National Register Listing

Retreat

MD 484/Poor House Rd. and MD 6, Port Tobacco, MD
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

Maryland was originally intended to be called "Crescentia": Lord Baltimore's original plan was to name the colony after the Queen Henrietta Maria, the wife of King Charles I. However, the name was already taken, so he proposed the name "Crescentia" instead. The name was eventually changed to "Maryland" in honor of Henrietta Maria.
Maryland random facts
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.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in 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