One of history’s most famous figures nearly had a connection to Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

After Napoleon’s final defeat at Waterloo in 1815, the British exiled him to Saint Helena. Despite heavy guards, family and supporters continued discussing escape plans. By then, Bonaparte’s connections spanned influential Americans from Maryland to the rest of the United States.

One escape plan would have taken Napoleon to America. He would first be spirited away to Beverly House, a secluded estate in Somerset County, on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Its isolation along the Chesapeake Bay made it a perfect hiding place as details for his next move were arranged. From there, Napoleon was to travel to New Orleans.

According to historical accounts, this decision wasn’t entirely random. In 1803, Napoleon’s younger brother Jérôme Bonaparte fled to America to escape his brother’s wrath. Drawn by a naval friend’s claim that Baltimore boasted the most beautiful women, Jérôme arrived and met Elizabeth “Betsy” Patterson, the daughter of a wealthy merchant and founder of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Their marriage became an international sensation and established lasting ties between the Bonaparte family and Maryland.

Although the Somerset County escape plan never advanced beyond preparation, it remains one of Maryland’s most fascinating historical “what ifs.” Napoleon died on Saint Helena in 1821, never setting foot on Maryland soil.

Still, for a moment in history, Somerset County was considered a potential refuge for one of the world’s most famous and controversial leaders.  Napoleon’s family was once part of a scandal that captivated Baltimore society, and he later planned an escape to Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

If you would like your county featured in Fun Facts, please get in touch with Abbey Duncan at aduncan@mdcounties.org