In fact, Salt Peter Creek flows into the Gunpowder River from the south. There are several stories of how the river got its name, the most likely being that early explorers found saltpeter deposits near its mouth, being one of the ingredients of gunpowder. In early days, Gunpowder was the settlement in the fork at the mouth of these falls. The Gunpowder River itself was the larger part connected to the Bay into which these 'branches' emptied. In old records, the two branches were known as The Little Falls of Gunpowder or the north branch and The Great Falls of Gunpowder or the south branch. Haven Wilson, who owned a property called the 'Tuileries', on which the Kingsville Volunteer Fire Company is now located.Īlthough Captain John Smith extensively explored the Bay in 1608, he apparently missed discovering the Gunpowder River, although he probably assumed that a river was there. This building was an inn as early as 1750. The family lived in the mansion later known as the Kingsville Inn, where his son continued to live after Abraham died in 1836. He acquired 280 acres in 1816 from parts of the original grants of 'Leafe's Chance' and 'William the Conqueror'. Kingsville takes its name from Abraham King who came to Maryland from Pennsylvania. Kingsville, MD - History Historic Sites in the Kingsville Area Kingsville

Saltpeter in jail