Jefferson Patterson Park
Located
just 45 minutes south of the Washington Capital Beltway along 2.5 miles of the
Eastern shore of Patuxent River in Calvert County, Maryland, the 544 acre Jefferson
Patterson Park and Museum is a state history and archaeology museum exploring
the changing cultures and environment of the Chesapeake Bay region of the past
12,000 years.
Visitors can investigate thousands of years of human history by touring archaeological
sites and trails, acres of working farmland restored farm buildings and museum
exhibits, and by attending educational programs.
More than 70 archaeological sites have been identified, from the prehistoric
period 9,000 years ago through the Colonial period, and including the site of
the 1814 Battle of St. Leonard Creek, the largest naval engagement in Maryland's
history.
Before the last ice age, this part of the Chesapeake was a vast inland sea where
whales and sharks lived. To this day, it is possible to find their fossils.
During the latter 1600s and the 1700s, tobacco plantations bordered the river,
and schooners would transport tobacco to Europe from these plantations.
The Patuxent is also the site of animal migrations that don’t get seen
in other parts of the Chesapeake. During the summer, cow nosed rays come into
the river. During the winter, long tailed ducks appear.
One of the best soft landings for kayaks is at Jefferson Patterson Park. By
boat, you can get to Broome’s Island, Sotterly Plantation, and Greenwell
State Park. A river crossing is required to get to both Sotterly Plantation
and Greenwell State Park. You should seek prior approval before bringing your
kayak!
To go to their site, click on the following link: www.jefpat.org
Click
on the map for a larger view
