MARYLAND - From the earliest inhabitants to colonial-era settlements, Maryland's soil holds countless stories waiting to be unearthed. Explore these fascinating sites and discover the diverse chapters of the state's rich history.
1. Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum (Calvert County)
- Address: 10515 Mackall Rd, St Leonard, MD 20685
- Visitor's Guide:
- Park Hours: Open year-round, Wednesday-Sunday, 10 am- 5 pm.
- Museum: Exhibits showcase archaeological discoveries, Native American heritage, and regional history.
- Hiking Trails: Explore diverse ecosystems and archaeological features.
- Archaeology Lab: See ongoing work and potential opportunities for volunteer involvement.
- Events: Check their website for special programs, workshops, and guided tours.
- Website: https://jefpat.maryland.gov/
Why It's Special: Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum offers a multi-faceted experience of Maryland's past. With prehistoric campsites, colonial-era structures, and active archaeological digs, it reveals 12,000 years of human history in one location!
2. Historic St. Mary's City (St. Mary's County)
- Address: 18751 Hogaboom Ln, St. Mary's City, MD 20686
- Visitor's Guide:
- Hours: Vary seasonally; check the website for current hours.
- Outdoor Museum: Explore reconstructed 17th-century buildings, gardens, and archaeological sites.
- Exhibits: Dive deeper into Maryland's colonial founding and diverse inhabitants through artifacts and displays.
- Maryland Dove Replica: Step aboard this iconic ship that brought the first colonists.
- Living History: Meet costumed interpreters showcasing daily life in the 1600s.
- Website: https://hsmcdigshistory.org/
Why It's Special: Historic St. Mary's City immerses visitors in Maryland's first colonists' challenges and daily realities. It's an interactive journey through a crucial chapter of American history.
3. Accokeek Creek Site (Prince George's County)
- Address: 3400 Bryan Point Rd, Accokeek, MD 20607 (within Piscataway Park)
- Visitor's Guide:
- National Colonial Farm: Explore a reconstructed 18th-century tobacco farm and learn about colonial agriculture.
- Visitor Center: Exhibits detail the site's archaeological history and Native American presence.
- Hiking Trails: Scenic trails with signage along the Accokeek Creek showcase the natural environment and archaeological resources.
Why It's Special: The Accokeek Creek Site is a testament to thousands of years of continuous habitation. Here, the stories of Native peoples, colonial settlers, and enslaved Africans intertwine, offering a complex and nuanced view of history.
4. Monocacy National Battlefield (Frederick County)
- Address: 5201 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD 21704
- Visitor's Guide:
- Visitor Center: Exhibits and a film illuminate the Battle of Monocacy, a critical Civil War campaign.
- Battlefield Trails: Explore the site where Union forces fought a delaying action against Confederate troops in 1864.
- Historic Farmhouses: See preserved structures that witnessed the battle's turmoil.
- Events: Living history demonstrations and special programs bring the past to life.
- Website: https://www.nps.gov/mono/index.htm
Why It's Special: While known for its Civil War history, Monocacy is also a place of layered pasts. Archaeological work uncovers centuries of occupation, hinting at stories that remain to be told.
5. Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad (Dorchester County)
- Address: 4068 Golden Hill Rd, Church Creek, MD 21622
- Visitor's Guide:
- Visitor Center: Exhibits on Tubman's life, the secret network, and those seeking freedom.
- Self-Guided Tour: Explore landscapes Tubman knew intimately.
- Special Programs: Ranger-led tours and events offer deeper dives into this history.
- Website: https://www.nps.gov/hatu/index.htm
Why It's Special: This park commemorates Harriet Tubman's heroism and highlights the broader legacy of the Underground Railroad. It's a place to reflect on courage, resilience, and the struggle for freedom.
Additional Treasures to Discover
Maryland's archaeological adventures don't stop there! Here are a few more sites worth exploring:
- Indian Head Site (Charles County): Remains of a fortified Algonquian village offer a glimpse into Native American society on the eve of European contact.
- Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park (Dorchester County): Discover sites connected to this American icon's life and the secret network that helped freedom seekers.
- Baltimore National Heritage Area (Baltimore City): Explore the city's industrial and maritime past, including archaeological remnants of shipyards and workers' housing.
Experiencing Maryland's Archaeology
Many sites offer museums, guided tours, and interpretive exhibits that make history come alive. Before visiting, check websites or contact the site for opening hours and any visitor guidelines.
A Word of Caution - Always respect archaeological sites. Leave artifacts where you find them and tread lightly. Preserving these sites ensures future generations can discover and learn from Maryland's extraordinary past.
