Thomas Stone National Historic Site

Things To Do Near Thomas Stone National Historic Site

Start your visit to Thomas Stone National Historic Site by following the trail to see the home's exterior that Thomas Stone started to build in 1771. Then, view the tobacco barn and corn silo. Finish your visit by paying respects to the life of Thomas Stone at the Stone Family Cemetery. 

Hiking Trails

• Thomas Stone House Trail

  Head through the forest near the visitors center to follow this out-and-back trail to see the main house. Hike along the path to visit the Stone Family Cemetery. Then, follow the trail on the right to view the house that was initially designed to be a small home until Stone's father passed, and his five siblings came to live with him, his wife, and daughters. 

  Location

  Visitor Center, Thomas Stone National Historic Site, 6655 Rose Hill Road, Port Tobacco, Maryland 20677

  Length

  0.75 mile

  Intensity

  Easy

• Stone Family Cemetery Loop

  The Stone Family Cemetery Loop starts at the visitor center parking lot. Follow the trail through the forest, and when it comes to a fork, take the right branch. Watch your step as you go down the hill as it can be muddy. Climb up the next hill for views of the outbuildings and Tenant House. End this trail by strolling around the Thomas Stone House before returning to the parking lot. 

  Location

  Visitor Center Parking Lot, Thomas Stone National Historic Site, 6655 Rose Hill Road, Port Tobacco, Maryland 20677

  Length

  1.2 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• Outbuildings Trail

  The Outbuildings Trail starts at the visitor center parking lot and follows the boardwalk through the forest. Whenever this path forks, choose the right fork until you reach the Tenant House. Continue following the trail to see the corn crib, tobacco barn, and horse barn. Then, hike along the Thomas Stone Road to see the main house before returning to your RV. 

  Location

  Parking lot, Thomas Stone National Historic Site, 6655 Rose Hill Road, Port Tobacco, Maryland 20677

  Length

  2.1 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

Sightseeing

• Chapel Point State Park

  The Chapel Point State Park on the Port Tobacco River is largely undeveloped, so it makes a beautiful getaway spot. You can fish in the river. It can also be a great spot to begin a kayaking adventure. 

  Location

  Chapel Point Road, Port Tobacco, Maryland 20677

• Friendship House

  This 1700s house was almost burned down before it was moved to this site. Community members banned together to protect it and numbered each piece as they tore it down. Seven years later, volunteers reassembled it at the Charles County Community College. View the exterior of this home or make arrangements in advance to see its interior. 

  Location

  8730 Mitchell Road, La Plata, Maryland 20646

• St. Ignatius Church and Cemetery

  St. Ignatius Church and Cemetery, formerly St. Thomas Manor, is the oldest Jesuit residence to be continually occupied in the world. The home is also the oldest Georgian-style residence in Maryland. The church is the first Roman Catholic diocese in the United States. 

  Location

  8855 Chapel Point Road, Port Tobacco, Maryland 20677

Museums

• African American Heritage House

  Learn more about influential African Americans' lives during America's early years by visiting the African American Heritage House. It is worth making a reservation to view the William A. Diggs collection at this location. See many items used in the home from before the Civil War. 

  Location

  7485 Crain Highway, La Plata, Maryland 20646

• Dr. Samuel A. Mudd House Museum

  Tour the beautiful home of Dr. Samuel A. Mudd. He was the attending physician who set the leg of John Wilkes Booth after he shot President Lincoln. The home's interior is set up as it would have been on that fateful day. 

  Location

  3725 Dr. Samuel Mudd Road, Waldorf, Maryland 20601

• Port Tobacco Courthouse

  The marshy area behind the Port Tobacco Courthouse was the first place that John Wilkes Booth escaped after killing President Lincoln. Learn more about his escape route by visiting the restored Port Tobacco Courthouse. See exhibits about tobacco culture and better understand how the first settlers and Native Americans lived together in this county. 

  Location

  8450 Commerce Street, Port Tobacco, Maryland 20677

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Carmel of Port Tobacco

  The Carmel of Port Tobacco was the first nunnery established in the United States. Shop their gift shop for handmade quilts. You can also find a selection of religious items, like St. Joseph medals and holy cards. 

  Location

  5678 Mt. Carmel Road, La Plata, Maryland 20646

• House Beautiful

  Find clothing for women and babies at House Beautiful. It is also a great place to pick up candles and home décor. 

  Location

  6 St. Marys Avenue, Suite 100A La Plata, Maryland 20646

• PTM Marina

  Take a seat on the deck overlooking the Port Tobacco River at PTM Marina. Enjoy a great hamburger, which can be served with a crab cake and an egg on it. Alternatively, dine on fresh seafood or a great steak. 

  Location

  7536 Shirley Boulevard, Port Tobacco, Maryland 20677

• The Blue Dog Restaurant

  Select from the expansive pizza menu at The Blue Dog Restaurant. Alternatively, consider one of their sandwiches or country-style entrees. They have indoor and outdoor seating available. 

  Location

  7940 Port Tobacco Road, Port Tobacco, Maryland 20677

How To Get To Thomas Stone National Historic Site

It is easy to get from Alexandria, Virginia, and other southern Washington D.C. locations to the Thomas Stone National Historic Site. Start by taking Interstate 95 to Maryland. Get off at Exit 3 and take Maryland 210 to the left. Turn left on Maryland 228 East and right on Maryland 229 South. Veer right to get on Maryland 227 West. Go straight, and this road will become Rose Hill Drive. Your destination will be on your right. 

Address

6655 Rose Hill Road, Port Tobacco, Maryland 20677

Fee: Entry fee $0

See the farmstead that Thomas Stone, who signed the Declaration of Independence, created for himself, his wife, daughter, and siblings by visiting the Thomas Stone National Historic Site. Then, explore this area, including seeing the oldest Jesuit residence and the oldest monastery in the United States. You will want to bring your RV to this area about 50 minutes south of Alexandria, Virginia.