Pasadena in Anne Arundel County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Rocky Beach Oyster Farm
Downs Park History Moment
In 1913 this property belonged to a wealthy Baltimorean, Mr. H. R. Mayo Thom. He was the first person in Maryland to plant oysters on land leased from the state under the new Haman Oyster Culture Law. The Rocky Beach Oyster Farm was located offshore here between the Patapsco River to the north and the Magothy River to the south and covered 1500 acres.
Although the seeded oyster beds did produce there was one major flaw in the idea -- poachers. In spite of efforts of the Thoms and others there was no way to stop the poaching. Catherine (Thom) Parsons, daughter of H.R. Mayo Thom relates:
"They came under the cover of fog; they came in the night; they even came in broad daylight...Nothing short of gunfire would have stopped them... "
Rocky Beach Oyster Farm failed.
Look for other Downs Park History Moments as you travel about the park. A brochure is available to help you locate the sites.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Animals • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1913.
Location. 39° 6.6′ N, 76° 25.994′ W. Marker is in Pasadena, Maryland, in Anne Arundel County. It can be reached from Chesapeake Bay Drive 0.1 miles
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Regionally, this marker is in Maryland’s Baltimore Metro Region. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Chesapeake Bay (a few steps from this marker); Summer House on the Bay (within shouting distance of this marker); The Old Entrance Road (within shouting distance of this marker); The Wishing Bench (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Garden Gazebo (about 400 feet away); Mother's Garden (about 400 feet away); Improvements on the Bayfront (about 600 feet away); Kids on the Farm (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pasadena.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 5, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 5, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 535 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 5, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
