ON HOLD WASHINGTON INN

The town of Princess Anne exemplifies Historic Small Town America and was named for the 24 year old Princess Anne of Great Britain daughter of King George II. It was established in 1733 and serves as the county seat for Somerset County - the southernmost county in Maryland. The Inn was built in 1744 and has been the centre of the community ever since. In the mid-18th century Princess Anne gained considerable importance as a market centre because of the river trade. At that time the Manokin River was navigable as far as the bridge at Princess Anne. Much of the towns architectural heritage from those days has been preserved. About 150 acres of the old town is entered on the National Register of Historic Places as the Princess Anne Historic District. A University Town - home to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore which is a central figure in the community - enhancing the cultural and economic life of Princess Anne - Somerset County and the lower Eastern Shore. Located on Route 13 yet only fifteen minutes drive south of The City of Salisbury the area overflows with attractions and amenities yet still keeps a quiet rural charm and a home-town feel. One of the greatest local attractions is of course - the Atlantic Beaches which include Ocean City - Maryland - Assateague - Chincoteague - Rehoboth - Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island. 19 miles from Princess Anne is the Seafood Capital City of Crisfield. Initially a small fishing village called Annemessex Neck during European colonisation. When the business potential for seafood was discovered John W. Crisfield decided to bring the Pennsylvania Railroad to Crisfield and the quiet fishing town grew. Crisfield is also a major gateway to Smith Island and Tangier Island both unique Bay Island worth a day trip. As the county seat Princess Anne is the ideal starting point for day trips to the Lower Eastern Shore.