Historic Port Deposit
Where Granite Meets Grace
Welcome to Port Deposit, where the sturdy granite of our buildings meets the graceful flow of the Susquehanna. Our historic sites tell the story of a town that’s always moved in rhythm with the river – from bustling port to educational beacon, from working waterfront to vibrant community. Let our heritage guide you through the streets that have watched over the Susquehanna’s waters for generations.
1
Marina Park
160 S. Main Street
Where working docks once bustled with the commerce of river trade, Marina Park now offers a peaceful retreat that celebrates both our waterfront heritage and natural beauty. This vibrant public space serves as a gateway to the Susquehanna, providing recreational access while preserving the historical character of our working waterfront.
The park seamlessly integrates the Historic Tome Gas House, now a research station, with modern amenities, including a boat launch, fishing pier, and picnic areas. Its location along the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway makes it a perfect starting point for exploring both our river heritage and natural environment.
During summer evenings, the park comes alive with community events, from riverside concerts to fishing tournaments, maintaining the social tradition of our historic waterfront. The park’s design thoughtfully incorporates elements of Port Deposit’s past, including preserved sections of original dock structures and interpretive signs that tell the story of our river commerce heritage.
Open dawn to dusk
Boat launch permits available at Town Hall
2
Veteran’s Memorial
S. Main St.
Our Veteran’s Memorial, donated by V.F.W. Post 8185, honors the men and women who served our nation in times of both peace and war. This granite monument reflects our community’s deep appreciation for service members who, like the Susquehanna itself, have been a constant source of strength and pride for Port Deposit.
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Historic Tome Gas House
Marina Park
Built circa 1850 from our signature Port Deposit granite, this restored landmark exemplifies our town’s ability to adapt and evolve while honoring its past. Originally constructed to power Jacob Tome’s mansion, today it serves dual purposes that bridge our industrial heritage with environmental stewardship. The building now houses vital research on the endangered Northern Map Turtle while welcoming visitors to our waterfront. Its location along the Susquehanna makes it a perfect gateway to exploring both our natural and cultural heritage, with easy access to the Conowingo Dam and Susquehanna State Park.
4
The Promenade
Tome’s Landing Waterfront
Our riverfront walkway embodies our tagline “On the Rise with the Tide” and provides the perfect vantage point to experience Port Deposit’s relationship with the Susquehanna. Part of the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway, this meandering concrete path stretches over 12 miles from the Conowingo Dam to the Chesapeake Bay.
Along the way, visitors can explore local shops, restaurants, the Bainbridge Museum, Tome’s Landing Marina, and Marina Park.
The promenade offers prime spots for fishing, photography, and wildlife observation – keep an eye out for blue herons, eagles, and other native species that make their home along our shores. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful sunset stroll or an afternoon of bird-watching, the waterfront path provides a perfect blend of natural beauty and historic charm.
5
Washington Hall Site
64 S. Main St.
Across from Adams Hall once stood Washington Hall, the first building of Jacob Tome’s educational vision. Built in 1894, it represented the beginning of an institution that would transform Port Deposit into a beacon of learning. Though the building itself is gone, the granite arch that remains stands as a testament to the town’s enduring commitment to education and progress.
6
Adams Hall, 64 S. Main Street
64 S. Main Street
Standing proud since 1900, Adams Hall embodies Port Deposit’s commitment to both education and preservation. Originally built as the gymnasium for The Jacob Tome Institute’s Senior School for Girls, its granite walls now serve as our Town Hall. The building’s transformation mirrors our town’s own evolution – adapting to changing times while maintaining its historic character. The structure’s distinctive architecture, with its commanding presence on Main Street, continues to play a central role in civic life, just as it did in its educational heyday.
7
Jacob’s Ladder, Adjacent to Town Hall
66 S. Main Street
These dramatic granite steps, 75 in total, tell the story of Port Deposit’s vertical geography and educational ambition. Built in the early 1900s to connect Main Street with the Tome School for Boys on the bluffs above, they begin with unique “ramp” bricks before ascending in a graceful curve. The steps offer one of the best views of the Susquehanna and our four bridges, along with glimpses of the clever water management systems that helped tame our hillside location. At the base, a granite arch – all that remains of Washington Hall – bears carvings of Jacob Tome and his wife Evelyn Nesbitt Tome, reminding us of the educational legacy that helped shape our town.
