FREDERICK

Named probably for Frederick Calvert who became sixth 'and last
Lord Baltimore. It was created by Chapter 15, Acts of 1748. The
County seat is Frederick.

GARRETT

Named for John W. Garrett, industrialist and financier. It was
created by Chapter 212 of the Acts of 1872. The County seat is
Oakland.

HARFORD

Named for Henry Harford, last Proprietary. He was a son of
Frederick, sixth Lord Baltimore, but because of his illegitimate birth
did not inherit the title. The County was erected by Chapter 6 of the
Acts of 1773. The County seat is Bel Air.

HOWARD

Named for John Eager Howard, soldier and statesman. The County
was created in 1861 by Article VIII, Section I of the Constitution of
that year. However, the area which later became Howard County was
set up as Howard District of Anne Arundel County by Chapter 22 of
the Acts of 1838; confirmed by Chapter 50, Acts of 1839 and there-
after, until 1861, enjoyed the status of a county except that it was not
represented in the General Assembly. The County seat is Ellicott City.

KENT

This County derives its name from the English county of the same
name. It was first referred to as a county in 1642, but it could have
acquired this status as early as 1640 when mention is made of a sheriff
for the Isle of Kent. The County seat is Chestertown.

MONTGOMERY

Named for the Revolutionary General Richard Montgomery. The
County was created by the Constitutional Convention of 1776. The
County seat is Rockville.

PRINCE GEORGE'S

Named for Prince George of Denmark, husband of Queen Anne. This
County was erected by Chapter 13, Acts of 1696 (May Session). The
County seat is Upper Mariboro.

QUEEN ANNE'S

Named for Queen Anne. It was erected by Chapter 3 of the Acts of
1706. The County seat is Centreville.

ST. MARY'S

Named in honor of the Virgin Mary. Here the Ark and the Dove
landed on Annunciation Day (March 26). This was the first county
erected in Maryland, having been created in 1637 by an order of the
Governor. The County seat is Leonardtown.

SOMERSET

Named after Mary Somerset, sister-in-law of Cecilius, Second Lord
Baltimore. It was created by an Order in Council of 1666. The County
seat is Princess Anne.