On Location Series #24–Port Tobacco River Park

This estate supposedly was owned by the Chandler family, a distinguished first family in the Port Tobacco area. In the late 1600s, the area was then known as Chandler’s Town. Unfortunately, I believe this entry is in dispute. I searched online for more information regarding the Chandler family, and I could find anything to substantiate they even existed. Even in the genealogy of the township, there was no mention of such a family, which leads me to believe either—

A). Someone made the Chandler family up to add glory to the town

B). They did exist but were so insignificant; no one bothered to create a proper write up on their respective family history.

For this blog, I will ignore them and speak briefly on the verifiable facts I found about the area that encompasses Port Tobacco River Park.

Port Tobacco was historically the territory of Algonquian-speaking peoples, notably the Potapoco and the more dominant Piscataway. It was also established in 1727 by the English, to which the town on the Port Tobacco River soon became the second largest in Maryland. The first county seat of Charles County was a seaport with access to the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Sadly the township deteriorated quickly after river traffic was cut off by silting. The town was bypassed by the railroad (this occurrence has happened in other towns and cities in the United States such as New Philadelphia, Cedar city, Hibernia, etc.). The city eventually incorporated in 1888, then in 1895, the county seat moved to nearby La Plata, which drew the population away but left the town with its historic significance intact.

Now to the present…

On October 10th, my visit to Port Tobacco River Park was a short yet simple one. The park was not as big as its counterparts that I visited in Maryland. I must say, though, it was sensationally beautiful. The inner trails that link up at the center pond that nestles in the middle of the area. The outer paths that ran parallel to the Potomac River. Even the entryway gave way to park benches and a small pavilion directly in front of the parking lot.

Each path had a bench station through it, and the view from their position was remarkable. You were utterly engulfed in the surroundings, and it felt like you were at least a few miles away from the main road; however, in truth, it was less than 500 feet. The pond had at least three benches around it, and it was a needed respite for anyone who just wanted to relax and conversate with nature. The conversation could be externally (which you might look a little strange if there were onlookers about) or internally. If you were into Yoga, I could assume that area would be an excellent benefit to practice that art form. I, myself, just sat there for a bit and reflected speaking within myself was a comfort for the time being. Those conversations I had won’t be disclosed here on this platform.

Now comes the main reason people enter this park, including the citizens of Charles County, Maryland. “BIRD WATCHING!”

They had at least six bird view stations scattered thought all the trails, and each one had telescopes attached to the wooden floorboard. A few times a year, people would gather and watch the hatching for bald eagles. The eagles could be seen from a distance, but the telescopes helped with that action. Specific trails were closed off when I was there, so the eagles would not be disturbed.