For easier access to the view, walk up High Street and descend via Jacob’s Ladder
8
Port Deposit Presbyterian Church
44 S. Main Street
Erected in 1902 in the Norman style, this granite church represents both architectural beauty and community spirit. Financed by James Harvey Rowland and enhanced by his children’s gifts – including Samuel’s organ and Mary’s pews – the church features a stunning wooden-beamed ceiling and memorial stained glass windows. Before this building existed, services were held outdoors, with Rev. James McGraw preaching from horseback or atop an upturned box, demonstrating the adaptable spirit that still characterizes our town today.
Active congregation – visitors welcome for services and to view the historic interior
9
The Gerry House
16 S. Main St.
Built in 1813, this late Georgian architectural gem with Greek Revival porches tells multiple stories of Port Deposit’s past. Its distinguished visitors included General Lafayette, who was entertained here in 1824. Later owner Cornelius Smith added the distinctive porches with columns carved from local trees and cast-iron railings featuring wheat sheaves – a proud farmer’s signature touch. The cast iron work is believed to be from Baltimore, and the granite support slabs showcase the finest craftsmanship of their era. Now a private residence with a first-floor shop, the house stands as a beautifully preserved example of Port Deposit’s architectural heritage, thanks to restoration work by the Port Deposit Heritage Corporation.
10
USNTC Bainbridge Museum
6 S. Main Street
Housed in our stately 1906 bank building, this limestone-faced granite structure stands as a masterpiece of historic preservation. Built during Port Deposit’s heyday, it served the community as a full-service bank for 78 years until changing economic times led to its closure in 1984. Through the generosity of the bank and the vision of Linda Reed and Kim Risk, who purchased and restored it in 2000, the building found new life as the Bainbridge Naval Training Center History Museum. The restoration project earned national recognition in 2002 with the Construction Excellence Award for historic preservation.
Open weekends, 1-5 PM, mid-March through mid-December
11
Post Office Corner
Main Street and Jacob Tome Highway
During the War of 1812, this site housed the barracks of the First Independent Rifle Company, whose legendary marksmanship helped protect our town. Local lore tells that these sharpshooters were so precise they could “shoot an eye out of a crow upon the wing,” a reputation that reportedly deterred British naval attacks. A vibrant mural commissioned by the Chamber of Commerce now commemorates this proud heritage, depicting a marksman in period attire against the backdrop of a retreating British vessel on the Susquehanna.
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Center of Town
Main Street at Center Street
The heart of Port Deposit beats strongest where Center Street divides North and South Main, creating a vibrant town center that has witnessed centuries of river commerce and community life. Here, our Victorian-era drinking fountain, erected in 1903 by teacher and artist Martha Beech, stands as a testament to thoughtful design and civic pride. Its innovative features – separate bowls for horses, travelers, dogs, cats, and even a bird bath carved into its crown – reflect the careful consideration given to all of the town’s inhabitants, both human and animal.
Take a moment on the bank building steps for a perfect view of this historic centerpiece, which continues to serve as a gathering place for our community of under 700 residents. This intimate scale allows us to maintain the close-knit atmosphere that has characterized Port Deposit since its early days as a bustling trading center.
Special events throughout the year bring our community together:
- Annual Christmas Tree Lighting & Candlelight Tour (First weekend of December) – featuring traditional caroling and tours of historic homes
- Rockfish Tournament (First weekend in June) – celebrating our connection to the river’s bounty
13
John A. J. Creswell Birthplace
Intersection of MD Route 222 and Route 276
At this historic site, a remarkable political career began that would help shape American history. Born here in 1828 when Port Deposit was still known as Creswell’s Ferry, John A. J. Creswell rose from local lawyer to national prominence. After graduating from Dickinson College and establishing his law practice, he served in the Maryland General Assembly and as Adjutant General before being elected to Congress in 1862. As U.S. Postmaster General under President Grant from 1869 to 1874, he modernized the postal service and managed Republican Party patronage. Until his death in 1891, he remained an influential figure in Maryland’s Republican Party, exemplifying how far ambition and ability could carry a son of our river town.
14
Paw Paw Museum
98 N. Main Street
Built in 1821 as Port Deposit’s first church, this historic structure carries profound stories of faith, community, and the fight for freedom. Named for two pawpaw bushes that once flanked its entrance, the building served as the first Methodist congregation in town. Its unique three-entrance design – separate doors for men, women, and people of color – reflects the complex social history of the era, while its role in the Underground Railroad speaks to courage and compassion. The balcony, accessed only from outside, provided shelter for freedom seekers while services continued below.
