National Register of Historic Places listings in Charles County, Maryland facts for kids
Welcome to Charles County, Maryland! This page is all about the cool, old places in Charles County that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Think of the National Register as a special list kept by the U.S. government that recognizes important buildings, sites, and areas across the country. These places are special because they tell us a lot about history, architecture, or even how people lived long ago.
In Charles County, there are 39 places on this important list. One of them is even more special and is called a National Historic Landmark – these are places that are super important to the history of the entire United States! Two other places used to be on the list but have since been removed. Let's explore some of these amazing historic spots!
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What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is like a hall of fame for historic sites. It helps protect places that are important to our country's past. When a place is added to the Register, it means it has been carefully studied and found to have special historical, architectural, or archaeological value. This can include old houses, churches, battlefields, or even whole neighborhoods!
Being on the Register helps people understand why these places matter and encourages their preservation. It's a way to make sure these pieces of history are around for future generations, like you, to learn from and enjoy.
Exploring Historic Sites in Charles County
Charles County is full of history, and its National Register listings show just how rich its past is. These sites include old homes, churches, and even entire historic areas. Each one has a story to tell about the people and events that shaped Maryland and the United States.
For example, some listings are old houses that show us how people lived centuries ago. Others are historic districts, which means a whole area with many old buildings that together tell a story. There are also unique sites like the Mallows Bay-Widewater Historic and Archeological District, which is known for its sunken ships!
Notable Historic Homes and Estates
Many of the places on the list are historic homes. These houses often belonged to important families or show us different styles of architecture from the past.
- Araby: Located near Mason's Springs, this old home was added to the Register in 1974.
- Ellerslie: Found west of Port Tobacco, this historic house joined the list in 1979.
- The Hermitage: You can find this historic spot on Washington Avenue in La Plata. It was listed in 1998.
- La Grange: West of U.S. Route 301 in La Plata, this property became a historic listing in 1976.
- Linden: North of Port Tobacco, Linden was recognized in 1977.
- The Lindens: Located in Bryantown, this site was added to the Register in 1990.
- Locust Grove: West of La Plata, this farm was listed in 1978.
- Marshall Hall: This site near Bryans Road was added in 1976.
- Mount Aventine: Southwest of Bryans Road, this historic district was listed in 1996.
- Retreat: Near Port Tobacco, this property was recognized in 1988.
- Rich Hill: Northeast of Bel Alton, Rich Hill joined the list in 1975.
- Rose Hill: This historic site on Rose Hill Road near Port Tobacco was listed in 1973.
- Rosemary Lawn: Located near Welcome, this property was added in 1992.
- Sarum: Southeast of Newport, Sarum was listed in 1974.
- St. Catharine: East of Waldorf, this site was added in 1974.
- Spye Park: Found on Padgett Road in White Plains, Spye Park was recognized in 1990.
- Stagg Hall: Near Port Tobacco, Stagg Hall was listed in 1988.
- Thainston: North of Maryland Route 225 in La Plata, Thainston became a historic district in 1990.
- Timber Neck Farm: Southeast of Faulkner Road, this farm was added in 1979.
- Truman's Place: Located in Hughesville, this site was listed in 1988.
- Waverley: In Morgantown, Waverley was recognized in 1975.
Important Historic Districts
Some listings are not just single buildings but entire areas called "Historic Districts." These districts have many buildings that together create a historic feel and tell a bigger story about a community.
- Bryantown Historic District: This district in Bryantown was recognized in 1985. It includes several important buildings that show the history of the area.
- Port Tobacco Historic District: This district, located off Maryland Route 6, was added to the Register in 1989. Port Tobacco was once a very important town in Maryland, and this district helps preserve its historic center.
Unique and Special Sites
Beyond homes and districts, Charles County has other unique places on the Register.
- Thomas Stone National Historic Site: This is a very special place because it's a National Historic Landmark. It was the home of Thomas Stone, one of the people who signed the Declaration of Independence. It was listed in 1972.
- Mallows Bay-Widewater Historic and Archeological District: This amazing district, located off the Charles County shoreline, was added in 2015. It's famous for being a "ghost fleet" of sunken ships from World War I, which are now home to lots of wildlife. It's a great spot for learning about history and nature at the same time!
- Mt. Carmel Monastery: North of Port Tobacco, this monastery was listed in 1973.
- St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Newport: This church on St. Mary's Church Road in Newport was recognized in 1991.
- St. Thomas Manor: Located near Port Tobacco, this manor was added to the Register in 1988.
Formerly Listed Sites
Sometimes, a property might be removed from the National Register. This can happen for different reasons, like if the building is no longer standing or if it has changed too much from its original historic state. In Charles County, two sites were once listed but have since been removed:
- Johnsontown: This site in Waldorf was listed in 1991 but removed in 2006.
- Widow's Pleasure: Also in Waldorf, this property was listed in 1991 but removed in 2007.
These historic places in Charles County are like open books, each telling a part of Maryland's and America's story. Visiting them can be a fun way to connect with the past!
Images for kids
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Araby
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Former tavern in Bryantown Historic District
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Ellerslie
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Thomas Stone House
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The Hermitage
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La Grange
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Linden
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Sign at The Lindens
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Locust Grove Farm
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Mallows Bay shipwreck
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Marshall Hall
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Mount Aventine
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Mt. Carmel Monastery and Chapel
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Port Tobacco Courthouse
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Retreat
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Signs at Rich Hill
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Rose Hill
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Sarum
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Dr. Samuel Mudd House (St. Catharine)
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St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Newport
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St. Ignatius Church at St. Thomas Manor
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Stagg Hall
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Waverley
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