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Solomons Island was first established in 1867 and lies at the mouth
of the Patuxent River where it adjoins the Chesapeake Bay. The island
was formerly known as Bourne's Island (about 1680), Somervell's Island
(1740-1814) and Sandy Island (1827-1865). It
became known as Solomons Island (1867) because of Isaac Solomon's
oyster packing facilities located on the island. Shipyards
developed to support the island's fishing fleet. The famed "bugeye"
sailing craft were built on the island in the 19th century. In the
war of 1812, Commodore Joshua Barney's flotilla sailed to Solomons to
attack British vessels on the Chesapeake Bay. The deep,
protected harbor has been a busy marine center ever since.
At one time at least 550 feet
separated the island from the mainland. The first
causeway connecting the island to the mainland was built in 1870.
Today the causeway is only
23 feet long. The bridge that connects Calvert County and St. Mary's
Counties was completed in 1977 and it is named after the first governor of
the state of Maryland, Governor Thomas Johnson. The bridge is over
140 feet high and is built over the deepest spot of the Patuxent River, which is 126 feet deep.
Today, Solomons Island
is a quiet fishing village located about 50 minutes south of the
Washington Beltway. It is home to many marinas, various businesses,
private homes, charter fishing fleets, head boats and private yachts. It
hosts several fine restaurants and cafe's, bed and breakfast inns, and gift/antique
shops, flourishing within a quaint, picturesque setting. There are many watering
holes to enjoy and there is much night life as well. You will notice
that most of the homes and architecture in Solomons are of Colonial and
Victorian design. Stroll along the brick sidewalks and the board walk
(River Walk) which follows the southwest face of the island and enjoy the panoramic
view of the Patuxent River.
During your stay at
Solomons, be sure to visit the Calvert Marine
Museum, a beautifully
designed museum with many interesting and exciting exhibits and displays
that you and your family will enjoy. The AnnMarie Garden and
Chesapeake Biological Laboraratory should be on your
itinerary as well.
For those of you needing
overnight accommodations, the following is a list of places in Solomons that
you can stay:
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