Although European settlers have been present in the area since colonial times (the site was originally known as Bourne's Island and later as Somervell's Island), the history of the town under the name Solomons began in the second half of the 19th century. A key moment was 1867, when entrepreneur Isaac Solomon established a large cannery here, effectively giving the settlement its modern name and status.
Key Factors in its Development
The rapid development of the town was driven by a unique combination of natural and economic conditions:
Geographic Location: Solomons is located at the mouth of the Patuxent River where it meets the Chesapeake Bay. The deep natural harbor provided a safe anchorage for ships and convenient routes for transporting goods.
The Oyster Trade: The abundance of oysters in local waters made the town a hub for seafood harvesting and processing, attracting both labor and capital.
Early Cultural and Economic Characteristics
In the late 19th century, Solomons emerged as a classic maritime community. In addition to canneries, shipbuilding played a vital role. Local shipyards were famous for creating reliable vessels, including the renowned bugeye sailboats, specifically designed for oyster dredging. Life in the town was inextricably linked to the sea, which defined its architectural character and traditions for years to come.
Timeline
Key Milestones
1680 — The land where the modern town sits was granted to Thomas Bourne and was known as Bourne’s Island for a long time.
1867 — Entrepreneur Isaac Solomon opens a cannery here, marking the beginning of large-scale development in the oyster industry.
1870 — An official post office opens, and the settlement is named Solomons.
1880s — The peak of the shipbuilding era, when local shipyards produced specialized sailing vessels for seafood harvesting in large numbers.
1925 — Dr. Reginald Truitt founds the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, which became a major scientific center for the region.
1942 — The establishment of a Navy amphibious training base significantly alters the island's landscape and infrastructure, attracting thousands of new residents.
1970 — The Calvert Marine Museum is founded, eventually becoming the town's primary cultural attraction.
1977 — The opening of the Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge connects Solomons to St. Mary's County, improving transportation access.
1980s — The town finalizes its shift from industrial fishing to recreational tourism and yachting.
Present Day — Solomons is recognized as one of the most popular destinations for sailing and leisure in the Chesapeake Bay area.
Milestones
Stages of Growth and Transformation
The development of Solomons is a story of a small fishing settlement transforming into a prestigious tourism and scientific center. Here are the key moments that defined the modern face of the town:
Industrialization and the "Oyster Boom" (1867)
The opening of Isaac Solomon’s cannery became the town's economic foundation. This event attracted investment and a workforce, turning the quiet island into a bustling industrial hub for seafood processing known throughout the coast.
The Flourishing of Shipbuilding (Late 19th — Early 20th Century)
The development of shipyards, such as the famous M.M. Davis shipyard, made Solomons a center for building specialized vessels. Unique sailboats and workboats were created here, building the town's reputation as a home to world-class maritime craftsmen.
Scientific Reorientation (1925)
The founding of the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory marked a major shift: from simple resource extraction, the town moved toward resource study. This institution brought an academic component to local life and became the oldest state-supported marine laboratory on the East Coast.
Wartime Urbanization (1942)
The establishment of a U.S. Navy amphibious training base drastically changed the landscape. New roads, housing, and infrastructure were built for military needs, and the population temporarily surged by thousands, providing a powerful economic boost.
Preservation of Heritage (1970)
The opening of the Calvert Marine Museum was a turning point in cultural life. The town began to consciously preserve its history, turning old lighthouses and vessels into exhibits, which laid the foundation for future sightseeing tourism.
Transportation Breakthrough (1977)
The commissioning of the Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge across the Patuxent River ended Solomons' relative isolation. The connection to St. Mary's County opened the town to motorists and significantly simplified logistics for both businesses and tourists.
Becoming a Yachting Capital (1980s — Present)
The gradual closure of industrial plants gave way to the construction of modern marinas, promenades, and restaurants. The town's economy completely restructured to serve yachtsmen and vacationers, cementing Solomons' status as one of the premier holiday destinations on the Chesapeake Bay.
