Discover the Lowest Point in Maryland

Maryland is one of the oldest states in the country. It gained its statehood in 1788, becoming the seventh state to join the union. Thanks to bordering the 200-mile-long Chesapeake Bay, the state of Maryland contains around 4,000 miles of shoreline. From the low coastal plains to the mountainous regions, Maryland has a diverse topography. The highest point in the state at an elevation of 3,360 feet is located at Hoye Crest on Backbone Mountain. 

But what about the lowest point in Maryland? Following is the fascinating history of a deep depression found in the depths of the Chesapeake Bay at Maryland’s lowest point.

Maryland – Its Lowest Point

The lowest point in Maryland is 174 feet below sea level in a natural depression at the bottom of the Chesapeake Bay, referred to as the “Bloody Point Hole”.  The depression is located southeast of Annapolis, about one mile southwest of the southern tip of Kent Island, known as Bloody Point.

Where Is Bloody Point Located on a Map?

Bloody Point is a cape in Maryland located in Queen Anne’s County. At the southern tip of Kent Island, it’s about 25 miles from Annapolis, MD.

History: How Did Bloody Point Hole Get Its Name?

Nobody knows for sure where the macabre name came from, but there are several different theories. Each theory points to different violent events that occurred near the southern tip of Kent Island. Whether one or more of the theories is the answer is lost to history.

Theory #1: Massacre of a Native American Tribe

The story goes that the early colonists invited the Native Americans to a “friendly” meeting. However, the colonists had a different idea in mind and killed every one of them without warning.

Theory #2: Execution of a French Pirate

The second theory involves a pirate off the shores of Kent Island. As the tale states, a French pirate was convicted of stealing a boat and killing three of its crewmembers. Consequently, he was executed, and his body was left to hang at Bloody Point as a warning to other pirates.

Theory #3: Slave Ships

Incoming ships from Africa may have thrown living captives overboard near Bloody Point. It’s been documented that captains of slave ships threw captives overboard who were thought to be too ill to recover. The reason for this evil act was that insurance companies would only make payments for slaves that had died by drowning, not illness.

Theory #4: A Fight Between Colonists

Finally, this theory is based on a violent skirmish between two separate colonies. Colonists from both Maryland and Virginia thought they owned Kent Island. The mistake led to a bloody fight between the colonists.

Things to Do on Kent Island

Kent Island is the largest island in the Chesapeake Bay area. A popular spot for a day trip, Kent Island offers natural attractions, outdoor activities, and world-class seafood restaurants.

Outdoor Fun

The Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center offers a place to hike, birdwatch, or kayak around Marshy Creek. Additionally, Matapeake Beach is a beautiful public swimming beach with picnic areas and hiking trails through the nearby forested area. 

Take a Fishing Charter

The area contains over a dozen marinas. Many offer tours and fishing trips in the Chesapeake Bay. Fish commonly caught include flounder, striped bass (known in Maryland as rockfish), bluefish, and white perch.

Eat Fresh Seafood

Chesapeake Bay is known for its fresh seafood and Kent Island is no exception. Many dining establishments serve some of the area’s most famous dishes including oysters, blue crabs, and striped bass (rockfish).

View the Bloody Point Bar Lighthouse

Seen from the shore of southern Kent Island, the Bloody Point Bar Lighthouse is 37 feet tall and marks the entrance to the Eastern Bay. The lighthouse is an early type of sparkplug lighthouse. It was constructed in 1882 and auctioned off to a Nevada lawyer in 2006. Presently, the lighthouse sits in disrepair, rusted, and with a gaping hole in one side.

Shopping and Art Galleries

The historic Stevensville Arts and Entertainment District has over 24 art galleries, historical sites, and unique boutiques. Shoppers can find unique items such as handmade jewelry, crafts, souvenirs, and antiques.

Wildlife on Kent Island

Abundant wildlife can be found on Kent Island, including tundra swans, bald eagles, white-tail deer, northern diamondback terrapin, and the rare black squirrel. Living in the waters of the Chesapeake Bay are many different species including Maryland’s iconic blue crabs, oysters, striped bass (rockfish), speckled trout, summer flounder, and blue catfish. 

Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge

Located near Kent Island, within the Chesapeake Marshlands National Wildlife Refuge Complex on Eastern Neck Island, is the 2,285-acre Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is a major resting spot for migratory waterfowl and includes a variety of habitats such as forests, grasslands, brackish tidal marshes, and open water impoundments. According to the refuge, over 240 species of birds and a diverse amount of mammals live on the island. 

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Nature's Charm/Shutterstock.com