Historic Sites in Southern Maryland

Being that Maryland was the location of the nation’s earliest settlers it is steeped in many of the country’s oldest historic sites. South Maryland is a treasure trove of interesting history and can keep a history buff busy for several weekends just trying to visit them all.

Here are some of the most popular historic sites in southern Maryland

Dr. Samuel A Mudd House Museum

This interesting piece of history can be found in the small town of Waldorf Maryland. This historic house served as a confederate recruiting station during the time of the Civil War when Dr. Mudd was put into prison for helping John Wilkes Booth to hide out after he had shot President Abraham Lincoln at Ford’s Theater.

This museum is an interesting historic site as well as a display of an extensive collection of specific furniture and art. You can take a tour of the house that is one hour long. You can also enjoy a guided walking tour of John Wilkes Booth’s route through the property including entering the Zekiah Swamp. This tour takes about two hours and is about a 1-mile walk.

The exact location of the museum is 3725 Dr. Samuel Mudd Rd., Waldorf, MD 20601. Tickets can be purchased for two dollars for ages six to 12 and eight dollars for ages 13 and up. All children under five are free.

Maryland Veteran’s Museum at Patriot Park

This museum in Newburg was built with the intention of recognizing and honoring all US military veterans. The brave men who fought on battlefields and served in support of them are remembered and honored at this museum.

This museum is full of historic artifacts and engaging exhibits and is host to several events throughout the year that is open to the public. The museum also hosts tours during community events. Admission to the museum is free.

Thomas Stone National Historic Site

This is a large property that was once owned by Thomas Stone who was a signer of the declaration of independence. The plantation house on the property has been well preserved to make you feel like you have stepped back into the country’s founding years. This site is a protected national park making it possible for the site to stay just as it is with no commercial or residential construction allowed.

Admission to this historic area is free. The address of the Thomas Stone National Historic Site is 6655 Rose Hill Road in Port Tobacco Maryland.

Sotterley Plantation

The plantation is located in Hollywood Maryland and it shows visitors how families lived during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Specifically the wealthiest of families in the area at the time. At the plantation, you can explore more than 15 rooms in the manor house and outbuildings that include the kitchen, the stable, the carriage house, and slave quarters. There are a variety of tours and speakers available to learn from discussing several different topics like the life of Benjamin Franklin and tales of pirates on the Chesapeake Bay.

The plantation is located at 44300 Sotterley Lane in Hollywood Maryland. Tickets cost $10 for adults, nine dollars for seniors, six dollars for children ages 6 to 18. All children under the age of six are free.

Calvert Maritime Museum

This is the only museum on the East Coast that has two lighthouses and two iconic Chesapeake workboats that take visitors out on the water. It is one of the most popular places to take in the history of the area. You can learn about the prehistoric beginnings of the area, learn the amazing Maritime Heritage of southern Maryland, and explore the natural environments along the Chesapeake Bay.

There are countless different activities to take part in including several for children, all include educational and fun experiences. The Calvert Maritime Museum is located at 14200 Solomons Island Rd. in Solomons Maryland.

For a full list of historic places and places with historical education opportunities throughout southern Maryland you can go to this link. 

There’s always something new to learn about the interesting and rich history of South Maryland from its very beginnings and formations to its earliest settlement and the beginnings of our great country, to the culture and community of the earliest residents of the state.

For more information on living in southern Maryland, including all southern Maryland real estate, please contact us anytime. Image by Lee Cannon