.9% Irish
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 11,097 households out of which 34.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.30% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 13.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.50% were non-families. 21.50% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.64 and the average family size was 3.03.
In the county the population was spread out with 26.80% under the age of 18, 7.70% from 18 to 24, 28.90% from 25 to 44, 23.10% from 45 to 64, and 13.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 95.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.70 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $38,832, and the median income for a family was $44,825. Males had a median income of $31,119 versus $21,915 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the county was $17,275. About 9.00% of families and 11.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.50% of those under age 18 and 12.30% of those age 65 or over. It is regularly ranked among the poorest of all 23 Maryland counties.
As of Census 2010 the racial makeup of Caroline County was 78.19% Non-Hispanic white, 13.87% black, 0.37% Native American, 0.57% Asian, 0.16% Pacific Islander, 0.10% Non-Hispanics of some other race, 1.68% Non-Hispanics of two or more races and 5.49% Hispanic or Latino.
Notable natives and residents
- William RichardsonWilliam Richardson (soldier)William Richardson was a Maryland politician and Continental Army officer. Richardson served in the Maryland Assembly from 1773–1776, introducing the bill that formed Caroline County in 1774...
, hero of the Battle of Harlem HeightsBattle of Harlem HeightsThe Battle of Harlem Heights was fought during the New York and New Jersey campaign of the American Revolutionary War. The action took place in what is now the Morningside Heights and west Harlem neighborhoods of Manhattan in New York City on September 16, 1776....
in the Revolutionary WarAmerican RevolutionThe American Revolution was the political upheaval during the last half of the 18th century in which thirteen colonies in North America joined together to break free from the British Empire, combining to become the United States of America...
. - Charles DickinsonCharles Dickinson (historical figure)Charles Dickinson was an American attorney, and a famous duelist. An expert marksman, Dickinson's died from injuries sustained in a duel with Andrew Jackson, who later became President of the United States.-Life:...
, who was killed in a duel in 1806 by future PresidentPresident of the United StatesThe President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
Andrew JacksonAndrew JacksonAndrew Jackson was the seventh President of the United States . Based in frontier Tennessee, Jackson was a politician and army general who defeated the Creek Indians at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend , and the British at the Battle of New Orleans...
. - Infamous slave kidnapper Patty CannonPatty CannonMartha "Patty" Cannon was the leader of a gang in the early 19th century that kidnapped slaves and free blacks from the Delmarva Peninsula and transported and sold them to plantation owners located further south. Later accounts of her life refer to her as Lucretia P...
operated out of the county, owning a house in Reliance. Runaway slaves Harriet TubmanHarriet TubmanHarriet Tubman Harriet Tubman Harriet Tubman (born Araminta Harriet Ross; (1820 – 1913) was an African-American abolitionist, humanitarian, and Union spy during the American Civil War. After escaping from slavery, into which she was born, she made thirteen missions to rescue more than 70 slaves...
and Frederick DouglassFrederick DouglassFrederick Douglass was an American social reformer, orator, writer and statesman. After escaping from slavery, he became a leader of the abolitionist movement, gaining note for his dazzling oratory and incisive antislavery writing...
also lived in the county for part of their lives. - Thomas Alexander SmithThomas Alexander SmithThomas Alexander Smith represented the 1st congressional district of Maryland in the United States House of Representatives from 1905 to 1907....
, early 20th century Congressman and businessman. - Sophie KerrSophie KerrSophie Kerr was a prolific writer of the early 20th century whose stories about smart, ambitious women mirrored her own evolution from small-town girl to successful career woman...
, early 20th Century author and benefactor of the largest undergraduate literary prize in the nation—at Washington CollegeWashington CollegeWashington College is a private, independent liberal arts college located on a campus in Chestertown, Maryland, on the Eastern Shore. Maryland granted Washington College its charter in 1782...
in Chestertown, MDChestertown, MarylandChestertown is a town in Kent County, Maryland, United States. The population was 4,746 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Kent County. The ZIP code is 21620 and the area codes are 410 and 443...
