We talk a lot about Federal Hill, the home of our flagship dispensary, but did you know that the city of Cambridge, Maryland is just as special to CULTA? The lovely Eastern Shore city is home to over 13,000 people and our state-of-the-art warehouse facility and farm. If you’re familiar with our medical cannabis, it’s grown, cultivated, and processed in Cambridge! The town itself may be small, but there’s a lot to love about it. Here are the five things we love most about Cambridge, Maryland. 

It’s been home to some notable people.

Cambridge was settled by English colonists in 1684, and is one of the oldest cities in Maryland. As such, it’s been home to some pretty notable people from throughout history. Beatrice Arthur, everyone’s favorite Golden Girl, grew up in Cambridge and was voted “wittiest girl” by her classmates at Cambridge High School. (It’s almost like they knew she’d have a career in comedy!) Annie Oakley lived in Cambridge from 1913-1915, and Harriet Tubman has ties to the town, too. In fact, there are two murals dedicated to Tubman in Cambridge: one along Route 50 and the other on the side of the Harriet Tubman Museum. Finally, Jay-Z spent some time in Cambridge before pursuing a career in rap music.

It’s rich in history.

Between 1962 - 1967, Cambridge was a center of protests during the Civil Rights Movement. Riots erupted in Cambridge as local blacks sought equal access to employment and housing, and the protests were often referred to as “The Cambridge Movement.” Cambridge is also home to 15 different sites and buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including: 

• Dale’s Right - a historic home that’s one of the few houses that falls under the strict definition of a telescope house, where each section is shorter and narrower than the previous one. 
• Annie Oakley House - originally constructed as a retirement home for Annie Oakley and her husband, it’s the only surviving property in the nation that was owned or occupied by Oakley as her primary and permanent residence. Fun fact: it has built-in shelves which were originally intended to display her shooting trophies! 
• Stanley Institute - this historic African American school building served as both a church and school and still has three original blackboards. 
• Christ Episocal Church and Cemetery - founded in 1692, this church is one of the original 30 Anglican parishes in the Province of Maryland. 

Needless to say, if you consider yourself a history buff you’ll love spending time in Cambridge.

It’s important to wildlife.

Did you know that Horn Point Laboratory is home to the largest oyster hatchery on the East Coast? Oysters aren’t the only living thing that finds refuge in Cambridge, either. Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge serves as a major waterfowl sanctuary, and more than 250 bird species call the refuge home. Plus, you don’t have to be a bird watcher to enjoy Blackwater. The Visitor Center featured tons of exhibits, an observation area, and a butterfly garden, and there are walking trails and wildlife drives galore. Learn more about the animals you’ll come across at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge here.

There’s a living history museum.

In addition to the Harriet Tubman Museum and any of the 15 historical places listed above, history buffs can head to Spocott Windmill and Village for a truly interactive experience. The village preserves the 19th-century heritage of the Cambridge region and protects the only post-style windmill you’ll be able to find in the state. The living history museum campus is open year-round for self-guided tours, and visitors can explore its reconstructed buildings, including its one-room schoolhouse, doctor’s office, and a rustic country store. Don’t forget to check out the city’s annual Beckwith Apple Festival for a chance to see the windmill operated during a special demonstration. 

There’s lots of love in the community.

In 2003, Cambridge was designated as a Maryland Main Street community. This initiative led to tourism enhancements which were intended to revitalize the downtown area. Currently, Downtown Cambridge is home to a variety of businesses, including restaurants, galleries, and boutiques, and a once-a-week Farmer’s Market that’s held every Thursday from April-November. Cambridge experienced a 13% population growth between 2000 and 2010 and, as the largest employer in CULTA, we’re proud to be a part of the revitalization efforts. We hope you’ll love Cambridge as much as we do! 

To learn more about everything Downtown Cambridge has to offer, check out their official website.