Map of Counties & County Seats
For much of Maryland, local government typically is county government. Twenty-three counties and Baltimore City make up the twenty-four main local jurisdictions found in Maryland. Baltimore City, although a municipality, has been considered on a par with county jurisdictions since the adoption of the Maryland Constitution of 1851.
Charles County Government Building, 200 Baltimore St., La Plata, Maryland, May 2004. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
Twelve of Maryland's counties are governed by boards of county commissioners. These include Allegany, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Charles, Garrett, Kent, Queen Anne's, St. Mary's, Somerset, Washington and Worcester counties. Among these, six have adopted a code "home rule" form of government: Allegany, Caroline, Charles, Kent, Queen Anne's, and Worcester. "Home rule" empowers the county with broad legislative authority, and limits the General Assembly's local legislative powers.
Prince George's County Courthouse, Duvall
Wing, Upper Marlboro, Maryland, October 2009. Photo by Diane F. Evartt. The Duvall Wing reopened May 14, 2007.
Eleven Maryland counties have ratified charter forms of government: Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Cecil, Dorchester, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's, Talbot, and Wicomico. All of these are governed by county councils; and all (except Dorchester & Talbot) are led by county executives.
Wicomico County Government Office Building, 125 North Division St., Salisbury, Maryland, August 2012. Photo by David R. Herron.
Also see: Maryland Association of Counties
© Copyright January 25, 2018 Maryland State Archives