Located at the southern tip of Calvert County, Solomons includes both Solomons Island and the mainland north of the Patuxent River mouth, beside the Chesapeake Bay. It also includes the west and south part of the Dowell Peninsula, and sits across from the U.S. Naval Station Patuxent River.
The city was settled during colonial times, and was originally named Bourne’s Island in 1680. 60 years later, it was changed to Somervell’s Island. Renamed for Isaac Solomon, a 19th century businessman from Baltimore who started a cannery there after the Civil War, the city’s deep connection to the water began to grow.
Building boats and winning wars
Shipyards were developed to support the local fishing fleet, building a variety of boats. During the War of 1812, a flotilla sailed from Solomons to fight British boats on Chesapeake Bay — and ever since, the well-positioned harbor has served as an active marine center.
More than a century later, The Naval Amphibious Training Base Solomons was put into service to help during World War II. At the mouth of the Patuxent River, the military built three naval bases which also contributed greatly to the war effort. During the war, more than 60,000 troops underwent training at Solomons.
In addition, this growth created new jobs for local residents — helping to increase the Solomons population from 263 to nearly 3,000 from 1942 to 1945.
More access and a tourism industry
While the shipyard was joined by the University of Maryland Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, it wasn’t until the Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge was built that more and more people began flocking to Solomons.
Today, Solomons has year-round residents seeking life by the water with all the benefits, and also hosts tourists as a busy weekend destination spot for the Baltimore-Washington metro area.
In addition to marinas, seafood restaurants, a boardwalk, harbor cruises, and great fishing, Solomons is home to the Calvert Marine Museum — a maritime museum with a variety of aircraft on display — and the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum, which catalogs the history of U.S. naval aviation technology.
Art lovers appreciate Solomons as well, with destinations including the Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center — a family-friendly sculpture park with educational activities and a world-class collection.
You can call Solomons home
With its rich history and waterfront lifestyle, Solomons is a great place to buy your next home. In fact, there’s still a handful of new townhomes available at Schaefer Homes’ Oyster Bay.
Starting in the $500s, these three-level homes feature a spacious floor plan, state of the art kitchens, full basements, 2 car garages and much more.
If you’re looking for luxury living on the Chesapeake Bay, look no further. Contact Schaefer Homes today to find out more!