Leonardtown in St. Mary's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Breton Bay
Photographed by Sean C Bath, November 28, 2021
1. Breton Bay Marker
The Breton Bay area has a rich and significant human history, beginning as early as 13,000 years ago. Cooler temperatures and lower sea levels at the time meant that the shoreline extended much further than it does today.
The abundant wild resources of this lush landscape supported a growing population of hunting and gathering groups. Breton Bay area was the locus for numerous thriving indigenous communities until about 1650.
Erected by Maryland Archeological Conservation Laboratory.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Environment • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1650.
Location. 38° 17.157′ N, 76° 38.281′ W. Marker is in Leonardtown, Maryland, in St. Mary's County. It is on Washington Street (Maryland Route 326) just south of Nuthall Lane, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 22525 Washington St, Leonardtown MD 20650, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southern Maryland. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in the Mid-Atlantic, in the Tidewater, and in the Chesapeake Bay Region. 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: Fun on the Waterfront (here, next to this marker); Trade on the Waterfront (a few steps from this marker); Steamboats at the Waterfront (within shouting
this page online
Regarding Breton Bay. Includes a Breton Bay Area Timeline
Paleo Indian Period
11000-7500 BC
Sea Level: 70-110 ft below present
Climate: Post glacial warming
Early Archaic Period
7500-6000 BC
Sea Level: 50-70 ft below present
Climate: warm with increased rainfall
Middle Archaic Period
6000-4000 BC
Sea Level: 48-58 ft below present
Climate: warm and wet, but drying
Late Archaic Period
4000-1000 BC
Sea Level: 13-43 ft below present
Climate: warm, dry and cooling
(Archeological evidence in the region suggests growing interaction between communities,
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 11, 2026
2. Breton Bay and Fun on the Waterfront Markers
Early Woodland Period
1000-300 BC
Sea Level: 7-13 ft below present
Climate: mild and damp
Middle Woodland Period
300 BC-900 AD
Sea Level: 3-7 ft below present
Climate: modern
Late Woodland Period
900-European Contact
Sea Level: 1-3 ft below present
Climate: modern
Bare Island Point
Late Archaic-Early Woodland
Levanna
Late Woodland Period
Projectile point images and historic information courtesy of the Maryland Archeological Conservation Laboratory
In consultation with Maryland Commission of Indian Affairs
Artwork courtesy of Susan Carney
Funding provided by Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative and the St. Mary's County Arts Council.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 4, 2021, by Sean C Bath of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 973 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 4, 2021, by Sean C Bath of Silver Spring, Maryland. 2. submitted on April 16, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
