Crumpton
Crumpton is located in northern Queen Anne's County, along the Chester River one of the myriad of estuaries of the Chesapeake Bay. The town was originally called McCallisters Ferry, named because of the landing that operated there, when the rope rafts traversed the river connecting the north and south banks. The name was later changed to Crumpton, after local land owner William Crump.
Crumpton was a planned community of the 19th century, with its streets laid out in a grid pattern named after streets in Baltimore. There was the anticipation of much growth, which waned after the turn of the century with the demise of the great steamboat lines.
The Weims Steamboat Line made its way up the river from Baltimore, as did the Chester River Line, with Crumpton being as far up the river as they went, "the end of the line", so to speak. One hundred fifty years ago the deep water channel of the Chester River went all the way to Crumpton. Nowadays, it extends only to the Chester River Bridge at Chestertown.
The "main drag" Broad Street, was once a busy commercial thoroughfare. Many of the present day homes still reflect that time, with their historic storefronts intact. The majority of homes were built in the mid to late 19th century in the Italianate style. One such home, 325 Broad Street, is a great example of such architecture complete with a general store and widows walk. The home at 406 Broad Street, more commonly known as Red Shutters is believed to be the oldest existing home in town. It was built in the early 19th century with bricks made of crushed oyster shells from the river.
During the late 19th and early 20th century Crumtpton was considered a scandalous town due to the local and national temperance movement. It has been reported that during prohibition Crumpton was the scene of local raids on speakeasies. During such raids the "Feds" chose not to include the local authorities due to their involvement in such activities.
Today Crumpton sits as a sleepy little waterfront town, with one store, a post office, and a fire house. Just outside town is Crumpton's claim to fame, Dixon's Furniture Auction, or as the locals say "Crumpton Sale". This auction house is one of the largest outdoor auctions on the east coast. Every Wednesday from 7am - 7pm one can find anything from antique rugs, to rare books, and large antique furniture. Inside the sale barn, there are many vendors selling locally grown produce, and an Amish market serving homemade milkshakes.
Crumpton is a small town steeped in local history and good old fashioned Eastern Shore friendliness.
