Carr's Beach, located on the Annapolis Neck Peninsula in Maryland, was a historic beachfront resort that served as a vibrant cultural hub for the African American community during the era of segregation. Founded in 1926 by Frederick Carr, a formerly enslaved man, it became a popular destination for recreation and entertainment, hosting legendary musical acts like Chuck Berry, Duke Ellington, and Billie Holiday. The beach was part of a network of African American resorts along the Chesapeake Bay, including Sparrow's Beach and Elktonia Beach. Today, the site is being developed into the Elktonia-Carr's Beach Heritage Park, aiming to preserve its rich history and cultural significance.
The beach's legacy is marked by its role in the Chitlin' Circuit, a network of venues that supported African American artists during segregation. Its closure in 1974 followed the decline of such segregated venues as racial barriers began to fall.
The area is now set to become a public park, celebrating its past while offering modern amenities and access to the Chesapeake Bay.
