When My family moved here 35 years ago, Cambridge was just a spot on Route 50 on the way to Ocean City. Harriet Tubman’s birthplace was a tiny name on a historical sign pointing to Bucktown.
Much of downtown Cambridge consisted of wonderful businesses, The High Spot, Woolworth’s, Johnny’s Shoe Shop, and Leggett’s, to name a few. One storefront that was renovated became the Harriet Tubman Museum and Education Center.
Cambridge is located on the southern bank of the Choptank River with over 2 miles of waterfront land. For years, an architect’s rendering of an ambitious waterfront development plan sat under glass at the Municipal Office Building, its goal: replacing the two hospitals with tourist-centric attractions.
In 2002, the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Resort opened (replacing one of the waterfront hospitals) which brought new, outside interest in Cambridge. Restaurants and shops began to open downtown. A memorial garden just off route 50 (on the way to Ocean City) proudly bears an artist’s impression of Harriet Tubman. In 2019 a mural of Harriet Tubman was commissioned by the Dorchester Arts Center, located just behind the Harriet Tubman Museum.
In addition to the yearly High Street Showcase, the Christmas Parade, the powerboat and Skipjack races, to name a few, Cambridge became host to the Ironman Triathlon race. The only Ironman Race with 2 Federal Landmarks on its course, The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitors Center and the Blackwater Refuge.
As work to demolish Dorchester General Hospital begins, a new waterfront plan has been developed. This beautiful town of Cambridge is changing and becoming recognized for its many positive attributes and attractions. The most recent attraction is a 3000-pound bronze statue called the Beacon of Hope; it has been erected on the lawn in front of the County Courthouse.
This powerful and beautiful statue to honor Harriet Tubman’s bi-centennial is truly a Beacon of Hope for the future of Cambridge, its residents, and humanity.
Kate Emery General is a retired chef/restaurant owner that was born and raised in Casper, Wyoming. Kate loves her grandchildren, knitting and watercolor painting. Kate and her husband , Matt are longtime residents of Cambridge’s West End where they enjoy swimming and bicycling.
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