By roaming the street and alleys in this colorful and lively town, history buffs can learn about the "Town That Fooled The British", Chesapeake Bay watermen and period architecture. St. Michaels, named for the Archangel St. Michael, has been an active port in Maryland since the town was developed. A major part of the economy has been based on its shipbuilding industry which specialized in seagoing vessels and bay craft.

During the War of 1812, St. Michaels was an important shipbuilding center of privateers, blockade runners and naval barges. This activity caused an attempt by British naval forces to destroy the shipyards and the boats under construction. On the morning of August 10, 1813, a number of British barges manned by marines shelled the town and attacked a fort on the harbor side. Residents, forewarned, had hoisted lanterns to the masts of ships and in the tops of the trees causing cannons to overshoot the town. This first "blackout" was effective and only one house was struck, it is known as the "Cannonball House". This action had caused the town to be known as "The Town That Fooled the British" for the past 182 years.

Log Canoes built in St. Michaels and used as workboats in the 1800's evolved into the sport of log canoe racing later in the century. Steamboats, some accommodating up to 2,500 passengers, brought excursionists to Navy Point Wharf in the late 1800's and into the 1900's.

St. Michaels architecture is mainly from the Victorian period, but there are houses on the walking tour which date back to the 18th and early 19th century. Many of the shops on Talbot Street are historic houses which have been converted into businesses.

Business activity in St. Michaels in the first quarter of the 20th century centered around oyster and crab packing houses and tomato canneries. Today, tourism is a big draw to this picturesque port town where vessels from all over the world visit.

Visitors to St. Michaels find quiet charm and a town which they can spend a day, weekend, or a longer stay. Visitors can stroll through specialty retail shops of all descriptions, dine in any one of a number of restaurants offering gourmet dining to outdoor dining on a deck, and spend the night in accommodations ranging from quaint Bed & Breakfasts to elegant Country Inns. In addition, they can visit historic sites such as the Freedom Friends Lodge, St, Mary' s Square Museum, the Cannonball House among others or take an historic narrated cruises which run daily April through November. While in town, schedule a visit to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum which captures the history of life on this beautiful estuary.

A sampling of the annual special events in St. Michaels include the Strawberry Festival and the Antique & Classic Boat Show in June; Big Band Night in July; Classic Car Show and the Crab Fest in August; Fall Into St. Michaels in October; and Christmas in St. Michaels in December.

Talbot County offers the visitors a variety of towns which together or individually make a wonderful destination for a day, a weekend or a longer stay. Come visit Talbot County and "Explore Maryland's Eastern Shore!"