Today, the museum houses a fascinating collection of local history, from Civil War memorabilia to vintage photographs and yearbooks, carefully preserved by dedicated volunteers.
Learn more about the Port Deposit Heritage Corporation.
Open 2nd and 4th Sundays, 1-5 PM (May-October) Group tours available by appointment Contact: pawpawmuseum@gmail.com
15
The Tome School
Above Port Deposit on the Bluffs
Rising above Port Deposit’s waterfront, The Tome School campus stands as a testament to one man’s vision for education and our town’s golden age. Founded by Jacob Tome, who arrived in Port Deposit as a penniless man and rose to become Cecil County’s first millionaire, the school began on Main Street in 1894 as part of a comprehensive educational system extending from kindergarten through high school.
After Tome’s death in 1898 and a generous endowment of over $2 million, the school expanded dramatically. The hilltop campus, built in the early 1900s, featured 13 magnificent granite buildings designed in a collegiate Gothic style. The grounds themselves were a work of art, with tree-lined streets designed by Frederick Law Olmsted’s firm converging at the iconic Steps of Memorial Hall.
The school relocated to North East, Maryland in the 1970s, but the original campus continues to intrigue visitors with its commanding views of the Susquehanna and its reminder of Port Deposit’s role in shaping young minds. The site stands ready for its next chapter, much like our resilient river town itself.
(Note: The site of the former Tome School is not accessible to the public.)
16
USNTC Bainbridge
Adjacent to The Tome School Site
The history of our hillside doesn’t end with The Tome School. In 1942, the U.S. Navy established the Bainbridge Naval Training Center, transforming Port Deposit’s educational legacy into one of national service. Named after Commodore William Bainbridge, a War of 1812 naval hero, the base became one of the Navy’s major training facilities, preparing over half a million sailors for service during World War II alone.
The 1,200-acre campus expanded well beyond the original Tome School buildings, with the facility eventually training thousands of men and women in everything from basic seamanship to advanced technical skills. At its peak, Bainbridge housed 55,000 recruits at a time, making it one of the largest naval training centers in the United States. The base’s presence profoundly shaped Port Deposit’s character, bringing new energy and diversity to our riverside community.
Though the facility closed in 1976, its impact on Port Deposit’s history and development remains significant. Today, visitors can learn about this important chapter of our history at the Bainbridge Museum downtown, where photographs, uniforms, and memorabilia tell the stories of the countless sailors who began their naval careers on our granite bluffs.
For more information about the base and its history, visit the Bainbridge Museum at 6 S. Main Street.
(Note: The site of the former USNTC Bainbridge is not accessible to the public.)
17
Rock Run Mill
Intersection of N. Main Street and MD 269
Dating back to around 1725, Rock Run Mill (also known as Merchant’s Mill) represents Port Deposit’s early industrial heritage. As a “Merchant Mill,” it was a significant enterprise, purchasing grain from local farmers to process for trade rather than simply grinding for local use. Through the years, the mill adapted to changing times, producing everything from flour to brushes and early American furniture. From 1916 to 1940, it operated as a sausage factory, making scrapple and other products. Today, the mill stands as a reminder of our town’s diverse industrial past and ability to adapt to changing times.
18
Donaldson Brown Estate
205 Tome Highway
Perched majestically on the granite bluffs overlooking the Susquehanna, the Donaldson Brown Estate stands as a testament to both architectural grandeur and educational vision. Built in 1936 as the private residence of Donaldson Brown, a vice president of both DuPont and General Motors, this Georgian Revival mansion exemplifies the sophistication that once characterized Port Deposit’s hillside estates.
The 45-room mansion, with its commanding views of the river valley, features exquisite craftsmanship throughout, from its elegant formal gardens to its carefully preserved interior detailing. Today, as part of the University of Maryland system, the estate continues its legacy of fostering learning and community connection as a conference center and event venue.
The property’s transformation from private residence to public resource mirrors Port Deposit’s own evolution, demonstrating how historic preservation can serve modern needs while maintaining architectural integrity. Visitors to the grounds can still experience the grandeur of Port Deposit’s golden age while enjoying modern amenities in a spectacular riverfront setting.
Open for scheduled events and conferences – Contact for tour availability
Learn more about the Donaldson Brown Riverfront Event Center.
