Perryville

The area was first settled by Europeans in 1622—one of the earliest colonial settlements in Maryland. The ferry that made this location strategic was established in 1695, and Rodgers Tavern became one of the most important stops on the Post Road between Baltimore and Philadelphia. Colonel John Rodgers, who owned and operated the tavern, raised the 5th Company of the Maryland Militia during the Revolution—a unit that became part of the ‘Flying Camp,’ an early rapid-response force. His son, Commodore John Rodgers, became known as the ‘Father of the American Navy’ for his service in the War of 1812, when he saved Baltimore from British destruction.

Rodgers Tavern survives today as a museum—a mid-18th century stone structure with corner fireplaces in every room, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1972. The Town of Perryville bought it in 1993 and reopened it to the public in 2017 after extensive restoration.

Beyond the history, Perryville offers practical advantages. Hollywood Casino provides entertainment and employment. The Principio Furnace Foundation preserves iron-making heritage. The Perryville Railroad Museum tells the story of rail transportation through the region. Ice House Park and Trego Field offer recreational space.

The town’s location at the intersection of I-95 and US-40 provides excellent connectivity—you’re genuinely between Baltimore and Philadelphia, with manageable commutes in either direction. Just across the river lies Havre de Grace with its lighthouse, decoy museum, and expanded dining and shopping options.

Real estate in Perryville offers some of Cecil County’s most affordable entry points. Historic homes, modest single-family options, and some waterfront properties serve buyers seeking value with character. The market attracts first-time buyers, those relocating for casino employment, and anyone who appreciates living where founding fathers once tread.