Life Cycle of a House
Historical marker location:
9699 Riverside Road, Nanjemoy, Maryland
( Marker is on Riverside Road (Route 224) 1.1 miles south of Liverpool Point Road (County Route 426).)
Only brick remain from a house that was built, expanded, abandoned and dismantled over two centuries
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Maryland was founded as a Catholic colony: Maryland was founded by the English nobleman George Calvert, also known as Lord Baltimore, in 1632. He envisioned Maryland as a haven for Catholics who faced persecution in England at the time. The colony's first settlement, St. Mary's City, was established in 1634.
About Charles County
Charles County Timeline
Charles County, Maryland, has a rich and diverse history dating back to its founding in 1658. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Algonquian-speaking Piscataway people. It was one of the first counties established in the Province of Maryland and was named in honor of Charles Calvert, the third Baron Baltimore and the proprietor of the Maryland colony.
During the colonial period, Charles County played an active role in the growth of the colony. It was a major center for tobacco cultivation, which drove the economy and attracted settlers. The county was also known for its strategic location, situated along the Potomac River and providing access to important trade routes.
The region witnessed significant events during the American Revolutionary War. Many Charles County residents were Patriot sympathizers, with several local militias forming to defend against British forces. The Battle of Fort Washington in 1776, located in the southern part of the county, saw intense fighting and was a pivotal moment in the war.
In the 19th century, Charles County went through various social and economic changes. Slavery was widespread, and the county had a significant enslaved population. However, opposition to slavery gained momentum, leading to the gradual emancipation of enslaved individuals. Charles County also experienced economic shifts, moving away from tobacco cultivation to industries like canning and manufacturing.
Today, Charles County remains a diverse and vibrant community, known for its mix of rural charm and suburban development. It is a popular residential area for those working in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan region. The county continues to preserve its historical heritage, with numerous historical sites, museums, and events that showcase its past.
During the colonial period, Charles County played an active role in the growth of the colony. It was a major center for tobacco cultivation, which drove the economy and attracted settlers. The county was also known for its strategic location, situated along the Potomac River and providing access to important trade routes.
The region witnessed significant events during the American Revolutionary War. Many Charles County residents were Patriot sympathizers, with several local militias forming to defend against British forces. The Battle of Fort Washington in 1776, located in the southern part of the county, saw intense fighting and was a pivotal moment in the war.
In the 19th century, Charles County went through various social and economic changes. Slavery was widespread, and the county had a significant enslaved population. However, opposition to slavery gained momentum, leading to the gradual emancipation of enslaved individuals. Charles County also experienced economic shifts, moving away from tobacco cultivation to industries like canning and manufacturing.
Today, Charles County remains a diverse and vibrant community, known for its mix of rural charm and suburban development. It is a popular residential area for those working in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan region. The county continues to preserve its historical heritage, with numerous historical sites, museums, and events that showcase its past.
Charles County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Charles County, Maryland.
- 1658: Charles County is established by an act of the Maryland colonial legislature
- 1683: The county courthouse is constructed in Port Tobacco
- 1819: The county seat is moved from Port Tobacco to nearby La Plata
- 1895: The Maryland Agricultural College (now the University of Maryland) opens a branch in Charles County
- 1928: The Thomas Stone National Historic Site is established to preserve the home of one of Maryland's signers of the Declaration of Independence
- 1940s: The construction of the Potomac River Naval Command Center begins in Indian Head
- 1990: The College of Southern Maryland is founded with a campus in La Plata
- 2002: Charles County Public Schools becomes the first school system in the state to provide laptops to all its students in grades 6-12