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One of the oldest communities on the East Coast, Port Tobacco first existed as the Indian settlement of Potopaco and was colonized by the English as early as 1634. Port Tobacco became a major seaport during the late 1600s and was the original county government seat. In addition to being a hot spot for confederate conspiracy and a part of John Wilkes Booth's escape route, Port Tobacco suffered from local conflict as well. A vote was taken to move the county seat to LaPlata where the railroad industry was becoming more resourceful than the seaport of Port Tobacco, but the vote did not pass. Then in 1892, the center part of the courthouse burned in a mysterious fire and the county seat was moved to LaPlata.
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Significant sites include the reconstructed Port Tobacco Courthouse that is furnished as a 19th century courtroom and has exhibits on tobacco and archaeological sites associated with early occupation and settlement. The Catslide House, one of the four surviving 8th century homes is in the area. Other sites include the One-Room Schoolhouse that is the original structure built in 1876 and used until 1953; and the Thomas Stone National Historic Site, the plantation home of one of the four signers of the Declaration of Independence from Maryland.
Port Tobacco Courthouse is operated by the Restoration of Port Tobacco, and open to the public, April - October, 11 am - 4 pm, on Saturday, Sundays and Mondays. For more information call 301-934-4313.
Port Tobacco One-room School is opeated by Charles County Retired Teachers Association. Open Saturday and Sunday, 11 am - 4 pm, April to October, and Saturday, Sunday and Mondays, June to August. For more information call 301-934-8836 or 932-6064, or the school at 301-934-2870.
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Potomac Heritage Partnership |
| 1623 28th St., NW |
Washington, DC 20007 |
| Phone: 202.333.4478 |
Fax: 202.333.6733 |
| info@potomacheritage.org |
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