Chesapeake Beach, Maryland

Chesapeake Beach, Maryland
source
Name	Chesapeake Beach
Settlement type	Town
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	Maryland
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Calvert
Established title	Founded
Established date	1886
Established title2	Incorporated
Established date2	1886

Chesapeake Beach, Maryland. Chesapeake Beach is a town in Calvert County, Maryland, located on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. Originally developed as a resort town accessible by railroad and steamboat, it has evolved into a residential and recreational community. The town is known for its marina, fishing pier, and historical connection to the Chesapeake Bay's maritime heritage.

History

The town's origins are tied to the Chesapeake Beach Railway, completed in 1900 by a syndicate including Otto Mears and Washington, D.C. investors, which connected the area to Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. The railway terminus featured the massive Chesapeake Beach Resort & Spa, which included a boardwalk, amusement park, and ballroom, drawing visitors from across the Mid-Atlantic region. The resort's popularity waned after the Great Depression and the rise of the automobile, leading to the railway's abandonment in 1935 and the resort's eventual closure. The United States Navy also established a training facility nearby during World War II. In the late 20th century, redevelopment focused on the marina and condominiums, with the town incorporating in 1886 and later reaffirming its charter.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 2.73 square miles, of which 1.87 square miles is land and 0.86 square miles is water, primarily consisting of the Chesapeake Bay and its inlets like Fishing Creek. It is bordered by the community of North Beach to the north and the Patuxent River to the south. The terrain is characterized by tidal marshes and cliffs along the Bay coastline, part of the Atlantic Coastal Plain. The region is within the Chesapeake Bay watershed and is subject to the environmental policies of the Chesapeake Bay Program.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 6,356. The racial makeup was predominantly White and African American, with smaller percentages of Asian American and Hispanic or Latino residents. The Census data indicates a median household income above the state average, with a high percentage of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The population density is concentrated in residential neighborhoods and condominium complexes developed since the 1970s, with many residents commuting to employment centers in Washington, D.C., Annapolis, and Joint Base Andrews.

Economy

The local economy is heavily oriented toward tourism and recreation, centered on the Chesapeake Beach Water Park, the Rod 'N' Reel Resort, and the Chesapeake Beach Marina. Commercial fishing, particularly for blue crab and striped bass, remains a cultural and minor economic activity. Other significant employers include retail establishments, restaurants, and professional services catering to both residents and visitors. The town also benefits from its proximity to the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant and the associated Dominion Energy facilities in neighboring Lusby.

Government and infrastructure

Chesapeake Beach operates under a mayor-council system, with the Maryland General Assembly granting its municipal charter. The town provides public services including police protection through the Chesapeake Beach Police Department, water and sewer services, and parks maintenance. Major infrastructure includes Maryland Route 260, the primary road connection to Pennsylvania Avenue and Maryland Route 2. The United States Postal Service operates a post office, and the Calvert County Public Schools system serves the area, with students attending Windy Hill Elementary School and later Northern High School.

Culture and recreation

The town's identity is deeply connected to the Chesapeake Bay, celebrated at the Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum located in the former train station. Annual events include the Chesapeake Beach Oyster Festival and the Tiki Festival. The Chesapeake Beach Water Park is a major summer attraction, while the Chesapeake Beach Fishing Pier and boardwalk offer access to the Bay for angling and birdwatching. The Breezy Point Beach and Camp Roosevelt provide additional public waterfront access. The town also hosts the Veterans Memorial Park and the Chesapeake Beach Concert Series, featuring performances by the United States Navy Band and other artists.