Custom House
High Street at the Chester River

Along with its riverside neighbor, Widehall, Chestertown's Custom House dominates the streetscape at the foot of High Street.

Characterized by Flemish bond brickwork with glazed headers, this 1745, 5-bay building dominates its corner. Land records indicate it was built by Samuel Massey after he bought the lot in 1745.

He sold it in 1749 to Thomas Ringgold. It was probably the residence of the King's Custom collector prior to the American Revolution. Recent restoration uncovered a doorway to an adjoining stone building, no long standing, that may have been the actual Custom House, called Computing House in Ringgold's will.

Beneath the front terrace on Water Street are three arched brick vaults, one of which is visible on the tour. Speculation is they were storage areas for imports until the Duty was paid allowing their distribution among local merchants.

Washington College's Archaeology Lab is located on this level. Here, work is ongoing to uncover the earliest artifacts related to Kent County and its significance in Colonial era trade. You won't want to miss the extensive displays! Come meet the college's archaeology faculty.