Brief History of Edgewater
Historically, the Woodland Beach area of Edgewater was the site of London Town, the Anne Arundel County seat from 1684 to 1695. Designated by the "Town Act of 1683," it became an important trade and tobacco shipping center and was considered as the potential site of the colonial capital of Maryland. The town was laid out on 100 acres of land obtained from William Burgess. By 1720, London Town was thriving with several houses, taverns, warehouses, and shipyards. It had reached a size and economic vitality that rivaled the colonial capitals of Williamsburg and Annapolis.

The town’s excellent geographic location was perhaps the main reason for its success as a commercial center. It was situated along a deep, freshwater river that could admit large vessels, usually transatlantic ships that arrived to deliver goods and pick up tobacco shipments. In addition, London Town served as a focal point for overland traffic on the colonial road network. Several early roads converged at its ferry crossing on the South River which served as a vital link in north-south travel.

Today, Anne Arundel County owns 25 acres of London Town which is operated as part of the county park system in partnership with the London Town Foundation. The William Brown House, built between 1758 and 1764 by William Brown, a ferry-master, tavern-keeper, and cabinetmaker, is designated as a National Historic Landmark. The William Brown House was purchased by Anne Arundel County in 1824 for use as an almshouse, a use which continued until 1965.

By the late 1800s, steamboats plied the Chesapeake Bay, transporting produce, oysters, crabs and fish to commercial markets and passengers to recreational opportunities. Many wharfs were established on the County's waterways.
 
By the beginning of the 20th century, the seafood industry and truck farming, a method of farming using seasonal immigrant labor, were the main economic activities in the area. The popularity of the automobile and the construction and improvement of highways greatly added to the influx of people from urban areas, particularly Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
(*information courtesy of the Anne Arundel County Planning & Zoning Dept., Edgewater Small Area Plan)

Community Character
Edgewater’s commercial core is situated in the triangle formed by MD 2, MD 214 and MD 253. The residential community associated with Edgewater is concentrated on the nearby peninsulas extending into the South River.

The Riva Road area includes the residential communities of Sylvan Shores, Hambleton Estates, South River Heights Annapolis Landing, Aisquith Farms, and Waterford. This area also contains the Riva Post Office, the Riva Fire Station and a small local neighborhood convenience store.

Along Central Avenue, in the western part of the planning area, is the residential community of Withernsea. In the area south and east of Beards Creek and west of MD 2, are the residential communities of Edgewater Beach, Chestnut Hills, Southdown Shores, Southdown Estates, Hazelwood and Steuart Level.

East of MD 2 to Glebe Creek is the largest concentration of housing in the planning area. This area includes the communities of London Towne, South River Landing, Pine Whiff Beach, South River Park, and South River Colony. South River Colony includes townhouses as well as a community shopping center with a grocery store, discount department store and various convenience shops. Commercial businesses are located along MD 2 and MD 253 (Mayo Road).

South of Central Avenue is the single family component of the South River Colony
development, which also includes an 18-hole golf course. The South River Educational complex is also located in this area and includes Central Elementary School, Central Middle School and South River High School.

In the area east of Muddy Creek Road (MD 468) to Loch Haven Road are the communities of Glebe Heights, Turnbull Estates, Loch Haven Beach, Cape Loch Haven, and Coxby Estates. This area also includes the Loch Haven Park and South River Farm Park.

East of Loch Haven Road to the end of the Mayo peninsula are the communities of Selby on the Bay, River Club Estates, Holly Hill Harbor, Ponder Cove, Carrs Wharf, Turkey Point, Shoreham Beach, Saunders Point, Mayo Beach and Beverly Beach. There are many marinas in this part of the peninsula, especially in Turkey Point, due to the large number of creeks and coves located there.
(*information courtesy of the Anne Arundel County Planning & Zoning Dept., Edgewater Small Area Plan)

Location
Edgewater is located in what is considered to be Southern Anne Arundel County (or South County). Most of Edgewater is bordered by the South River to the north, the Chesapeake Bay to the east and the Rhode and West Rivers to the south.

Edgewater is located roughly 6 miles southeast of Annapolis along Route 2. Washington D.C. is only 30 miles from Edgewater, while Baltimore is approximately 31 miles away. Philadelphia is only a short drive away (126 miles).

Transportation/Airports
Airports - Edgewater is conveniently located not far from 2 major airports. Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) is located 22 miles north of Edgewater along Interstate 97, while Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington D.C. is approximately 21 miles west of Edgewater Route 50. Dulles International Airport is a 3rd airport located approximately 50 miles west of Edgewater.

Check out these links for more information:

Weather in Edgewater

Historic Londontown & Gardens

Southern Anne Arundel Chamber of Commerce

Edgewater Small Area Plan

Annapolis/Edgewater news and information and
www.topix.net/city/edgewater-md

Edgewater Yellow pages

Edgewater City Guide

EDGEWATER REAL ESTATE