St. Mary's City in St. Mary's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
A Place to Talk, Drink, & Smoke
Photographed by Adam Margolis, December 18, 2021
1. A Place to Talk, Drink, & Smoke Marker
On this spot, archeologists found the remains of an 18 ft. by 26 ft. structure which was built around 1678 as a bake and brew house. While historical information about the building is sparse, archeological remains found here indicate that Garrett Van Sweingen used the building as a "Coffee House." Coffee houses were fashionable in 17th century England as places to talk, drink, and smoke. This was the first known coffee house in the Chesapeake region, suggesting that early Marylanders wanted their colonial capital to be a sophisticated and urban city. The brickwork before you is a reconstruction.
[Captions:]
Archaeologists uncovered the remains of a chimney base and posts that supported the building.
" ye Councill Roomes and Coffee House and lands thereto belonging."
Built first as a bake and brew house, this outbuilding was later used by Van Sweringen at the back of his lot as one of the first coffee houses in the English American colonies.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1678.
Location.
this page online
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: ...and Coffee House (here, next to this marker); Brewing and Baking (here, next to this marker); about the Corner of Vansweeringens Garden fence (a few steps from this marker); Keep It Clean (a few steps from this marker); Adjourn to the Arbour at Vansweringens (within shouting distance of this marker); The Arrival of Governor Copley (within shouting distance of this marker); The Exhibit (within shouting distance of this marker); An Innovative Entrepreneur (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Mary's City.
Photographed by Adam Margolis, December 18, 2021
2. A Place to Talk, Drink, & Smoke Marker
Photographed by Adam Margolis, December 18, 2021
3. A Place to Talk, Drink, & Smoke Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 26, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 1, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 386 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 1, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
