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Smallwood State Park facts for kids

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This page is about the state park in Charles County, Maryland. For the county park in Anne Arundel County, see Fort Smallwood Park.
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Smallwood State Park
House
Smallwood's Retreat
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Location Charles County, Maryland, United States
Nearest town Marbury, Maryland
Area 984 acres (398 ha)
Elevation 3 ft (0.91 m)
Established 1957
Administered by Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Designation Maryland state park

Smallwood State Park is a fun place in Maryland where you can enjoy nature and learn about history. It's located near Marbury in Charles County. This state park protects a special old house called Smallwood's Retreat. This house was once the home of William Smallwood, a very important person in Maryland's history.

William Smallwood was a brave officer in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He later became a Governor of Maryland. The park covers about 984 acres, which is like 745 football fields! It has lots of cool things to do. You can find a marina for boats, ramps to launch your boat, picnic areas, and even places to camp. There are also cabins, trails for exploring, and a nature center to learn about local wildlife.

Discovering Smallwood State Park's Past

Smallwood State Park has a rich history that goes back many years. The main attraction, Smallwood's Retreat, is a historic house. After William Smallwood lived there, the house became quite old and damaged. It was almost falling apart!

Saving a Historic Home: Smallwood's Retreat

In the 1930s, a group of local people decided to save Smallwood's Retreat. They formed a group called the Smallwood Foundation. Their goal was to fix up the old house and bring it back to life. In 1938, they bought the house and about ten acres of land around it. They worked hard to restore it to its former glory.

How Smallwood State Park Began

The state of Maryland started buying land for Smallwood State Park in 1957. They bought 323 acres of farmland from different owners. The park officially opened in 1958. At that time, the Smallwood Foundation gave the restored house and its ten acres to the state. This made sure that everyone could visit and enjoy this important historical site. Today, the park continues to offer both outdoor fun and a peek into Maryland's past.

Images for kids

  • Historic American Buildings Survey Thomas T. Waterman, Photographer 1940 SIDE WALL - Smallwood's Retreat, State Routes 224 and 484, Marbury, Charles County, MD HABS MD,9-MARB.V,1-4

    Smallwood's Retreat before it was restored

  • Smallwood house SE facade

    The southeast side of Smallwood's house

  • Gravestone of Gen William Smallwood

    The gravestone of General William Smallwood

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