How about a town that began as a naval proving ground in 1890? That’s Indian Head. It is located in Charles County Maryland. Indian Head is not just any town. It’s a place steeped in history and transformation.
Just outside the base gates, Indian Head is experiencing revitalization. New homes are being built. New businesses are opening. Nearly 3800 people enjoy a friendly small-town atmosphere. They also enjoy the convenience of being less than 30 miles south of Washington D.C. It’s an ideal spot for commuters who work in the city. It is also good for those who work on Naval Support Facility Indian Head.
The land where Indian Head sits was once part of the Algonquin Indians’ territory. These Native Americans had a complex society. They were organized into confederations at the time of European settlement. Scholars believe that by 1608, the Native American groups north of the Potomac were divided into about 10 petty chiefdoms. The Piscataway, Anacostan, Mattawoman, Nanjemoy and Portobaco were organized into a paramount chiefdom. The Piscataway headed this chiefdom. The paramount chief was known as the Tayac.
In 1654, Celilius Calvert granted 5000 acres to Thomas Cornwallis. In 1890, the naval base was established on this land. The town of Indian Head was established in 1920.
The name’s origin is fascinating. It is likely an abbreviation of “Indian Headlands”. The land was a peninsula settled by Native Americans. It overlooked the Potomac River.
The town’s Village Green is a popular site. Many community activities and festivals happen here. Its location at the confluence of Mattawoman Creek and the Potomac River makes it ideal for outdoor recreation. This includes hiking and biking along the Indian Head Rail Trail. Also there is the town’s new waterfront boardwalk.
NSF Indian Head is the Navy’s oldest continuously operating ordnance station. In 1921, it shifted from a gun proving ground to a chemical factory and research laboratory. It grew during World War II. Route 210 was constructed as a Defense Access Road in 1943. In the 1950s, the focus shifted to explosives and propellant production. In 1958, it was renamed the Naval Propellant Plant. In 1966, it became the Naval Ordnance Station.
In 1987, the Naval Ordnance Station became an engineering support operation. The Naval Sea Systems Command established a Center of Excellence. It promoted technological excellence in specialized fields. These included energetic chemicals and explosives.
In 2003, the Commander, Navy Installations Command, assumed installation management. NSF Indian Head became part of Naval District Washington. In 2005, it was renamed Naval Support Facility Indian Head.
Today, NSF Indian Head is home to five major tenant commands. These include the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division. It is a Center for Industrial and Technical Excellence for Energetics and Ordnance systems. NSWC Indian Head also serves as the DoD Explosive Ordnance Disposal Program Lead.
NSF Indian Head works with surrounding communities. It builds strong and mutually beneficial relationships. Military installations and their host communities rely on and support one another. This includes jobs, housing, schools, and recreation.
The NSF Indian Head Joint Land Use Study was completed in September 2016. It represents a collaborative effort. It analyzed compatibility factors across community, operations, safety, and environment.
Charles County established the Indian Head JLUS Implementation Workgroup. It fosters communication between NSF Indian Head and the community. Implementation actions have included adding a section to the Comprehensive Plan. This refers to Federally owned lands.
NSF Indian Head generates over 4771 direct, indirect, and induced jobs. The annual economic output is 700 million dollars. It serves as one of Charles County’s largest employers. The Charles County Military Alliance Council supports the Town of Indian Head and NSF Indian Head. It enhances and preserves Navy missions.