New Yarmouth: A settlement predating the Rock Hall of today

Faint clues from deeds and legal records tell us that the Rock Hall we know today got its start from an earlier settlement to the south of town – situated someplace along Grays Inn Creek – known as New Yarmouth.

Mystery still shrouds this former town and county seat founded in the dawning days of a young Maryland Colony. The historical chronology of Kent County on Maryland Manual On-line cites the functioning of a, "Courthouse at New Yarmouth on Eastern Neck" by 1679, before moving to "New Town" (today's Chestertown) only 20 years later in 1697.

New Yarmouth is said to have had a court, jail, two shipyards, forge and tobacco warehouse according to the accounts of historic authors.

Determining the exact location of the settlement has been largely impossible due to shaky historical descriptions and the likelihood of all initial structures being of rudimentary, timber frame construction. There is also sound reasoning to conclude that this former townsite is now resting below several feet of water – victim to the tireless tides of Chesapeake Bay.

Rock Hall, a modern-day destination for boating and sailing, appears to have long been a lure to those seeking work and pleasure from the water – even in the earliest days of our region's recorded history (and undoubtedly long before).

Learn more about the New Yarmouth story from a 2009 Kent County News piece, or about our area's rich and colorful history at kentcountyhistory.org.

Reminder: Join us for monthly service seminars starting tomorrow

Haven Harbour Yacht Services' Erik Lostrom will be leading educational seminars beginning tomorrow.

These sessions will be held from 9:00 a.m.–12:00 noon in the Inn at Haven Harbour's Manor House Great Room and are free and open to roughly 35 attendees per class on a first come, first served basis. Coffee and light refreshments will be provided.

Attendees will be given the opportunity to win two raffles, one for a swag bag complete with ball cap, winter beanie, long sleeve t-shirt, drink koozie, magnet and key chain, and another for a free powerwash special. Seminar topics and their corresponding dates are as follows:

Tomorrow, Jan. 21 (Session I) – Lubricating folding props, running gear, thru-hulls, seacocks and more.

Saturday, Feb. 25 (Session II) – Air conditioning, refrigeration, ice markers, generators and shore power. This session will occur in our slipholder lounge located above Haven Harbour South's Admirals Club Beachside Bar at 21140 Green Lane, Rock Hall, Md.

Saturday, March 18 (Session III) – Coatings and bottom painting, paints, varnishes and more.

Interested in staying the night before or after your seminar? Call to book at the Inn at Haven Harbour and receive 20%-off your stay. Seminar discount only available to session attendees, and may not be applied to existing reservations.