The Kent Narrows was once the only crossing point from Kent Island to the Eastern Shore mainland. The earliest crossings were made by Native Americans in log canoes. Colonies crossed the marshy straits by ferry. Causeways and bridges were built to carry horse-drawn carriages, trains, and eventually cars across the water. Today more than 25 million vehicles cross the Narrows annually.


c. 1672 — Ferry links from Annapolis is to Kent Island and across the Kent Narrows are part of the Great Road system through the colonies.


c. 1826 — Earthen causeway built, closing the straits and joining the island with the mainland.

1876 — Causeway removed to allow boat traffic between the
Eastern Bay and the Chester River.

1876 — Drawbridge replaces the causeway.

c. 1900 — Queen Anne's Railroad Company builds railroad bridge across the Narrows.

1952 — The Chesapeake Bay Bridge opens, joining the Eastern and
Western Shrores of the Bay for the first time.


1956 — Last train crosses the Narrows and rail bridge is formally dosed.

1990 —65 foot-tall Kent Narrows Bridge completed.

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Show me all markers in:  Chester, MD  |  Queen Anne's County  |  21619  |  Maryland  |  United States of America

Maryland's Eastern Shore
Chesapeake Country National Scenic Byway
Byway Destinations
Byway Destinations
Enemy Occupation
Crossing Point
Working the Waters
The James E. Kirwan Museum
Island in the Marsh: a hummock
Kent Island

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