Whitney’s Landing has quite a storied history in Severna Park. The original plat for Whitney’s Landing was drawn up by Walter C. Munroe, Civil Engineer in December 1919 and the Whitney’s Landing Community Association was incorporated in December 1924.
Whitney’s Landing Ferry (Keidel Ferry)
The Whitney’s Landing Ferry connected the two sides of the Severn River between present day Jumpers Hole Road in Severna Park to Arden-on-the-Severn in Crownsville. The ferry was in operation from 1866 till the 1930s. In the early 1900s the ferry was owned and operated by Mr. Henry Keidel and then later by Anne Arundel County. The ferry boat was hand operated by the ferryman and any male passengers using wooden sticks over a rope to pull the ferry from one side to another. When Anne Arundel County took over the ferry in later years a motor was added.
Mr. Keidel being a very patriotic man would load the ferry with fireworks every Forth of July, have the ferry moved to the middle of the river, and then light up the night sky for all to enjoy.
Other Items of Note
Throughout Whitney’s Landing history there were rental boats, speedboat rides, a swim club, and a dance hall. The dance hall was located where the current beach parking lot is today.