History

Image of Henry Coursey's thumb from the story of Queenstown Harbor

“Centuries ago, Henry Coursey, a colonial businessman, placed his thumb over a map to determine the area of land that would be granted to him by Lord Baltimore. Since then, the region that now encompasses Queenstown Harbor has long been connected to people, like yourself, who have left their mark.”

My Lord’s Gift

The story of Queenstown Harbor dates back to the 1600s, when wealthy Colonial businessman Henry Coursey was offered land from Cecilius Calvert, Lord Baltimore for his support during a bitter struggle with the Virginia colonists. To reward Coursey for his loyalty, Lord Baltimore offered to give as much land to Coursey as the tip of his thumb could cover on a map. His thumb landed on the southern bank of the Chester River on the land that is now Queenstown Harbor, prompting Coursey to call it “My Lord’s Gift.”

The land remained relatively untouched for hundreds of years, serving as the homestead for Coursey’s family and heirs. The land was maintained as a farm until purchased by its current owners who laid out plans for a pristine and environmentally responsible Maryland golf destination to capitalize on the land’s heritage and protect its natural beauty.

Maryland Golf Destination Timeline

  • 1971 – The beautiful parcel of waterfront land is purchased by current owners who have a vision for what would become Queenstown Harbor.
  • 1980s – The landowners undertook a long-term plan for the creation of a unique golf retreat setting, which would preserve the wild beauty of the land and the legacy of the past.
  • 1990 – An archaeological dig at the site led by a University of Delaware professor helped to find and preserve artifacts from the previous inhabitants including arrowheads and shards of pottery.
  • 1990 – Following a lengthy planning process, construction of the Mid-Atlantic golf destination begins.
  • 1991 – Grand opening of first 18-hole course held on June 29; 1,000 people invited to the celebration and golfers quickly embrace this new gem on the water. A spectacular Baltimore golf retreat.
  • 1992 – The third “nine,” named “Harbor,” opens on April 1 to join the “Woods” and “River” nines, while Golf Digest names Queenstown Harbor one of the best new public courses in the country.
  • 1993 – Queenstown Harbor announces the opening of two 18-hole championship courses offering unique Maryland golf event experiences – the River Course and the Lake Course.
  • 2006 to present – Course undergoes $2 million in enhancements to create an even more spectacular golf retreat experience, including the introduction of forecaddie services.