A Brief History.
Right in the heart of the lovely South River, sits the point and slight harbor of Glen Isle. Safe from the storms on the Chesapeake Bay, but not too far to make a quick run to Annapolis if needed, the shores of Glen Isle hide many historical tales.
“Beautiful Glen Isle on the South River,” that’s the way the early developer (circa 1923) described this waterfront community. He also used other superlatives to entice prospective buyers – such as “…rich in the traditions of the former days; convenient to Annapolis, Baltimore and Washington; noted for its sandy beaches and traditionally the home of Black Beard the Pirate.”
Our original tract of 138 acres was part of a much larger grant given to the second Lord Baltimore. Subsequently, this tract was sold to a Mr. Burgess from Baltimore and then to his son-in-law Mr. Beard.
For many years, the property was known as Beard’s Farm. The northernmost part of the community beach (where the cattails still are located) is officially called Beard’s Point and can be found on most nautical charts of the area.
Our main wharf was long used by ferryboats traveling to Annapolis and by commercial fishermen. The oyster shells sometimes found on the beach are artifacts of this bygone era.”
– Adapted from a history by Howard French,
Former GIIA Board President & longtime resident
Goose Island is a small, undeveloped island located on the South River in Riva, Maryland. Unlike the more famous Chicago industrial Goose Island, the Riva location is a natural marshland and a locally popular, shallow-water boating and anchoring spot. Beware of that shallow water as boats, and boater, have had multiple problems in the past.
- Geographic Location: Located in Anne Arundel County, it sits within the waters of the South River, just south of the Riva Road (MD Route 214) bridge.
- Historical Background: The island has remained primarily a natural, undisturbed marshy habitat rather than a site of historical settlement or development. It is officially documented as an island feature on the Maryland State Archives registry.
- Current Status: It is uninhabited and serves largely as an ecological buffer and a scenic destination for local boaters, kayakers, and paddleboarders. It is also frequented by local waterfowl, from which it likely takes its name.