Ridgely, Maryland

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ridgely is a town in Caroline County, Maryland, United States. The population was 1,352 at the 2000 census. Its main ZIP code is 21660, but is assigned eight other "216" zip codes due to its status as a home to fulfillment companies that receive and ship mail-in offers. The primary phone exchange is 634 and the area code is 410. Maryland Route 480 bisects the town. Pelican Airport serves the area also.

1 Geography
2 Demographics
3 History
4 Points of interest
5 External links

[edit] Geography

Ridgely is located at 38°56′42″N, 75°53′1″W (38.944896, -75.883489)^GR1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 2.8 km² (1.1 mi²), all land.

[edit] Demographics

As of the census^GR2 of 2000, there were 1,352 people, 513 households, and 349 families residing in the town. The population density was 487.9/km² (1,269.0/mi²). There were 553 housing units at an average density of 199.5/km² (519.1/mi²). The racial makeup of the town was 81.58% White, 15.61% African American, 0.22% Native American, 0.59% Asian, 0.96% from other races, and 1.04% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.18% of the population.

There were 513 households out of which 39.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.5% were married couples living together, 15.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.8% were non-families. 26.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 3.21.

In the town the population was spread out with 30.4% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 31.1% from 25 to 44, 19.6% from 45 to 64, and 10.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 89.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.1 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $35,750, and the median income for a family was $38,929. Males had a median income of $27,356 versus $19,844 for females. The per capita income for the town was $15,581. About 7.8% of families and 11.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.4% of those under age 18 and 14.6% of those age 65 or over.

[edit] History

Famous residents include Buck Herzog, a former major league baseball player with the New York Giants, Boston Braves, Cincinnati Reds, and Chicago Cubs between 1908 and 1920. Baseball Hall of Famer Jimmie Foxx began his career here as a semipro catcher.
Ridgely was once considered "The Strawberry Capital" and still holds a Strawberry Festival each May.
The town's namesake once practiced law with Henry Clay.
The town was home to former Congressman Thomas Alexander Smith.
Ridgely boasts the widest main street of any town in Maryland. Its fire department celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2005.
The Benedictine School, a residential facility for considerably handicapped youth, dates back to 1891 on a farm near Ridgely. Colin Powell has served twice on its Board of Directors.