Architecture
Urban Planning and Layout
The architectural identity of Solomons is inextricably linked to the water. The town developed as a linear settlement along the shoreline of the Patuxent River and the harbor. The historic layout is water-oriented: the facades of many old houses face the river, reflecting the locals' dependence on maritime trade in past centuries. Narrow streets and the absence of massive high-rise buildings create the cozy atmosphere of a traditional fishing village, dominated by low-rise construction.
Architectural Styles and Eras
In Solomons, you won't find pompous Baroque or Classicism. The local architecture is an "honest" American style, dictated by function and available materials (primarily wood). The main trends can be categorized into the following periods:
Late 19th Century — Folk Victorian:
The heyday of the oyster industry left the town a legacy of charming wooden houses. This style is characterized by gabled roofs, the use of wood siding, and, most importantly, spacious wrap-around porches. The decor here is restrained but elegant: carved wooden elements on cornices and railings give the buildings a sense of lightness.
Late 19th Century — Carpenter Gothic:
A striking example of adapting high styles to rural conditions is the town's church architecture. The style is characterized by pointed-arch windows and steep roof gables, executed entirely in wood to mimic the stone Gothic architecture of Europe.
Early 20th Century — Maritime Industrial Style:
Functional buildings associated with seafood processing. These are utilitarian structures on stilts, clad in wood or corrugated metal, designed for maximum efficiency in unloading vessels.
Mid-19th to Early 20th Century — Screwpile Lighthouse Architecture:
A unique regional style of the Chesapeake Bay—lighthouses on screwpiles. Hexagonal wooden cottages raised above the water on iron supports became a hallmark of the region.
Iconic Buildings and Structures
The skyline of Solomons is shaped by several key sites that serve as living illustrations of architectural history:
Drum Point Lighthouse: One of the few surviving screwpile lighthouses. Built in 1883 and moved to the museum area, it represents a perfect example of a Victorian-era cottage style adapted for maritime service.
J.C. Lore Oyster House: A 1934 building designated as a National Historic Landmark. It showcases the rugged aesthetic of early 20th-century industrial architecture and recalls the days when the town was the oyster capital of the region.
St. Peter's Chapel: Built in 1889, this church is a classic example of Carpenter Gothic. Its architecture is notable for its graceful simplicity and harmony with the surrounding landscape.
Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge: A modern landmark (built in 1977) towering over the town. Its high concrete piers and sweeping span create a contrast with the historic low-rise buildings, symbolizing the town's transition into a new tourism era.
Notable People
Notable Figures of Solomons
The history of Solomons is inextricably linked to the people who transformed this island from a quiet fishing village into a center of industry, science, and shipbuilding. Below are the key figures who had the greatest impact on the town's development.
Isaac Solomon Role: Industrialist, founder of the canning industry.
Significance: A key figure in the town's history. In 1867, he moved his oyster and fruit canning business to the island. His enterprise became the town's core industry, providing jobs for hundreds, and the settlement was soon named in his honor—Solomons.
Dr. Reginald V. Truitt Role: Zoologist, educator, laboratory founder.
Significance: In 1925, he founded the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory (CBL)—the oldest state-supported institution for marine research on the East Coast. His work turned Solomons into an important scientific hub and initiated the systematic study of the Chesapeake Bay's ecology.
Marcellus M. Davis Role: Renowned shipbuilder.
Significance: Founder of the M.M. Davis & Son shipyard, which brought the town fame as a center for high-quality shipbuilding. His yard built both commercial oyster boats and luxury yachts, including the famous yacht Manitou, which was later used by President John F. Kennedy.
James C. Lore Role: Entrepreneur, seafood industry pioneer.
Significance: Founder of J.C. Lore & Sons. The "Oyster House" he built in 1934 became a model of efficiency in seafood processing. Today, this building is a National Historic Landmark and part of the Calvert Marine Museum.
Tom Wisner Role: Folk musician, poet, environmentalist, and educator.
Significance: Known as the "Bard of the Chesapeake." He lived and worked in the region for a long time, including at the biological laboratory in Solomons. Through his songs and educational programs, he popularized the culture of waterfront life and the need to protect the Bay's ecosystem.