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For over 350 years, from the time when 140 hardy adventurers first stepped ashore, St. Mary's County has been welcoming travelers. Shaped by the Chesapeake Bay and its mighty tributaries, the Patuxent and Potomac Rivers, the verdant peninsula has fostered a traditional lifestyle anchored in the natural bounty of the Tidewater. Today, Maryland’s oldest county blends a vibrant economy—it’s the state’s fastest growing region in terms of technology-related jobs—with its rural past, giving the area a unique character as well as a high quality of life. History and nature, traditional lifeways and fast-paced recreation, great seafood and cozy cottages and inns await our modern day travelers.
A state park with mainland museum, St. Clement’s Island marks the first landing of British colonists in Maryland. Travel back in time at Historic St. Mary’s City, the state’s colonial capital, where you’ll enjoy a welcome from the crew of the Maryland Dove. Stop in for a visitwith the mistress of Godiah Spray Tobacco Plantation or explore the Woodland Indian Hamlet. Travel one century and a few miles up the peninsula to Sotterley Plantation. Enjoy the panoramic riverfront setting, investigate the rambling Tidewater manor house, and hear stories of slave life at the slave cabin. Stand watch where Union Soldiers stood at Point Lookout at the confluence of the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay. Climb to the top of the Potomac’s Piney Point Lighthouse, then march forward into the future at Patuxent River Naval Air Museum and learn about our nation’s quest for aviation excellence.
Shop and dine around the square of Leonardtown, Maryland’s oldest incorporated town, then breeze out to Budd’s Creek, home of three exciting motorsports venues. Slow things down a bit with a drive along the county’s scenic byways and catch a glimpse of Amish buggies on the way to market, or visit the county’s numerous churches such as St. Francis Xavier, the oldest Catholic Church in continuous use in English-speaking America.
Recreational and nature enthusiasts will enjoy kayaking the county’s quiet creeks and tributaries or cruising the bay aboard the Chesapeake Bay Field Lab’s Dee of St. Mary’s, an authentic hand-built skipjack. Head out for open water with one of our experienced charter captains for a day of fishing or find safe harbor at the full service marinas nestled along the Potomac, Patuxent, and St. Mary’s Rivers. Top off any visit by sampling the Bay’s bounty at one of St. Mary's finest—and friendliest waterfront eateries or at one of the many festivals held throughout the year that celebrate the food and culture of this special place where time meets tide.
As of 2000, there were 24,747 people residing in St. Mary´s County. The median income for a household in the county was $29,903, and the median income for a family was $37,643.
St. Mary’s County includes one municipality classified as a town under Maryland law:
- Leonardtown (county seat, incorporated 1858)
There are also several unincorporated areas, which are also considered as towns by many people:
- California
- Charlotte Hall
- Golden Beach
- Lexington Park
- Hollywood
Other Helpful St. Mary’s Links:
Official Website: www.co.saint-marys.md.us
County Library: http://www.somd.lib.md.us/library/index.html
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