Was it named for a prince? Yes, Prince Frederick was likely named for Frederick, Prince of Wales. He was the son of King George II. Let’s step back in time and explore this unincorporated community.
Prince Frederick serves as the county seat of Calvert County. It has done so since 1722. Officials chose “Williams’ Old Field” for the new county courthouse. Today, you can find references to this original plot. Look for the Old Field Inn restaurant and Old Field Lane.
The original courthouse was completed in 1732. The town grew around it. Prince Frederick has faced adversity.
During the War of 1812, the British burned Prince Frederick. Commodore Joshua Barney’s Chesapeake Bay Flotilla sought refuge nearby. They hid from the British in St. Leonard’s Creek. Admiral Sir Alexander Cochrane’s forces plundered the area.
In 1882, a massive fire destroyed Prince Frederick again. It consumed virtually the entire town including the courthouse. A new courthouse was built on the same spot. It remains the center of Calvert County’s government today.
In the 1960s, Albert Irvin Cassell envisioned a resort. He was a prominent African-American architect. His Chesapeake Heights on the Bay was planned as a summer retreat for African-Americans. It was to include houses, a motel and shopping centers. Also planned were a pier, marina, beaches, and a clubhouse. Sadly, the project ended with Cassell’s death in 1969.
Prince Frederick was named a “town center” in 1984. Calvert County enacted special zoning regulations. These regulations encouraged new growth around existing districts. Architectural review boards ensured unity in new buildings.
In 2002, a powerful tornado struck near Prince Frederick. An F4 tornado passed just south of the town. It tragically killed one person. The same tornado devastated La Plata in Charles County.
Today, Prince Frederick is a thriving community. It is the main commercial and retail hub for Calvert County. You will find shopping centers, restaurants, and hotels here.
Prince Frederick has a volunteer fire department and rescue squad. Calvert Memorial Hospital serves the area. The town also has a public high school and middle school.
The College of Southern Maryland has a campus in Prince Frederick. Several churches and religious institutions are located here. These include St. John Vianney Catholic Church and Trinity United Methodist Church.
The Calvert County Fair is held every fall. The fairgrounds are just outside Prince Frederick.
Look for the large, triangular retention pond. It is at the wastewater treatment plant. Locals have nicknamed it the “Giant Triangle.” Its unusual appearance has sparked curiosity.
Prince Frederick has a rich history. It has overcome challenges and grown into a vital community. Take a moment to appreciate its resilience and contributions to Calvert County.