Ewell, Maryland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ewell, Maryland
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Harbor at Ewell
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 Ewell, Maryland
Location in Maryland
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Maryland |
| County |  Somerset |
| Elevation | 0 m (0 ft) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
21824
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| Area code(s) | 410, 443, and 667 |
| GNIS feature ID | 590177 |
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Welcome to Ewell, a special place located on Smith Island in Somerset County, Maryland, United States. It's not a big city or even a town with its own mayor. Instead, Ewell is an unincorporated community. This means it's a small group of homes and businesses that are part of a larger county, but they don't have their own local government.
Ewell is one of the main villages on Smith Island. It's known for its unique island culture and strong connection to the Chesapeake Bay. Life here is often about the water, with many people working as watermen.
Life on Smith Island
Living in Ewell means experiencing island life every day. Smith Island is quite isolated, which helps keep its traditions alive. The community is small and close-knit. Everyone pretty much knows everyone else.
Getting Around
Since Ewell is on an island, you can't just drive there. The only way to reach Smith Island is by boat! Ferries regularly travel from the mainland of Maryland and Virginia. Once on the island, people often use golf carts, bicycles, or even walk to get around. There are very few cars.
What People Do
The main jobs in Ewell and on Smith Island are related to the water. Many residents are watermen. This means they make their living by fishing and crabbing in the Chesapeake Bay. They catch blue crabs, oysters, and fish, which are then sold to restaurants and markets. This way of life has been passed down through families for many generations.
- Crabbing: Watermen use special traps called crab pots to catch blue crabs.
- Oystering: They also harvest oysters, which are important for the bay's health.
- Fishing: Various types of fish are caught, depending on the season.
Besides working on the water, some people run small businesses like restaurants or shops. These places often serve delicious seafood caught right there.
Nature Around Ewell
Ewell is surrounded by the beautiful natural environment of the Chesapeake Bay. The island has marshes, wetlands, and open water. These areas are home to many different kinds of wildlife.
- Birds: You can spot many types of birds, including herons, egrets, and various seabirds.
- Marine Life: The waters around the island are full of fish, crabs, and other creatures.
- Plants: Salt-tolerant plants grow in the marshy areas, helping to protect the island from erosion.
The natural beauty of Smith Island makes it a special place for those who love the outdoors. It's a great spot for birdwatching or just enjoying the peace and quiet of island life.
A Bit of History
Smith Island has a long history, dating back to the 1600s. The first European settlers arrived here many centuries ago. They found a rich environment perfect for fishing and crabbing. Over time, communities like Ewell grew. The people on the island developed their own unique way of speaking, often called a "skipjack" accent, which sounds a bit like older English. This accent is a reminder of the island's long and isolated history.
Life on the island has always been tied to the bay. Generations of families have lived and worked here, keeping their traditions alive. Ewell remains a living example of a traditional Chesapeake Bay waterman community.
