Carr's Beach

Carr's Beach, founded in 1926, was a beachfront resort on the Chesapeake Bay that catered to African American patrons during segregation.[1]

Located just south of Annapolis, Maryland, Carr's Beach was established as a recreational area during the Jim Crow-era when African-Americans were denied entry into 'Whites-only' establishments.[1] Other nearby beachfront resorts used for this purpose included Sparrow’s Beach, Elktonia Beach, Bembe Beach, Highland Beach, Venice Beach, Oyster Harbor, and Arundel-on-the-Bay.[1]

Carr's Beach was a stop on the Chitlin' Circuit and hosted musical acts like Chuck Berry, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, and Ike & Tina Turner.[1][2]

The resort ceased operations in 1974.[1][3]

In August 2022, the City of Annapolis acquired Carr's Beach to preserve it as a park.[2]

  1. ^ a b c d e "Remembering Carr's Beach". www.visitannapolis.org. March 26, 2021. Retrieved February 4, 2023.
  2. ^ a b Basara, Mindy (August 12, 2022). "Marylanders cherish fame, memories of Carr's, Sparrow's beaches". WBAL. Retrieved February 4, 2023.
  3. ^ "Carr and Sparrow's Beach, Annapolis, Maryland (1926-1974) •". April 23, 2014. Retrieved February 4, 2023.