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Calvert County Other Points Of Interest
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Still an aid to navigation, and operated by the US Coast Guard, Cove
Point Lighthouse watches over the shores of the Chesapeake Bay and marks
the shoal that extends outward toward the channel. Built in 1828
by John Donohoo, the lighthouse stands 51 feet tall and is made of
brick. A separate keeper's dwelling is located near the light.
The house, originally a simple dwelling, was expanded to a 3-story
duplex. A third 2 bedroom house was eventually built on the
grounds, along with an office building, which housed an air-powered
sound signal for low visibility. This signal was replaced with an
electric diaphone signal in 1969. Sitting very close to the
water's edge, land erosion has been an issue since 1842, and still is an
issue for the Cove Point Lighthouse, therefore, retaining walls have
been placed around the light. In 1928, the kerosene light was
replaced with electricity, making the light visible for 12 nautical
miles. March 1986 marked the end of the need for lighthouse
keepers. By August 1986, the light became fully automated, using
fog detectors, a lamp changer, and a computer that is controlled in
Baltimore.
Visitors can visit the Cove Point Lighthouse via a
shuttle that departs from the
Calvert Marine Museum. Visitors
can enter the base of the light and look up the staircase.
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May - August 28
Monday - Friday -- 1pm |
May - September 29
Saturday & Sunday -- 11am, 1pm |
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Due to its landforms, natural vegetation, and wildlife, this 327-acre
park located off the Chesapeake Bay, is one of the most unique and
interesting natural areas in Maryland. Anything from woods to
ponds to cliffs to beaches, this park offers a little of everything.
From 1915 until 1958, Flag Ponds was a commercial pound-net fishery.
Fish were brought in from the Chesapeake Bay and shipped to cities, such
as Baltimore and Washington. One historical site at Flag Ponds is
an old fisherman's shanty that tells the story of life during the
old-time fishing industry. Named for wild iris, flag, that blooms each
May in the ponds, this park offers nature walks, trails, swimming,
fishing, fossil hunting, and much more. For more information about the
recreational activities and hours of operation, visit
Flag Ponds Nature Park on the Calvert
County Parks page.
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Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum is an archeology
museum where one can explore the changing cultures and environment of the
Chesapeake Bay over the last 12,000 years. The 560-acre park runs
along the Patuxent River and St. Leonard's Creek. Archeologists have
discovered that this was once the home of Maryland's Attorney General
Richard Smith. During the War of 1812, the largest naval battle in
Maryland's history, Battle at St. Leonard Creek, took place here. In
1932, Jefferson Patterson bought Point Farm, what his family calls the land.
Mrs. Patterson donated the land to Maryland in 1983. This park is now
the home to the Maryland Archeological Conservation Laboratory (tours last
Friday of month). A visitors center displays exhibits and has a
"hands-on" discovery room. On the grounds is a Farm Exhibit Building
and trails leading through thick forests or fields overlooking the Patuxent
River. Special program take place throughout the museum's hours that
include heritage celebrations, children's activities, tours, concerts,
lectures, and education programs.
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Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum |
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10115 Mackall Road
St. Leonard, MD 20685
410-586-8500
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Hours:
April 15 - October 15
Wed - Sun -- 10am - 5pm
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