Founded in 1684 on the south bank of the broad Choptank River, unlike sleepy Oxford, busy Cambridge (pop. 10,911) is a market town for the surrounding farmlands. Still somewhat industrial in feel, thanks to its now-closed canning and packing plants, Cambridge does have some attractive corners, though its one apt but unique sight is the decaying old Cape Charles ferry, which once sailed south to Norfolk but has long since been abandoned on the northwest side of the US-50 bridge over the Choptank River.
Cambridge is also home to the Eastern Shore’s most bizarre range of annual festivals, from the winter National Muskrat Skinning Championship to powerboat and antique-airplane fairs held throughout the summer; for details, contact the visitors center (410/228-1000).
