Croom in Prince George's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
First Americans at Mount Calvert
American Indians arrived in this region at the end of the last Ice Age (12000-15000 years ago). As the earth warmed and the ice melted, sea levels rose dramatically. By 5,000 years ago, ancient lands and rivers once used by the earliest Indians were buried beneath the rising waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers.
A New Environment
As the climate stabilized, evergreen trees were replaced by hardwoods providing habitat for deer, elk and smaller game. Fish migrated up the tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay. The first Indian people came to Mount Calvert about 8,000 years ago during the Archaic Period (7500-1000 BC). These hunters and gatherers thrived on the region's plants and animals.
Clues to the Ancient Past
Archaeologists have recovered thousands of Archaic Period Indian artifacts at Mount Calvert. Spear points, knives and the remains of stone cooking hearths provide insight into the lives of the people who lived here before Europeans and Africans arrived.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Native Americans.
Location. 38° 47.011′ N, 76° 42.972′ W. Marker is in Croom, Maryland, in Prince George's County. Marker is on Mount Calvert Road, 0.2 miles east of McClure Road, on the right. Marker is in the Mount Calvert Historical and Archaeological Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Upper Marlboro MD 20772, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mount Calvert Historical and Archaeological Park (here, next to this marker); Woodland Indians (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mount Calvert, Early Town (about 400 feet away); Chesapeake Beach Railway (about 500 feet away); The War of 1812 and the Chesapeake Flotilla (about 500 feet away); Explosive Scene (about 500 feet away); African-Americans at Mount Calvert (about 500 feet away); Mount Calvert Manor (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Croom.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 5, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 1, 2013, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 439 times since then and 36 times this year. Last updated on December 4, 2021, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 1, 2013, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on February 7, 2015, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.