The Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Council Historic Buildings

Historic Buildings

Traverse 300 years of architecture that reflects the prosperity, poverty and perseverance against the natural elements. It is common to see architecture that spans from very early Colonial through late Victorian periods. While most homes are private, there are many others open to the public throughout the year.

Teackle Mansion,
Princess Anne

This is a great area to see Georgian, Greek Revival, Federal, Victorian, and the Eastern Shore's own: big house, little house, collonade, kitchen, that is sometimes affectionately known as a "telescope house." One home open to the public is the Teackle Mansion located in Princess Anne. It is an outstanding example of neoclassic architecture, build between 1802-1805 with later additions in 1818-1819. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the grandest brick homes in the area.

St. Peter's Church,
Princess Anne

Historic churches abound. Represented are Episcopalian, Presbyterian, Wesleyan, Baptist, Methodist and Catholic. All have a story to tell. A respective walk among their graveyards uncovers area settlement dates and local dominant families. Imagine the people who passed through those church doors: white, black, Revolutionary War heros, returned Confederates, fishermen, prominent politicians and the ordinary citizen, all sharing a common ground in faith.

Visit the Old Presbyterian church built at Rehobeth in Somerset County. Built in 1705, it is the oldest continuously active Presbyterian church in America today. The church retains its original walls and an unusual "kicked eave." A lobby tape recorder informs visitors of the church's history. Located nearby is the burned out remains of an old 18th century Episcopal church. Outside Berlin is the New Bethel Methodist church, a gothic revival structure with tripartite sanctuary windows filled with colored glass. Begun in 1855, it is one of the oldest black churches in Worcester County, with several founders being freedmen.

Bike or drive the back roads searching out old churches. Take Rt. 363 to Deal Island and drive past the old red bank that closed after the 1929 stock market crash. Find St. John's Church on your left. It was here during the war of 1812, that Rev. Joshua Thomas, the famous "Parson of the Islands," held camp meetings for Tangier and Smith Island families. All cemeteries have a story to tell. They hold both family tragedy along with interesting epitaphs.

Walk among the beautiful Victorian homes of "Newtown" in Salisbury. Several are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Need maps or Walking Tours? Contact the organizations below.