About Crownsville's Herald Harbor

Back in 1925 the now defunct Washington Herald newspaper bought 460 acres along the Severn River in the Crownsville area just outside Annapolis for $120,000 from the Hall and Kyle farming families. The newspaper marketing people advertised the area as a summer resort and divided the land into 25 x 100 lots. Subscribers could purchase a waterfront lot for $200 and any of the rest for $25.00. Some buyers built small cottages and many others just pitched a tent on their lots.

By the 1930's Herald Harbor was thriving with its wonderful beach, a dance pavilion and a summer beauty contest where contestants had the opportunity to win $5000, a new car and a couple of lots. There was even semi- professional boxing matches, greyhound dog races and when the county legalized slots machines even more people were drawn to Herald harbor.

When the Bay Bridge opened in 1952 many people lost interest in the resort called Herald Harbor as they flocked to Ocean City instead. And then the county phased out slot machines. Those that hung in eventually were living there year round and when public water came to the area many either renovated or built larger homes

Herald Harbor has lost much of it's water access with just a small beach still available that is within walking distance of most homes. Through the years many builders flocked to the community building affordable homes for buyers. In the 1970's it was the modular revolution and the 1990's brought the stick built split foyers and Colonials.

Today Herald Harbor is a wonderful eclectic community of summer cottages next to waterfront mansions. Home prices are some of the most affordable in the Annapolis/Crownsville area. The community offers a park, a boat ramp and is a great walking community. A small General Store and Fire Department greets you at its entrance along with a Day Care Center and Community Hall. And just outside the community is Smiths Marina where the launching and/or docking of larger boats is perfect. And just a few miles away there is a fabulous public golf course, the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds and a huge ball park. Oh and HOA is voluntary in Herald Harbor.

Shopping is available towards Annapolis which is down Generals Highway. there you will find the Annapolis Mall, and just around the corner on Housley you will find a Safeway, Best Buy, PetSmart and Home Depot among many other stores.Commuting is some of the best in the area with Rt 97 just 3 minutes away and Rt 50 within 10 minutes.