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Chaptico, Maryland facts for kids

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Chaptico Post Office Jul 09
U.S. Post Office, Chaptico, Maryland, July 2009

Chaptico is a small community located in St. Mary's County, Maryland, in the United States. It is an unincorporated community, which means it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Chaptico sits near a stream called Chaptico Run, which flows into the Wicomico River.

Exploring Chaptico's Past

What Does "Chaptico" Mean?

The name "Chaptico" might come from the Algonquian language, spoken by Native American tribes. It could mean "big, broad river." In 1663, Governor Charles Calvert visited the friendly Chaptico tribe who lived in this area.

A Trading Spot and Tough Times

Chaptico was once an important place for shipping goods by boat. However, over time, the Wicomico River became filled with silt (mud and sand). This made it harder for ships to use the river, and Chaptico lost its importance as a shipping center in the 1700s.

During the War of 1812, in 1813, British forces caused damage to Chaptico. Later, during the American Civil War, some important people in Chaptico supported the Southern states. Because of their views, they were held by the government.

Historic Places and Local Fun

Chaptico is home to several historic buildings and sites. These places are so important that they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Some examples include Bachelor's Hope, Christ Episcopal Church, and Deep Falls.

If you're looking for fun nearby, you can find Maryland International Raceway and Budds Creek Raceway. There's also Wicomico Shores, which is a community built around a golf course.

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