Welcome to Saint Michaels, a town steeped in history and rich in stories that shaped its present. Nestled along the Miles River in Talbot County, Maryland, Saint Michaels is a place where history meets the waters of the Chesapeake Bay.
The origins of Saint Michaels date back to the late 17th century, when it was named after the Episcopal parish established in 1677, dedicated to Michael the Archangel. This parish attracted settlers who started cultivating tobacco and building ships, laying the groundwork for the town’s future. By the 1770s, James Braddock, an agent for a British firm, designed the town around a central square, a unique layout for its time.
One of Saint Michaels’ most notable historical moments occurred during the War of 1812. In August 1813, the town faced an attack by British naval forces under Admiral George Cockburn. Thanks to the ingenuity of its residents, who dimmed the lights and hung lanterns in trees beyond the town to confuse the British, Saint Michaels earned the nickname “the town that fooled the British.”
Shipbuilding was the town’s earliest industry, with Saint Michaels becoming known for producing fast schooners known as Baltimore Clippers. These ships played a crucial role in evading blockades and were even used as privateers. However, after the War of 1812, the shipbuilding industry declined, and the town shifted its focus to the oyster industry, which thrived in the late 19th century.
Saint Michaels has also been home to notable figures, such as Thomas L. Haddaway, who launched the privateer schooner Lottery here in 1812. The town’s rich maritime history is preserved at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, where visitors can learn about the region’s shipbuilding and oystering traditions.
Today, Saint Michaels is known for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture, with many buildings in the historic district reflecting Federal, Gothic Revival, and Italianate styles. The town has evolved into a vibrant community that attracts tourists with its charming streets, museums, and waterfront activities, offering a glimpse into its storied past.