. - Harry R. Hughes, GovernorGovernor of MarylandThe Governor of Maryland heads the executive branch of the government of Maryland, and he is the commander-in-chief of the state's National Guard units. The Governor is the highest-ranking official in the state, and he has a broad range of appointive powers in both the State and local governments,...
of MarylandMarylandMaryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...
from 1979-1987. - Sherman W. TribbittSherman W. TribbittSherman Willard Tribbitt was an American merchant and politician from Odessa, in New Castle County, Delaware...
, Governor of DelawareDelawareDelaware is a U.S. state located on the Atlantic Coast in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. It is bordered to the south and west by Maryland, and to the north by Pennsylvania...
from 1973-1977. - Farmer Jeffery Porter one of the "shores" premier farmland preservationist.
- Two dogs owned by former president Bill ClintonBill ClintonWilliam Jefferson "Bill" Clinton is an American politician who served as the 42nd President of the United States from 1993 to 2001. Inaugurated at age 46, he was the third-youngest president. He took office at the end of the Cold War, and was the first president of the baby boomer generation...
, BuddyBuddy (dog)Buddy , a male chocolate-colored Labrador Retriever, was one of two pets owned by Bill Clinton while he was President of the United States. The Clintons' other pet was a cat named Socks.-Life:...
and Seamus, were born in Caroline County. - Thomas Alan GoldsboroughThomas Alan GoldsboroughThomas Alan Goldsborough was a U.S. jurist and politician.Goldsborough was born in Greensboro, Maryland. He attended the public schools and the local academy at Greensboro, later graduating from Washington College of Chestertown, Maryland, in 1899...
, noted jurist and Congressman. - George A. WaggamanGeorge A. WaggamanGeorge Augustus Waggaman was a United States Senator from Louisiana. Born in Caroline County, Maryland, he completed preparatory studies under private tutors, studied law, and was admitted to the bar in Caroline County in 1811...
, US Senator from LouisianaLouisianaLouisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
.
Entertainment
- The citizens of the towns of HickmanHickman, MarylandHickman is an unincorporated community in Caroline County, Maryland, United States. It straddles the border with Kent County, Delaware along Road 113.-References:...
& PrestonPreston, MarylandPreston is a town in Caroline County, Maryland, United States. The population was 566 at the 2000 census. The ZIP code is 21655. The primary phone exchange is 673 and the area code is 410....
were once recognized by the TV show Hee HawHee HawHee Haw is an American television variety show featuring country music and humor with fictional rural Kornfield Kounty as a backdrop. It aired on CBS-TV from 1969–1971 before a 20-year run in local syndication. The show was inspired by Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, the major difference being...
. In fact, the Hickman segment is the episode featured in the comedy wing of the Country Music Hall of Fame. - Baseball Hall of Famer Jimmie FoxxJimmie FoxxJames Emory "Jimmie" Foxx , nicknamed "Double X" and "The Beast", was a right-handed American Major League Baseball first baseman and noted power hitter....
began his career as a semipro catcher in RidgelyRidgely, MarylandRidgely is a town in Caroline County, Maryland, United States. The population was 1,352 at the 2000 census. Its main ZIP code is 21660, but is assigned eight other "216" zip codes due to its status as a home to fulfillment companies that receive and ship mail-in offers. The primary phone exchange...
. - Rocker George ThorogoodGeorge ThorogoodGeorge Thorogood is an American blues rock vocalist/guitarist from Wilmington, Delaware, United States, known for his hit song "Bad to the Bone" as well as for covers of blues standards such as Hank Williams' "Move It On Over" and John Lee Hooker's "House Rent Boogie/One Bourbon, One Scotch, One...
played Caroline County bars while attending the University of DelawareUniversity of DelawareThe university is organized into seven colleges:* College of Agriculture and Natural Resources* College of Arts and Sciences* Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics* College of Earth, Ocean and Environment* College of Education and Human Development...
before hitting the big time. - The 2004 South Caroline baseball team made it to the Little LeagueLittle LeagueLittle League Baseball and Softball is a non-profit organization in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania, United States which organizes local youth baseball and softball leagues throughout the U.S...
