Beneath these very trails whispers a tale of families, fortunes and a state’s dedication to preservation. Welcome to Rosaryville State Park. This park is more than just a scenic escape. It’s a living canvas painted with the stories of those who shaped its identity.
Rosaryville State Park spans 1227 acres. It offers hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. But there’s more than meets the eye. This land was once part of a vast estate owned by the Calvert family. They used it for hunting in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Imagine Benedict Swingate Calvert. He was the son of Charles Calvert, fifth Baron Baltimore. In 1751, Benedict inherited this land. He began building Mount Airy Mansion on the foundation of a hunting lodge.
By the 1770s, Benedict became a wealthy tobacco farmer and horse breeder. He owned over 150 enslaved people. His daughter Eleanor married John Parke Custis at the mansion in 1774. George Washington was in attendance.
However, Benedict’s loyalist stance during the Revolutionary War led to financial strain. He had to pay triple taxes. The mansion was passed down to his son Edward Henry Calvert. The Calvert family owned it until 1902.
In 1902, Matilda Duvall purchased the property. She renamed it Dower House. It became a country inn until a fire in 1931. Cissy Patterson, publisher of the Washington Times-Herald, then restored the mansion. She entertained presidents and political figures.
Later, Ann Bowie Smith sold the property to the State of Maryland in 1973. Peter and Esther D. Duvall deeded their 341-acre parcel to Maryland DNR in 1976. This established Rosaryville State Park.
Today, Rosaryville State Park is a popular destination. It offers a glimpse into Maryland’s past. Explore the Agriculture Heritage Trail. You’ll see old barns and silos. These are remnants of the former working farm. Hike the Perimeter Trail. You will experience the park’s diverse terrain.
Birdwatchers will appreciate the Grassland Bird Trail. The trails have an extensive network. They supported equestrian use and farming needs in the past. The park is also home to the historic Mount Airy Mansion. It dates back to the 1700s.
Rosaryville State Park straddles two major watersheds. Dower House Pond flows into the Potomac River. The rest of the park drains into the Patuxent River. This unique feature adds to the park’s ecological significance.
Remember Fred Eskew. He helped save this land from development. The park’s core is named in his honor.
So, as you explore Rosaryville State Park, remember its rich history. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of families. It highlights the importance of preservation. Rosaryville State Park continues to offer a blend of recreation and historical appreciation for generations to come.