Broomes Island, Maryland

Broomes Island, Maryland is a small waterfront community in Calvert County, Maryland, USA, on the Patuxent River. It is located approximately 10 miles south of Prince Frederick, Maryland.

Although Broomes Island is a rather small community, it does have its own post office and zip code, 20615. In November 2007, the United States Postal Service considered closing the small post office and re-routing all mail delivery through the larger St. Leonard post office branch ; however, after residents contacted U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski about the proposed closure, the postal service decided against closing the post office.

Broomes Island is located near the mouth of St. Leonard Creek, the largest tributary entirely inside Calvert County. It is in the vicinity of Broomes Island that several key naval battles were fought during the War of 1812.

During the early and middle parts of the 20th century, Broomes Island was home to a substantial oyster canning industry. However, in more recent years most residents of Broomes Island commute to other places for work.

Each May, former Maryland State Senator Bernie Fowler held a "wade-in" into the Patuxent River at Broomes Island, where he and others will walk into the waters of the Patuxent River until their feet are no longer visible. This was held on the property of Mr. Donald Rogers with his permission. Fowler does the annual tradition in order to bring awareness to the water clarity levels of the Patuxent River. In recent years, the "wade-in" has become a noteworthy public event, with numerous public officials joining Fowler in the walk, including Maryland Governors Martin O'Malley and Robert Ehrlich and U.S Senator Barbara Mikulski. However it no longer takes place at this location.

In 2003, Hurricane Isabel caused moderate damage to numerous structures in Broomes Island. Most notably, the last remains of the considerable Broomes Island oyster industry - a large red Oyster Shucking Barn - succumbed to the forces of nature. The site of the oyster shucking barn is now part of the local Stoney's sea food restaurant. The site of the old barn has been turned into a preferred place for weddings and other functions. An antique boat has been converted into a bar, and white marquees and a most beautiful water view makes this a favorite location.