Lexington Park in St. Mary's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Navy Base Arrives

Patuxent River Naval Air Station

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), September 12, 2021

1. Navy Base Arrives Marker

Inscription. In 1942, during the height of World War II, the Department of Defense acquired land in St. Mary's County near the confluence of the Patuxent River Naval Air Station, a facility that would play a crucial role in testing airplanes used on U.S. Navy aircraft carriers. The establishment of the base brought a surge in population and added technical jobs to the traditional agriculture and maritime economy of St. Mary's County. After the war, Patuxent River remained one of the U.S. Navy's premier testing centers for aircraft and was even the training site for the nation's first astronauts. Today, it continues to play a vital role in the testing and development of cutting-edge aircraft and other technologies for the U.S. Navy and remains the county's largest employer.

Erected by Commissioners of St. Mary's County; St. Mary's County Museum Division; Friends of the St. Clement's Island and Piney Point Museums; Destination Southern Maryland; Maryland Heritage Area Authority (MHAA).

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Forts and Castles • War, World II • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1942.

Location. 38° 15.686′ N, 76° 26.899′ W. Marker is in Lexington Park

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, Maryland, in St. Mary's County. Marker is on Rennell Avenue West just west of South Coral Drive, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 21675 S Coral Dr, Lexington Park MD 20653, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. St. Mary’s County and U.S. Navy History (here, next to this marker); Architectural Significance of the First Lexington Park Community (here, next to this marker); Lexington Park (here, next to this marker); The Great Depression and New Opportunities (within shouting distance of this marker); Two Worlds / One County (within shouting distance of this marker); A "War to end all Wars" (within shouting distance of this marker); Defining Freedom and Building Community (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); United States Colored Troops (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lexington Park.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), September 12, 2021

2. Navy Base Arrives Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on September 13, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 13, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 93 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 13, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.