Vienna Walking Tour

Dating back to the 17th century, Vienna is one of Maryland’s older settlements. Predating the colonial era, the area lies in the heartland of Nanticoke Indian territory. Capt. John Smith described this region and his encounters with its native inhabitants in his 1624 journal that detailed the 1608 expedition up the Nanticoke River. When Dorchester County was formed in 1669, an established settlement already existed here and was home to the Nanticoke chiefs; it remained in existence until the end of the 18th century. Local Indian history places the village’s traditional feast grounds at Vienna.

In 1671, the Colonial Assembly recommended this point as a ferry crossing. The community of Vienna was formally founded by decree of the Colonial Assembly in 1706 in an area already known as “Emperor’s Landing” for its association with the Nanticoke Indians.

During the American Revolution (1775-1783), Vienna served as an important source of goods and supplies for the Continental Army. British vessels raided the town at least five times, taking or destroying ships and provisions. The only Revolutionary military casualty on Dorchester soil, Levin Dorsey, died on these shores, hit by a shot fired from a British vessel.

The British again sailed up the Nanticoke during the War of 1812, firing several volleys at the town, but the village was spared any significant damage. The Vienna Company of the local militia was organized during this time to defend against the threat of invasion. Remnants of a low stone wall made from ships’ ballast can still be seen near the Customs House, a reminder of the days when the Port of Vienna was important enough to draw British attention during this war. 

During the War Between the States, Maryland’s governor was Thomas Holiday Hicks, who is credited with preventing the state from seceding from the Union. He resided in Vienna from 1829 to 1840 in a house still standing along Water Street. 

Much of Vienna’s early architecture survives. Although many homes are featured in this brochure, there are numerous buildings throughout the village that visitors will enjoy as they stroll along the quiet streets.

Thanks to a determined effort by a town proud of its heritage, the historic quality of Vienna’s homes is being restored and preserved.

The community looks ahead to the opportunity to share its heritage as they welcome the future.

Take a stroll along Vienna’s riverwalk where, on June 2, 2007, Vienna on the Nanticoke welcomed the Captain John Smith replica shallop at our waterfront park. This voyage was in commemoration of his epic 1500 – mile Chesapeake adventure in 1608. The celebration was part of the inauguration of the Capt. John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail – America’s first all-water National Historic Trail. This water route will allow modern-day explorers to experience the Chesapeake while learning about Native American history, early English and colonial settlements, and the Chesapeake’s abundant natural resources.