Nolands Ferry I Archeological Site facts for kids

The Nolands Ferry I Archeological Site is a very old place located near the historic Noland's Ferry boat landing. This spot is close to the C&O Canal and Tuscarora, in southern Frederick County, Maryland.

Scientists have found many artifacts here. These clues show that people lived at this site almost continuously for thousands of years. They were here from the time of the Paleo-Indians (the earliest people in North America) all the way up to the early 1800s. The site was most used during the Late Woodland period, which was a time when Native Americans developed farming and pottery.

This important site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.

Nolands Ferry and Nolands Island

The site is named after Noland's Ferry. This ferry was a busy crossing point on the Potomac River starting in the mid-1700s. Even some of America's most famous leaders used it!

The Story of Noland's Ferry

Noland's Ferry started operating in the mid-1700s. It helped people, their wagons, carriages, and even livestock cross the Potomac River. The ferry connected Loudoun County, Virginia with Frederick County, Maryland in Maryland.

This ferry was very important during major American wars. During the American Revolutionary War, the U.S. Army used it. Later, during the American Civil War, both the North and South armies crossed here. The ferry continued to operate for a long time, finally stopping in the early 1900s.

Philip Noland was one of the first people named Noland to run the ferry. His family had been involved in ferry operations since 1738.

Crossing the Potomac River

Traveling between Virginia and Maryland always meant crossing the Potomac River. This big river was a major challenge for land travel. Several ferries were set up to help people cross. Noland's Ferry was one of the most important, running for over 150 years.

Today, Noland's Ferry Road in Maryland leads to a boat ramp on the C&O Canal. This was the ferry's Maryland location. On the Virginia side, in Leesburg, Noland's Ferry Road also marks the spot. A house built around 1800 by a Noland family member who ran the ferry still stands there. Noland's Island is a small island nearby in the Potomac River.

The Carolina Road Connection

Many travelers used Noland's Ferry when they were heading south to the Carolinas. In the 1700s, a major travel route called the Carolina Road existed. Noland's Ferry was a key link, connecting the Virginia and Maryland parts of this important road.

Famous Visitors and War Times

The Noland and Luckett families, who ran the ferry, strongly supported American independence. William Luckett was a colonel in the Maryland militia. Thomas Noland fought in a special quick-response group called the Maryland "Flying Camp." Other family members also served in the Continental Army.

During the American Revolutionary War, the American army used the ferry to move troops and prisoners of war. They also stored military supplies in warehouses near the ferry.

Two very famous Americans, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, were among the ferry's customers. Jefferson wrote that he used Noland's Ferry in July 1802 while traveling from Washington to his home, Monticello. Washington also noted in his diary that he ate at "Knowlands Ferry" on August 9, 1785.

Noland Ferry house, Leesburg, VA

The Unfinished Ferry House

After the Revolutionary War, a large house was built near the ferry. It was made strong enough to keep out the weather, but some parts inside were never finished. Things like the detailed woodwork and plaster were left undone. The house stayed unfinished until the 1950s! This mystery was even written about in a Washington Star magazine article in 1949.