The Princess Anne Police Department was established in 1801 and the present station was built in 1857. Dubbed the “Grey Eagle” in old photographs, it is the only nineteenth century structure with load-bearing, three foot thick, granite stone walls on the eastern shore of Maryland. It is, quite probably, the oldest continually-operating police station in the State of Maryland and certainly one of the oldest in the U.S. It’s location is within the historic district of the Town of Princess Anne. This building came very close to total demolition in 1999. However, with the support of the Maryland Historical Trust and the Bartus Trew Providence Preservation Fund, we have been able to commence with renovations.

The building is in the process of being completely restored to its original historic appearance while providing adequate space to accommodate officers’ work areas, safe prisoner detention areas and facilities which will permit law enforcement duties to be carried out. In addition, portions of this building will be used for architectural and historical education programs which will benefit area college and elementary students. Additionally plans include a police museum in the “great hall” which will showcase historic artifacts which were found onsite during the restoration. This museum will be open to the public for tours as well.