Solomons Island

Solomons Island

Located at the southern tip of Calvert County, Maryland, Solomons is a small waterfront community situated at the mouth of the Patuxent River where it meets the Chesapeake Bay. Despite its name, which suggests an island, the area is now connected to the mainland by bridges and roads. The locality is known for its maritime heritage, marinas and boating activities.

The development of Solomons dates mainly from the second half of the 19th century. In 1865, businessman Isaac Solomon, originally from Baltimore, acquired part of the land and established a seafood cannery there. The oyster industry, fishing and boatbuilding then contributed to the community’s growth. By the late 19th century, Solomons had become an important fishing and boat-building center in the Chesapeake Bay region.

During World War II, the area hosted an amphibious training base for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. The military facilities played a role in preparing landing operations, notably in Europe and the Pacific. After the war, commercial fishing gradually declined in economic importance, while tourism and recreational boating grew.

Today, Solomons includes marinas, shipyards and marine services, restaurants, shops and lodging. The waterfront features a boardwalk offering views over the Patuxent. The Calvert Marine Museum presents the region’s maritime and natural history and is home to the historic Drum Point Lighthouse, a lighthouse on pilings built in 1883 and moved onto the museum grounds. The museum also offers exhibits on fishing, fossils and marine mammals.

Solomons is a popular boating destination on the Chesapeake Bay. The Patuxent River and nearby creeks offer numerous options for anchoring, moorings and transient docks for visiting boats. The area also provides access to bay waters for sailing, fishing and boat excursions.