Bel Alton in Charles County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Rich Hill Farm in the 19th Century: Samuel Cox and his Award-Winning Farm
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 25, 2021
1. Rich Hill Farm in the 19th Century: Samuel Cox and his Award-Winning Farm Marker
Rich Hill Farm
In 1838, at the age of 18, Samuel Cox embarked on a farming career which lasted for about thirty-seven years. Following the death of his father, Hugh Cox, in 1849 he inherited the 400-acre farm at Rich Hill.
Both he and his wife recevied numerous accolates in a variety of categories each year from the Agricultural Exhibition, the forerunner of the Charles County Fair. These accolades show the extend of Rich HIll's farming activities.
In 1848, he was elected to the executive committee of the Charles County Agricultural Society. From 1853 to 1860 he served as a vice-president of the society. As a result, his agricultural expertise incrased, his awards multiplied, and Rich Hill prospered.
1852
Best Brood Sow
1853
Best Jack Best Brood Mare Best Buck Sheep
1857
Best 3-year Colt-Grey Medock Best pair of Carriage Horses Best pair of Draft Horses Best 2-year old Mule Colt Best Sow Best Sow and Pigs Best Pork Hog Best acre of corn yielding 18 pounds
1860
Best sow Best Port Hog Best pair Mules Best single-harness Horse Best ½ bushel Parsnips Best ½ bushel Carrots Best lots of Vegetables Best lot of fresh Butter Best potted Butter Best lot of Pickles 2nd Best homemade
this page online
Erected by the County Commissioners of Charles County, Maryland and the Friends of Rich Hill.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Animals • Horticulture & Forestry. A significant historical year for this entry is 1838.
Location. 38° 28.288′ N, 76° 57.941′ W. Marker is in Bel Alton, Maryland, in Charles County. It is on Bel Alton Newtown Road just east of Rich Hill Farm Road, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 9135 Bel Alton Newtown Rd, Bel Alton MD 20611, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Southern Maryland. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in the Mid-Atlantic, and in the Tidewater. 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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Archaeology Provides a Key to the History of Rich Hill (here, next to this marker); Rich Hill Farm in the 20th Century (here, next to this marker); Rich Hill (within shouting distance of this marker); Rich Hill Through the Years (within shouting distance of this marker); John Wilkes Booth and David Herold (approx. 1.2 miles away); Pine Thicket (approx. 1.2 miles away); John Wilkes Booth (approx. 1.3 miles away); Bel Alton High School (approx. 1.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bel Alton.
Other markers no longer nearby. Rich Hill Historic Site (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed);
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 25, 2021
2. Rich Hill Farm in the 19th Century: Samuel Cox and his Award-Winning Farm Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on March 21, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 25, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 642 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 25, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
