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Elkton, MD

Frequently asked questions

Elkton, MD

Elkton is a town in and the county seat of Cecil County, Maryland, United States. The population was 15,443 at the 2010 census. It was formerly called Head of Elk because it sits at the head of navigation on the Elk River, which flows into the nearby Chesapeake Bay. The town constitutes part of the Delaware Valley (i.e. the Philadelphia metropolitan area).

Elkton was once known as the Gretna Green of the East of the US because of its popularity as a place for eloping couples to marry. 

The town was founded by Swedish mariners and fishermen from Fort Casimir who settled the area in 1694. They called their settlement Head of Elk, as it was the head of navigation of the Elk River.

The town saw several actions during the American Revolutionary War. On August 25, 1777, Sir William Howe's Anglo-German army (13,000 British soldiers and 5,000 Germans) landed on the Elk River and marched 11 miles north to Head of Elk. Howe soon advanced to the short and victorious campaign of the Brandywine, and thence to the capture of Philadelphia. On March 8, 1781, the Marquis de Lafayette embarked his troops there to attempt a capture of Benedict Arnold. Returning on April 9, he began his overland march to Virginia. George Washington and Rochambeau with their combined forces stopped in Elkton on September 6–7, 1781, on their way to Yorktown.

In 1787, the town was incorporated as Elkton. By 1880, the population was 1,752.

The landmark historic home, Holly Hall was built by James Sewall in the 1810s and quickly became a regional seat for important dignitaries and local politics.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 8.61 square miles (22.30 km²), of which 8.35 square miles (21.63 km²) is land and 0.26 square miles (0.67 km²) is water.

Elkton places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Union Hospital is a state-of-the-art medical facility ensuring residents access to top-notch healthcare services. Faithful Fitness provides a comprehensive gym experience with state-of-the-art equipment and classes. Cecil County Parks and Recreation provides outdoor activities including hiking trails, sports fields, and fitness programs. Cecil County Family YMCA offers fitness classes, swimming lessons, and youth programs promoting healthy living. Chesapeake Wellness Center focuses on holistic health with services like acupuncture, massage therapy, and nutritional counseling. Breathe Yoga Studio provides yoga classes for all levels in a serene waterfront setting. Garuda Gym USA and Superdojo offer martial arts classes for all ages, promoting physical fitness and self-discipline.

Top sites in Elkton, MD are The Historical Society of Cecil County, Gilpin's Falls Covered Bridge, and Meadow Park

Population: 15,977 (2024). ZIP codes: 21921-21922. Area codes: 410, 443, and 667. Elevation: 3,000 feet. Area: 8.61 square miles (22.30 km²).

FAQs

What is Elkton, MD known for? 

Known as the “Gretna Green of the East,” Elkton conducted a lucrative business in quick marriages until a 1938 state law stipulated a 48-hour waiting period; the town still has its wedding chapels and remains a popular destination of eloping couples. Several buildings survive from the colonial period, including Gilpin Manor and Partridge Hill. Elk Neck State Park, with Turkey Point Lighthouse (1834), is nearby.

What county is Elkton, MD?

Elkton is a town in and the county seat of Cecil County, Maryland, United States. The population was 15,443 at the 2010 census. It was formerly called Head of Elk because it sits at the head of navigation on the Elk River, which flows into the nearby Chesapeake Bay. The town constitutes part of the Delaware Valley (i.e. the Philadelphia metropolitan area).

What is the history of Elkton, MD?

The town was founded by Swedish mariners and fishermen from Fort Casimir who settled the area in 1694. They called their settlement Head of Elk, as it was the head of navigation of the Elk River. The town saw several actions during the American Revolutionary War. On August 25, 1777, Sir William Howe's Anglo-German army (13,000 British soldiers and 5,000 Germans) landed on the Elk River and marched 11 miles north to Head of Elk. Howe soon advanced to the short and victorious campaign of the Brandywine, and thence to the capture of Philadelphia.

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Elkton

Britannica

The Historical Society of Cecil County

Gilpin's Falls Covered Bridge

Meadow Park

Union Hospital

Faithful Fitness

Cecil County Parks and Recreation

Cecil County Family YMCA

Chesapeake Wellness Center

Garuda Gym USA

Superdojo

Breathe Yoga Studio

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