Charles County, MD holds as its motto: "The wild side of the Potomac... Where eagles soar." Within its huge acreage of natural forest land and 150 miles of pristine shoreline, a dense population of our precious Bald Eagles do indeed both nest and soar here.
Situated less than an hour from the hustle and bustle of Washington D.C. and Annapolis, Maryland, Charles County is an oasis in an urban desert for nature lovers. Historians also find the county to be a rich haven historic sites that date back from the 1600's, the War of 1812, and the Civil War. Both Native American and African American Cultural Centers and Museums are preserved and held dear by Charles County.
Charles County lies in southern Maryland, with Washington D.C. only 23 miles to the north. Baltimore, MD is just 54 miles and Richmond, VA is 89 miles away. According to the 2000 census, over 120,000 residents call Charles County home, with almost one third of those being minorities. The population has increased almost 20% since 1990.
The average summer temperature is a mild 74.1 degrees and the average winter temperature is 36 degrees; annual snowfall is 16 inches, with rainfall averaging 42 inches. The climate of Charles County is moderate and enjoyable.
The Charles County Public Schoolsis made up of 32 schools and centers covering pre-kindergarten through grade 12. For the past four consecutive years, county students have outscored both state and national averages on SAT and other standardized testing. Due to being situated in the midst of the booming technological corridor of the country, Charles County schools place a large emphasis on preparing its students for careers in technology and industry.
The North Point High School for Science, Technology and Industry will open in 2005, offering classes in engineering and biotechnology as well as carpentry, automotive mechanics and printing. It will be one of the first counties to offer these types of career courses along with conventional high school curriculum all under one roof. Other Maryland counties separate the two types of schools, causing students to spend valuable learning time riding buses. Says the superintendent, "We're doing our part to try to stay on the cutting edge of technology and train a well-qualified workforce. We've been planning this school for four years. The governor and our legislators are excited about it. There will be no other school in the country like this." A program is under development now with Cisco Systems, Inc, which will facilitate technology education and distance learning throughout the county, which, when completed, will make CCPS the first Cisco Breakaway School System in the nation.
Along with the progressive thinking and looking to the future of Charles County's civic leaders, the region proudly maintains its small town charm and rural atmosphere.
La Plata is the county seat. La Plata began its existence as a town in 1869, when the La Plata Station became an important railroad stop. The station still stands, along with the historic courthouse and Christ Church, built in Victorian Gothic style with a bell tower and wonderful stained glass. The Afro-American Heritage Society & Cultural Center is located there also, honoring part of Charles County's rich ethnic mix of population.
Nanjemoy is the home of The Nature Conservancy, where one of the largest colonies of great blue herons return each year to nest. Nanjemoy Creek is a joy to kayakers and canoeists that can quietly paddle its length and see ospreys and bald eagles as well.
The town of Indian Head lies nestled on the banks of the Potomac River, a quaint, family oriented water-front community. Being only 25 minutes away from Alexandria, VA and Washington D.C. Indian Head residents feel they have the best of all worlds, the quiet serenity of their small town, and the close proximity of their neighboring urban giants.
The port of Benedict is another water-front community. Situated on the Patuxent River, it was the landing site in 1814 for 4,500 British soldiers, who marched from there to burn the nation's Capitol. In the Civil War, the town was used as a training camp for the Union Black infantrymen. Today it offers fine seafood restaurants, antique markets and fresh farm stands.
Waldorf, MD is the home to the Piscataway Indian museum and many tribe members. An annual festival and pow-wow is held each year at the American Indian Cultural Center located here. Also located in Waldorf is the historic Dr. Samuel A. Mudd House where Dr. Mudd set the broken leg of John Wilkes Booth after Booth had assassinated President Lincoln.
Cobb Island wild lies at the junction of the Potomac and Wicomico Rivers, and is home to some of the best Southern Maryland crab houses and local family-owned restaurants. A short drive away is the Swan Point Yacht and Country Club, an 18-hole championship golf course where golfers can putt in view of eagles, osprey and deer.
Additional prominent cities and towns in Charles County include Waldorf, Hughesville, LaPlata, White Plains and Port Tobacco.
Charles County, the 'wild side of the Potomac' does indeed have much to offer its residents and visitors in outdoor adventure. The Chicamuxen Wildlife Management Area is paradise for bird-watchers and hunters alike. Many trails wind through this mix of marshland and forest, giving opportunity to glimpse young bald eagles along with multitudes of other bird species, and a variety of wildflowers and plants.
Some of the most scenic bike routes in Maryland wind through historic and beautiful Charles County. Fossil hunters flock to Purse State Park while game hunters have over 2000 acres of public land to enjoy their brand of hunting in. Those that hunt with a camera lens only will find the entire region a veritable goldmine for photography.
Charles County, MD, with its rich mix of nature and history, ethnic diversity and blend of urban and rural living, is a true gem of a place to live, work, or simply visit. Charles County is indeed the 'wild side of the Potomac.' A place where eagles, along with human spirits, can truly still soar. Check out the following links to further explore this exciting county.
