Ridgely, Maryland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ridgely, Maryland
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Downtown Ridgely in March 2015.
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| Motto(s):
"Dream City"
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Location of Ridgely, Maryland
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 Ridgely, Maryland
Location in Maryland
Ridgely, Maryland
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
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| State |  Maryland |
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| County |  Caroline |
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| Incorporated | 1896 | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 1.86 sq mi (4.83 km2) | ||
| • Land | 1.86 sq mi (4.83 km2) | ||
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) | ||
| Elevation | 59 ft (18 m) | ||
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 1,611 | ||
| • Density | 864.27/sq mi (333.65/km2) | ||
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern (EST)) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) | ||
| ZIP code |
21660
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| Area code | 410 | ||
| FIPS code | 24-66000 | ||
| GNIS feature ID | 0586831 | ||
| Website | Town of Ridgely, Maryland | ||
Ridgely is a small town located in Caroline County, Maryland, in the United States. In 2020, about 1,611 people lived there.
Contents
History of Ridgely
Ridgely was founded on May 13, 1867. It was started by a group called the Maryland and Baltimore Land Association. They bought land from Thomas Bell and Reverend Greenbury W. Ridgely. The town was named after Reverend Ridgely.
In the 1860s, railroads were very popular on the Delmarva Peninsula. This led to people buying land, hoping its value would increase. An engineer named J.J. Sickler designed the town's layout. The Land Association built four buildings, including a train station and a hotel.
However, the Land Association went out of business in its first year. Ridgely was left mostly empty. Many properties were sold, but the town slowly grew. This growth happened because Ridgely was located on a railroad line, now called the Maryland and Delaware.
Strawberry Capital
Ridgely's economy grew thanks to its farms. Farmers grew crops like strawberries, huckleberries, and vegetables. They also raised poultry and collected eggs. Most of these products were processed in Ridgely or sent away by train.
Because of its successful farming, Ridgely became known as the "Strawberry Capital of the World." Today, Ridgely still celebrates its past with a Strawberry Festival every May. A Ridgely Historical Society was also started in 2005 to remember the town's history.
Later, as people started using highways more than railroads, Ridgely's economy slowed down.
Recent Events
In March 2024, the town temporarily suspended its police force. The Caroline County Sheriff's department and the Maryland State Police helped provide safety services. By August 2024, the police department was cleared, and many citizens hoped the officers would return to their jobs.
Ridgely's Location
Ridgely is located at 38°56′42″N 75°53′1″W / 38.94500°N 75.88361°W. The United States Census Bureau says the town covers about 1.78 square miles (4.61 square kilometers) of land.
People of Ridgely
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 81 | — | |
| 1890 | 215 | 165.4% | |
| 1900 | 713 | 231.6% | |
| 1910 | 943 | 32.3% | |
| 1920 | 809 | −14.2% | |
| 1930 | 703 | −13.1% | |
| 1940 | 920 | 30.9% | |
| 1950 | 834 | −9.3% | |
| 1960 | 886 | 6.2% | |
| 1970 | 822 | −7.2% | |
| 1980 | 933 | 13.5% | |
| 1990 | 1,034 | 10.8% | |
| 2000 | 1,352 | 30.8% | |
| 2010 | 1,639 | 21.2% | |
| 2020 | 1,611 | −1.7% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
Population in 2010
In 2010, there were 1,639 people living in Ridgely. These people lived in 604 households, and 412 of these were families. The town had about 921 people per square mile.
About 77.1% of the people were White, and 16.3% were African American. Other groups included Native American, Asian, and people of two or more races. About 5.9% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
Many households (44.7%) had children under 18 living there. The average age in Ridgely was 32 years old. About 30.9% of residents were under 18, and 8.9% were 65 or older.
Fun Things to See and Do
Historic Places
Two places in Ridgely are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These are Oak Lawn, added in 1975, and Marble Head, added in 2002. These places are important because of their history.
Local Attractions
- Adkins Arboretum: A beautiful place to see different plants and trees.
- Tuckahoe State Park: A large park where you can enjoy nature.
Strawberry Festival
Ridgely is proud of its wide main street. It was once called "The Strawberry Capital" because of all the strawberries grown there. Every May, the town still holds a fun Strawberry Festival to celebrate this history.
Getting Around Ridgely
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Roads and Highways
Most people travel to and from Ridgely by car. Three main state highways serve the town. These include Maryland Route 312 and Maryland Route 480. Maryland Route 776 also goes through Ridgely, helping people get around locally.
Air Travel
The Ridgely Airpark is a small airport that serves the area.
Mail Services
The main ZIP code for Ridgely is 21660. The town also has several other ZIP codes. This is because it is home to companies that handle many mail-in offers.
Famous People from Ridgely
Ridgely has been home to some well-known people, especially in baseball:
- Home Run Baker: A famous baseball player who is in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
- Buck Herzog: Another major league baseball player who played for teams like the New York Giants.
- Jimmie Foxx: Also a Baseball Hall of Famer, known for his powerful hitting.
- Thomas Alexander Smith: A person who served as a congressman.
- Frank E. Williams (1865–1920): A state senator and a minister.
See also
In Spanish: Ridgely (Maryland) para niños
