Maidstone-on-the-Potomac facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Maidstone-on-the-Potomac
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 Location in West Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | Berkeley County, West Virginia, USA |
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| Nearest city | Williamsport, Maryland |
| Built | 1741 |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 04000311 |
| Added to NRHP | April 15, 2004 |
Maidstone-on-the-Potomac is a very old house and farm. It is located near Falling Waters, West Virginia. The property sits right by the Potomac River. Across the river is Williamsport, Maryland.
The main house was built around 1741. It is part of a large area of land. The first owner was Evan Watkins. He ran a ferry service across the Potomac River. Famous people like George Washington and General Edward Braddock used his ferry.
Contents
History of Maidstone-on-the-Potomac
Early Owners and Changes
In 1795, Peter Light bought the property. His family owned it for many years. They made the house much larger. The ferry became known as Light's Ferry.
Later, in 1854, Robert Lemen took over. He changed the ferry to a cable ferry. This type of ferry uses a cable to pull itself across the water.
Maidstone During the Civil War
The ferry played a role in the American Civil War. In 1861, Union soldiers used it. They crossed into Virginia for raids. These soldiers were led by Captain Abner Doubleday.
In 1863, Captain Doubleday returned. He crossed the river again. This time, he was chasing Robert E. Lee's Confederate army. Lee's army was heading towards the Battle of Gettysburg.
A month after the Battle of Gettysburg, Lee's army was defeated. About 70,000 Confederate soldiers crossed back over the river. They used Lemen's Ferry to return.
Modern Day Crossing
In the late 1800s, the first bridge was built here. Today, US 11 crosses the river at this spot. The road now goes right through the property.
Family Connections
The Watkins family also had ties to the Boone family. This was during the time they owned the ferry. John Watkins was a great-great-grandson of Evan Watkins. John's father was born at Watkins Ferry.
John Watkins married Elizabeth Karn. Elizabeth was a cousin of Daniel Boone. Her mother was Leah Boone.
John and Elizabeth had a son named Christopher Columbus Watkins. He married Rachel Bristow. Rachel was the granddaughter of Hannah Boone. Hannah was Leah Boone's sister.
Fire at Maidstone
Maidstone-on-the-Potomac had a fire on March 7, 2009. The house was damaged. This fire was one of several in the area at that time.
