CECIL

Named for Cecilius, Second Lord Baltimore and founder of ths
Colony. This County was erected in 1674 by Proclamation of the Gov-
ernor. The County seat is Elkton.

CHARLES

Named for Charles Calvert, son and heir of Cecilius, Second Lord
Baltimore. It owes its origin to an Order in Council of 1658. It is not
to be confused with an earlier Charles County, known as Old Charles
County. The County seat is La Plata.

DORCHESTER

Named for the Earl of Dorset, a family friend of the Calverts. The
exact date and the legal origin of the County are unknown, but it was
certainly in existence by February 16, 1668/69 when a writ was issued
to the sheriff of the County. The County seat is Cambridge.

FREDERICK

Named probably for Frederick Calvert who became sixth 'and last
Lord Baltimore. It was created by Chapter 16, 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 1851, 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.