World Series in Williamsport, PennsylvaniaWilliamsport, PennsylvaniaWilliamsport is a city in and the county seat of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania in the United States. In 2009, the population was estimated at 29,304...
, and placed third in the nation. - Summerfest is held each August in DentonDenton, MarylandDenton is a town in Caroline County, Maryland, United States. The population was 2,960 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Caroline County. Denton is the birthplace of former Delaware governor Sherman W. Tribbitt and author Sophie Kerr, as well as the long time home of former Maryland...
. - The Caroline County Fair is held each August in WillistonWilliston, MarylandWilliston, is an unincorporated town on the Eastern Shore of the U.S. state of Maryland, in Caroline County, Maryland, United States. It is on Maryland Route 16 as well as on the banks of the Choptank River. It was originally known as Potter's Landing for its first resident, Zabdiel Potter...
. - The Strawberry Festival is held every Memorial Day weekend in Ridgely, MarylandRidgely, MarylandRidgely is a town in Caroline County, Maryland, United States. The population was 1,352 at the 2000 census. Its main ZIP code is 21660, but is assigned eight other "216" zip codes due to its status as a home to fulfillment companies that receive and ship mail-in offers. The primary phone exchange...
.
Schools
- North Caroline High SchoolNorth Caroline High SchoolNorth Caroline High School is located in Ridgely, Maryland and is part of the Caroline County Public Schools system. The school serves approximately 1,200 students in grades nine to twelve. Students generally live in the northern area of Caroline County in Ridgely, Greensboro, Denton, and a...
- Colonel Richardson High SchoolColonel Richardson High SchoolColonel Richardson High School is located in Federalsburg, Maryland and is part of the Caroline County Public Schools system. The school serves approximately 600 students in grades nine to twelve. Students generally live in the southern end of Caroline County in Federalsburg, Maryland, Preston,...
- Caroline Career & Technology Center
- Lockerman Middle School
- Colonel Richardson Middle School
- Denton Elementary School
- Federalsburg Elementary School
- Greensboro Elementary School
- Preston Elementary School
- Ridgely Elementary School
- Wesleyan Christian School
Cities and towns
This county contains the following incorporated municipalities:- DentonDenton, MarylandDenton is a town in Caroline County, Maryland, United States. The population was 2,960 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Caroline County. Denton is the birthplace of former Delaware governor Sherman W. Tribbitt and author Sophie Kerr, as well as the long time home of former Maryland...
(incorporated 1802) - FederalsburgFederalsburg, MarylandFederalsburg is a town in Caroline County, Maryland, United States. The population was 2,642 at the 2009 census. The ZIP code is 21632. The primary phone exchange is 754 and the area code is 410.-Town features:...
(incorporated 1823) - GoldsboroGoldsboro, MarylandGoldsboro is a town in Caroline County, Maryland, United States. The population was 216 at the 2000 census. The zipcode is 21636. It is named after Thomas Alan Goldsborough...
(incorporated 1906) - GreensboroGreensboro, MarylandGreensboro is a town located on the banks of the Choptank River in Caroline County, Maryland. The population was 1,632 at the 2000 census. The ZIP code is 21639. The primary phone exchange is 482 and the area code is 410...
(incorporated 1826) - HendersonHenderson, MarylandHenderson is a town in Caroline County, Maryland, United States. The population was 118 at the 2000 census. Athol was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.-Geography:Henderson is located at ....
(incorporated 1949) - HillsboroHillsboro, MarylandHillsboro is a town in Caroline County, Maryland, United States. The population was 163 at the 2000 census. Daffin House and St. Paul's Episcopal Church were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.-Geography:...
