Carr’s Beach: A Legacy of Culture, Community & Resilience
Welcome to Live at Carr's Beach!
Founded in 1926, Carr’s Beach was a historic beachfront resort located along the Chesapeake Bay just south of Annapolis, Maryland. During the era of segregation and Jim Crow laws, African Americans were denied access to many “Whites-only” beaches and recreational spaces. Carr’s Beach became one of the most important safe havens and entertainment destinations for Black families, travelers, and performers across the East Coast.
Established by Frederick Carr, a formerly enslaved man, and his wife Mary Wells Carr, the property originally began as a waterfront gathering place after the couple purchased approximately 180 acres on the Annapolis Neck peninsula in 1902. Over time, the Carr family transformed the land into a thriving beach resort and cultural destination for the African American community.
Carr’s Beach quickly became more than just a resort — it became a symbol of joy, freedom, music, and Black excellence during a time of racial division in America.
Join the Legacy
Stay connected with the preservation, history, events, and stories of Carr’s Beach
A Historic Entertainment Destination
Carr’s Beach became nationally recognized as a major stop on the legendary Chitlin’ Circuit, a network of venues that welcomed African American entertainers during segregation. Throughout the 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, thousands of visitors traveled to Carr’s Beach to experience live music, dancing, waterfront recreation, and community celebrations.
Some of the legendary performers who appeared at Carr’s Beach included:
- Billie Holiday
- Duke Ellington
- Chuck Berry
- James Brown
- Cab Calloway
- Little Richard
- The Temptations
- The Shirelles
- Ike & Tina Turner
The venue became known for its energetic concerts and unforgettable summer gatherings that helped shape Black cultural history in Maryland and beyond.
Growth & Expansion
After the passing of Elizabeth Carr Smith — daughter of Frederick and Mary Carr — her son Frederick Carr partnered with businessman William L. “Li’l Willie” Adams to expand the resort. Together, they invested heavily into Carr’s Beach, adding attractions, entertainment areas, and the famous Club Bengazi venue.
Nearby African American waterfront destinations also flourished during this period, including:
- Sparrow’s Beach
- Elktonia Beach
- Bembe Beach
- Highland Beach
- Venice Beach
- Oyster Harbor
- Arundel-on-the-Bay
These resorts served as essential recreational spaces for Black families during segregation and became important centers of community life along the Chesapeake Bay.
The Final Years
As segregation laws ended and public beaches became integrated, many historically Black resorts experienced declining attendance. Carr’s Beach changed ownership in the late 1960s but continued hosting concerts and events for several more years.
During its later years, Carr’s Beach welcomed additional well-known performers including Led Zeppelin, Rare Earth, and Frank Zappa, who became the final musical act to perform at the resort in 1973.
Carr’s Beach officially closed in 1974, ending nearly five decades of cultural significance and entertainment history.
Preservation & Legacy
Although the resort itself no longer operates, the legacy of Carr’s Beach continues to inspire generations. In 2021, a public mural honoring Carr’s Beach was unveiled in Annapolis, celebrating its cultural and historical importance.
In August 2022, the City of Annapolis acquired portions of the historic property in partnership with preservation organizations and community leaders. The area is now being preserved as part of the future Elktonia-Carr’s Beach Heritage Park, ensuring that the stories, music, and contributions connected to Carr’s Beach will never be forgotten.
Today, Carr’s Beach remains an enduring symbol of African American history, resilience, entrepreneurship, entertainment, and community along the Chesapeake Bay.
Watch the Goins Family Tour of Carr’s & Sparrow’s Beach
Experience a personal and heartfelt journey through the history of Carr’s Beach and Sparrow’s Beach with the Goins family as they visit important memorial sites and historic locations in Annapolis, Maryland.
This tour highlights the lasting cultural impact of these legendary beaches and honors the memories, music, and community that made Carr’s Beach a historic landmark for generations.
Featured Stops
- Banneker-Douglass Museum
- Carr’s Beach Mural
- Historic memorial locations near Chesapeake Harbour
- Future site of the Elktonia-Carr’s Beach Heritage Park