Chestertown’s Revolutionary Tea Party

Once the degrees have been handed out most Washington College students return home to enjoy their summer before returning to school or embarking on their next adventure. But for those who stay in Chestertown, there is an event filled with history and fun for them to experience.

By May 1774 the news of what happened the night of December 16, 1773, of the Sons of Liberty protesting by dumping tea into Boston Harbor along with the response to Britain’s Parliament to close the Port of Boston had reached Maryland. Inspired by these events the citizens of Chestertown held their own tea party. The legend goes that the town gathered and marched down High Street to the port where the Brigantine Geddes was anchored. A group took boats out into the Chester River boarded the Geddes and threw her cargo of tea overboard!

This event seems to have been lost to the annals of history until the nation’s bicentennial neared. One of the first festivals occurred in 1967, it included a reenactment and several days of events. The festival begins again in 1974 as part of the revitalization of the waterfront. Today it is one of the larger events to take place in Chestertown. With parades, the reenactment, and other activities over Memorial Day weekend.

So, if you’re in town join in the fun and experience the Chestertown Tea Party Festival Memorial Day weekend!