(incorporated 1853) - MarydelMarydel, MarylandMarydel is a town in Caroline County, Maryland, United States. The population was 147 at the 2000 census. It is named after its location, being partially located in Maryland and partially in Delaware.-Geography:...
(incorporated 1929) - PrestonPreston, MarylandPreston is a town in Caroline County, Maryland, United States. The population was 566 at the 2000 census. The ZIP code is 21655. The primary phone exchange is 673 and the area code is 410....
(incorporated 1892) - RidgelyRidgely, MarylandRidgely is a town in Caroline County, Maryland, United States. The population was 1,352 at the 2000 census. Its main ZIP code is 21660, but is assigned eight other "216" zip codes due to its status as a home to fulfillment companies that receive and ship mail-in offers. The primary phone exchange...
(incorporated 1896) - TemplevilleTempleville, MarylandTempleville is a town in Caroline County and in Queen Anne's County, Maryland, United States. The population was 80 at the 2000 census. It was known as Bullock Town until the name was changed in 1847...
(incorporated 1865) (This town is partly in Caroline County and partly in Queen Anne's CountyQueen Anne's County, MarylandQueen Anne's County is a county located on the Eastern Shore of the U.S. state of Maryland.As of 2010, the population was 47,798. Its county seat and most populous municipality is Centreville. The census-designated place of Stevensville is the county's most populous place...
.)
All ten of these are classified as town
Town
A town is a human settlement larger than a village but smaller than a city. The size a settlement must be in order to be called a "town" varies considerably in different parts of the world, so that, for example, many American "small towns" seem to British people to be no more than villages, while...
s under Maryland law.
The United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
recognizes no Census-Designated Places in Caroline County, which is unusual for Maryland counties, which usually have many unincorporated population centers.
Other unincorporated communities include:
- American CornerAmerican Corner, MarylandAmerican Corner is an unincorporated place in Caroline County, Maryland, United States. Its name is derived from either the patriotic spirit of the Revolutionary War or the Merriken family of the era. It is home to Colonel Richardson High School and Colonel Richardson Middle School....
- AndersontownAndersontown, MarylandAndersontown, Maryland, is an unincorporated town on Maryland's Eastern Shore in Caroline County, Maryland, United States. It is near the Delaware line, centered around the intersection of Andersontown Road and Maryland Route 404.-References:...
- Baltimore CornerBaltimore Corner, MarylandBaltimore Corner is an unincorporated community on the Eastern Shore of the U.S. state of Maryland, in Caroline County, Maryland, United States. It is near the Queen Anne's County line at the intersection of Maryland Route 313 and 312. It is not to be confused with Baltimore City, located on the...
- BethlehemBethlehem, MarylandBethlehem is an unincorporated community in Caroline County, Maryland, United States.-References:...
- BurrsvilleBurrsville, MarylandBurrsville is an unincorporated community in Caroline County, Maryland, United States.-References:...
- ChoptankChoptank, MarylandChoptank is an unincorporated town on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, in Caroline County, Maryland, United States. The town was founded in the 17th century. It is on the Choptank River running into the Chesapeake Bay...
- Gilpin PointGilpin Point, MarylandGilpin Point, Maryland is an unincorporated community on Maryland's Eastern Shore in Caroline County, Maryland, United States. The crossroads is at Harmony, on Maryland Route 16. It is the home of American Revolutionary War soldier William Richardson who distinguished himself in the Battle of...
- GroveGrove, MarylandGrove is an unincorporated community in Caroline County, Maryland, United States.-References:...
- HarmonyHarmony, MarylandHarmony is a small unincorporated community in Caroline County, Maryland, United States. It is little more than an intersection of state Routes 16 and 578 on Maryland's Eastern Shore...
- HickmanHickman, MarylandHickman is an unincorporated community in Caroline County, Maryland, United States. It straddles the border with Kent County, Delaware along Road 113.-References:...
