Smith Island

Maryland's only remaining inhabited offshore island group. Named for early land owner Henry Smith. Chartered by Captain John Smith in 1608 as "The Russell Isles." English farmers John Evans and John Tyler came via Accomack County Virginia to become the first permanent settlers in 1686. During the Revolutionary War the British used the island as a base of operations. Once the home of Joshua Thomas, famed methodist evangelist who held the first camp meeting on the island.