![]() ![]() The first courthouse was located on the Sassafras River.ĭuring the century between the establishment of the County and the Revolutionary War, Cecil developed into a bustling yet rural region at the head of the Chesapeake Bay. In 1674 Herman's wish was granted, and by proclamation, the boundaries for the new county of Cecil were established. Because of his skills he was considered an important man, and it was Herman who was able to convince Governor Charles Calvert to divide Cecil County out of Baltimore County. Herman offered his masterful map making skills to create a map of Maryland, and in exchange received a large tract of land that spread out from the Bohemia River. The second name is that of Augustine Herman, one of Cecil's first land owners. He ruled the land called Maryland, after his father -The First Lord Baltimore died. The first is the Second Lord Baltimore, Cecilius Calvert for whom the County was named. There are two names that will forever be linked to the establishment of Cecil County. ![]() A small settlement and a plantation surrounded the first white man's post in the area. He traded beavers and furs with the Susquehannocks, and sold them to the French in Canada. ![]() In 1633, twenty five years after John Smith sailed the tributaries of the Upper Chesapeake Bay, Englishman William Clayborne opened a trading post on Palmers Island at the mouth of the Susquehanna. Though Cecil County was not established by Lord Baltimore and his colonists until 1674, a small settlement came prior to that time. He also documented descriptions of Indian weapons and eating utensils such as flint knife blades that were lashed to a wooden handle for cutting, and a tool that looks much like a rolling pin, used for the mashing and grinding of corn. He gave names to places he visited, many of which were changed by settlers in later years. They frequently absorbed surrounding tribes in territorial wars.īefore leaving the region John Smith and his men explored the North East, Elk, Sassafras and Susquehanna rivers. The Susquehannocks were part of the Iroquois Nation of Indians, who considered themselves the most advanced on the east coast, and militarily strong. They were friendly with the white men, but could be a powerful force in war. The Indians met the white men with gifts of skins, bows, arrows, beads, and tobacco pipes. Heads and claws remained on the skins as they were slipped over the Indian's heads, adding to their larger than life appearance. Smith described them as the largest men he had ever seen, as if they were giants with big voices. They had possession of the land between the North East and Susquehanna rivers whose waters were abundant with fish. The largest tribe the explorers met was the Susquehannock Tribe with 600 people.Ĭaptain Smith encountered the Susquehannocks while exploring the Susquehanna River. Mary Anne's Episcopal Church in North East, and one was on the payroll ledgers of Principio Iron Works. Records show that a few were baptized in St. Some remained even after white men moved to the area. They lived near the North East River and became basket makers and fishermen. The Shawnase were a southern tribe, but they migrated north when they were being killed off in great numbers. The Minquas were located primarily in Delaware, but spread westward into Cecil. The natives had never before seen white men and wanted to worship them as gods. John Smith and his men found them to be friendly and of a gentle nature. The Toghwoghs lived by the Sassafras River. The expedition was led by Captain John Smith, and through his written accounts we learn about the Indian tribes who lived along the shores of Cecil's rivers. The first white men to visit the area arrived by ship in the year 1608. ![]() American Indians were the earliest inhabitants of what is now called Cecil County. ![]()
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