- HobbsHobbs, MarylandHobbs is an unincorporated community in Caroline County, Maryland, United States.-References:...
- JumptownJumptown, MarylandJumptown is an unincorporated community in Caroline County, Maryland, United States.-References:...
- LinchesterLinchester, MarylandLinchester is an unincorporated place in Caroline County, Maryland. -Reference:...
- OaklandOakland, Caroline County, MarylandOakland is an unincorporated community in Caroline County, Maryland, United States.-References:...
- Oil CityOil City, MarylandOil City is an unincorporated community in Caroline County, Maryland, United States. It is located at the junction of Maryland Route 313 and Maryland Route 317.-References:...
- TanyardTanyard, MarylandTanyard is an unincorporated community in Caroline County, Maryland, United States.-References:...
- Two Johns
- RelianceReliance, MarylandReliance is an unincorporated community in Caroline County and in Dorchester County, Maryland, United States.-References:...
- WhiteleysburgWhiteleysburg, MarylandWhiteleysburg is an unincorporated community in Caroline County, Maryland, United States.-References:...
- WillistonWilliston, MarylandWilliston, is an unincorporated town on the Eastern Shore of the U.S. state of Maryland, in Caroline County, Maryland, United States. It is on Maryland Route 16 as well as on the banks of the Choptank River. It was originally known as Potter's Landing for its first resident, Zabdiel Potter...
Maryland State Highways in Caroline County
- Caroline's "major artery" is Maryland Route 404Maryland Route 404Maryland Route 404 is a major highway on Maryland's Eastern Shore in the United States. It runs from Maryland Route 662 in Wye Mills on the border of Queen Anne's and Talbot Counties, southeast to the Delaware state line in Caroline County, where the road continues as Delaware Route 404 to Nassau...
, four lanes in some parts but two lanes in others. It is chiefly used in the summertime by non-local beachgoers heading to Ocean City, MarylandOcean City, MarylandOcean City, sometimes known as OC, or OCMD, is an Atlantic Ocean resort town in Worcester County, Maryland, United States. Ocean City is widely known in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States and is a frequent destination for vacationers in that area...
, or Rehoboth Beach, DelawareRehoboth Beach, DelawareRehoboth Beach is a city in Sussex County, Delaware, United States. According to the 2010 census, the population is 1,327, a decrease of 11.2% from 2000...
.
- Maryland Route 16Maryland Route 16Maryland Route 16 is a state highway in the U.S. state of Maryland. The state highway runs from Taylors Island east to the Delaware state line in Hickman, where the highway continues as Delaware Route 16...
- Maryland Route 287Maryland Route 287Maryland Route 287 is a state highway in the U.S. state of Maryland. Known for much of its length as Sandtown Road, the state highway runs from MD 313 in Goldsboro east to the Delaware state line, where the highway continues east as Delaware Route 10...
- Maryland Route 302Maryland Route 302Maryland Route 302 is a state highway in the U.S. state of Maryland. Known for most of its length as Barclay Road, the state highway runs from U.S. Route 301 west of Barclay east to the Delaware state line east of Templeville, where the highway continues east as Delaware Route 11...
- Maryland Route 304Maryland Route 304Maryland Route 304 is a state highway in the U.S. state of Maryland. The state highway runs from Spider Web Road west of Centreville east to MD 312 in Bridgetown. MD 304 connects Centreville with U.S. Route 301 and several small settlements in central Queen Anne's County and northern Caroline,...
- Maryland Route 306Maryland Route 306Maryland Route 306 is a state highway in the U.S. state of Maryland. Known as Houston Branch Road, the state highway runs from the town limits of Federalsburg east to the Delaware state line. MD 306 provides access to Idylwild Wildlife Management Area...
- Maryland Route 307Maryland Route 307Maryland Route 307 is a state highway in the U.S. state of Maryland. Known for most of its length as Williamsburg Road, the state highway runs from MD 331 in Hurlock north to the end of state maintenance a short distance east of the intersection with MD 313 and MD 318 in Federalsburg...
