In 1776, Thomas Stone signed the Declaration of Independence alongside 55 others. A year earlier, in 1775, is the focus of an interpretive audio tour offered at Thomas Stone National Historic Site. These two dates offer a specific glimpse into Stone’s time: the tour explores his world before the signing. Before visiting, check whether the audio tour is available.
Historic Sites and Their Different Stories
Historic Port Tobacco Village takes you further back: the settlement was established in the 17th century. In the years before the American Revolution, Historic Port Tobacco developed into one of Maryland’s largest international seaports. To learn about this part of history, you can explore the Village on your own or take a guided tour of the Port Tobacco Courthouse, Stagg Hall, and Burch House.
Stagg Hall connects the history of the place with a specific commercial purpose. The building was probably constructed around 1766 for Barnes and Ridgate as the headquarters of their trading company. The approximate date and cautious attribution are part of the house’s recorded history.
The African American Heritage House offers another perspective. The museum and educational center houses artifacts relating to the contributions of African Americans from the region and across the country. Except during special public events, it is open by appointment only; arrange an appointment before your visit. On the grounds of the Charles County Fairgrounds, the McConchie One Room School House now serves as a living museum.
Trails, Valleys, and Views of the Water
The landscape also takes many forms. Mallows Bay is a National Marine Sanctuary with more than 100 abandoned steamships and other vessels. At Friendship Farm Park, you can look out over Nanjemoy Creek. A recreational trail more than seven miles long provides public access to 382 acres of woodland and occasional agricultural land.
The Indian Head Rail Trail offers another route through the landscape: this 13-mile bike trail connects the town of Indian Head with Route 301 in White Plains and runs through the Mattawoman Creek valley. Together with the recreational trail at Friendship Farm Park, it illustrates two different kinds of trails: a bike trail with named endpoints and a trail that provides access to woodland and agricultural land. Their stated lengths also differ: 13 miles for the Rail Trail and more than seven miles for the trail in the park.
Charles County can thus be explored through several themes that do not converge on a single story: the political era of Thomas Stone, the historic significance of Port Tobacco, the contributions of African Americans, and landscapes along the water. When planning a trip, those discoveries can be paired with your own choice of accommodation.
Explore more destinations: Indian Head, La Plata, Port Tobacco Village, Waldorf, Bel Alton, Allegany, Harford, Prince George's.
For the main travel overview: Maryland.
