Looking down from the Tydings Memorial Bridge over the wide expanse of the Susquehanna River along Maryland’s Interstate 95, the little town of Port Deposit is seen off in the distance as no more than pebbles along the water line. Closer inspection at the north end of the bridge reveals a little train garden of a town nestled into cliffs of granite. Compact in layout, Port Deposit’s land area is less than two square miles, where a population of approximately 700 people resides.
Known for its quarried granite, Port Deposit boasts a number of impressive older buildings constructed of the durable material. The entire Cecil County town, incorporated in 1824, was placed on the National Historic Registry in the spring of 1978.
Where interesting things to see and do are concerned, Port Deposit packs a wallop.
“Just walking down the roads, you can imagine what it was like in the 1800s when it was a booming, active seaport,” said Sandy Turner, Cecil County’s tourism coordinator. “I wish I could have lived for one day back then.”
However, there’s no time like the present to enjoy walking a portion of the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway Trail or the recently restored jetty and fishing pier — even along the waterfront walkway at Tome’s Landing Condominiums.
Free guides to walking tours allow the visitor to meander about the Historic District that includes a church on Main Street designed by architects Boring & Tilton just after they completed the main immigrant hall at Ellis Island.
As for historic buildings and museums, visitors may choose to stay at the individually registered, Gerry House while discovering the Bainbridge Navy Museum or the Paw Paw Museum, which focuses on the town’s history.
“Take a boat ride at Tome’s Landing Marina [or] visit the Dove Valley Winery in Rising Sun, just a few short minutes [away]” said Erika Quesenbery, marketing coordinator for Cecil County’s Office of Economic Development. “I’m a history superfreak, so I might stroll through the historic graveyards at West Nottingham or Hopewell.”
When hunger strikes, Quesenbery recommends breakfast at CM Tugs, lunch at Jacob Marley’s and dinner at the Susky River Grille.
Stephan Campbell, a Trenton, N.J., transplant, is a chef at the Susky River Grille. He has lived on Main Street in Port Deposit for one year. With his lease about to expire, he has every intention of renewing it as he gives an honest assessment of Port Deposit.
“I love the quiet, [and] the water view is beautiful,” he said. I can walk about 60 feet from my house and I’m at the water’s edge.”