- Maryland Route 308
- Maryland Route 311Maryland Route 311Maryland Route 311 is a state highway in the U.S. state of Maryland. Known for most of its length as Henderson Road, the state highway runs from MD 313 in Goldsboro north to MD 454 in Marydel. MD 311 was constructed in the mid 1920s...
- Maryland Route 312Maryland Route 312Maryland Route 312 is a state highway in the U.S. state of Maryland. The state highway runs from MD 404 near Ridgely north to MD 313 in Baltimore Corner. MD 312 traverses northwestern Caroline County, connecting Ridgely with Bridgetown. The highway's first section was paved around Ridgely in...
- Maryland Route 313Maryland Route 313Maryland Route 313 is a state highway located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland in the United States. The route runs from U.S. Route 50 in Mardela Springs, Wicomico County north to Maryland Route 213 and Maryland Route 290 in Galena, Kent County...
- Maryland Route 314Maryland Route 314Maryland Route 314 is a state highway in the U.S. state of Maryland. The state highway runs from the beginning of state maintenance in Greensboro east to the Delaware state line at Whiteleysburg, where the highway continues east as Delaware Route 12 . What is now MD 314 was paved in Greensboro...
- Maryland Route 315Maryland Route 315Maryland Route 315 is a state highway in the U.S. state of Maryland. The state highway runs from MD 313 and MD 318 on the west side of Federalsburg east to MD 318 east of Federalsburg. MD 315 passes through downtown Federalsburg...
- Maryland Route 317Maryland Route 317Maryland Route 317 is a state highway in the U.S. state of Maryland. Known as Burrsville Road, the state highway runs from MD 313 in Oil City east to the Delaware state line in Burrsville, where the highway continues east as Delaware Route 14...
- Maryland Route 328Maryland Route 328Maryland Route 328 is a state highway in the U.S. state of Maryland. The state highway runs from U.S. Route 50 in Easton east to just north of MD 404 in West Denton. MD 328 connects Easton with Denton, passing through eastern Talbot County and a neck of land in Caroline County between the...
- Maryland Route 331Maryland Route 331Maryland Route 331 is a state highway on the Eastern Shore of Maryland in the United States. The route runs from Vienna in Dorchester County northwest to Easton in Talbot County, intersecting U.S. Route 50 at both ends. MD 331 is a two-lane undivided road most of its length that passes mostly...
- Maryland Route 404Maryland Route 404Maryland Route 404 is a major highway on Maryland's Eastern Shore in the United States. It runs from Maryland Route 662 in Wye Mills on the border of Queen Anne's and Talbot Counties, southeast to the Delaware state line in Caroline County, where the road continues as Delaware Route 404 to Nassau...
- Maryland Route 454Maryland Route 454Maryland Route 454 is a state highway in the U.S. state of Maryland. Known for most of its length as Crown Stone Road, the state highway runs from the Delaware state line in Marydel, where the highway continues east as Delaware Route 8 , north to MD 302 in Templeville. MD 454 was built in the...
- Maryland Route 480Maryland Route 480Maryland Route 480 is a state highway in the U.S. state of Maryland. Known for most of its length as Ridgely Road, the state highway runs from MD 404 in Hillsboro east to MD 313 in Greensboro. MD 480 passes through Ridgely, where it has a concurrency with MD 312. The state highway was...
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Caroline County, MarylandNational Register of Historic Places listings in Caroline County, MarylandThis is a list of the National Register of Historic Places listings in Caroline County, Maryland.This is intended to be a complete list of the properties and districts on the National Register of Historic Places in Caroline County, Maryland, United States...
- USS Caroline County (LST-525)USS Caroline County (LST-525)USS Caroline County was an built for the United States Navy during World War II. Named for counties in Maryland and Virginia, she was the only U.S. Naval vessel to bear the name....