Located within the Chesapeake Bay along the Kent Narrows and Chester River, Kent Island is the largest island in the state of Maryland. Kent Island has been inhabited by people for at least 12,000 years, dating back to the Paleoindian era at the end of the last Ice Age.

  • What indigenous tribes originally inhabited Kent Island?
    • Prior to European colonization, the island was the traditional home of the Matapeake indigenous tribe of the Algonquian Nation, as well as the Ozinie and Monoponson indigenous tribes, who called the island Monoponson.
  • When was Kent Island first settled by Europeans?
    • Though the island was sighted and charted by early European explorers such as Captain John Smith as early as the end of the 16th century, it was not settled by Europeans until 1631, when a trading settlement was established by William Claiborne.
  • How did Kent Island get its name?
    • William Claiborne named the island after the city of Kent, England.
  • What was Kent Island’s early industry?
    • Kent Island’s early industry revolved around the production of tobacco and corn crops.
  • What transportation developments impacted Kent Island?
    • In 1850, the town of Stevensville was founded and became a major hub for steamboat and railroad travel. In 1952, the island was connected to mainland Maryland via the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, which was later expanded and remodeled in the late 1980s to accommodate United States Route 50.
  • What are some historic sites on Kent Island?
    • A number of historic places on the island have been preserved as part of the Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway and American Discovery Trail, including the 1809 Cray House, 1870 Cockey House, 1880 Christ Episcopal Church, Stevensville Train Depot, 1909 Stevensville Bank, and the old Stevensville Post Office.
  • What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy on Kent Island?
    • Two walking and biking trails, the Cross Island Trail and the Kent Island South Trail, provide access to a number of historic attractions and offer opportunities for scenic exploration.
  • What visitor resources are available on Kent Island?
    • The Chesapeake Heritage and Visitor Center, located in Chester, offers visitor information on area attractions, dining, and accommodations.
  • What natural attractions are on Kent Island?
    • Matapeake State Park offers a restored ferry house and landing, an amphitheater, a trail system, a public swimming beach, and a picnic area.
  • Where can visitors enjoy seafood on Kent Island?
    • Popular seafood restaurants on the island include The Narrows Restaurant, The Fisherman’s Inn and Crab Deck, Annie’s Paramount Steak and Seafood House, Bridges Restaurant and Bar, and the Stevensville Crab Shack.
  • How is Kent Island connected to the mainland?
    • The island is connected to the mainland on both sides by several bridges, including the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, which joins the island with Annapolis, and the Kent Narrows Bridge, which connects to the Delmarva Peninsula.
  • What public transit options are available to and from Kent Island?
    • Several MTA transit routes provide public transit to and from the island from Annapolis and Washington, D.C..
  • What accommodations are available on Kent Island?
    • Overnight accommodations are provided at several chain hotels, including the Hilton Garden Inn Kent Island and the Holiday Inn Express Kent Island. The historic Kent Manor Inn offers 24 guest rooms and two outdoor wedding and event venues.
  • Where can visitors find more information about Kent Island?
    • More information can be found at the following links: website | Map

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