Near Leesylvania in Prince William County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

"A Pacific Paradise on the Potomac"

Photographed By Kevin W., February 8, 2008

1. "A Pacific Paradise on the Potomac" Marker

Inscription. "A Pacific Paradise on the Potomac," suggests the type of atmosphere that existed at Freestone Point in July, 1957. The S.S. Freestone, a gambling ship, was the main attraction of an exciting new recreational resort. Even though it was illegal to either gamble of sell liquor by the drink in Virginia at this time, activity on the S.S. Freestone was protected from Virginia law by mooring in Maryland waters. The S.S. Freestone featured 200 slot machines on her deck, a finely furnished restaurant on the second, and on the third deck a cocktail lounge, in Hawaiian décor, featured live music and dancing. Formerly an excursion steamer, the ship had been retrofitted as a floating casino. Special opening day ceremonies held on July 20, 1957, included events such as the live music of Johnny Long and his Orchestra, water ballet, water skiing exhibitions, raced by sailing craft, fireworks and a beauty contest to crown the Queen of Freestone Point.

Erected by Leesylvania State Park.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1957.

Location. 38° 35.447′ N, 77° 14.853′ W. Marker is near Leesylvania, Virginia, in Prince William County. Marker can be reached from

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Daniel K. Ludgwig Drive. Marker is near the Leesylvania State Park pier. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Woodbridge VA 22191, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lee’s Woods Historic Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); Freestone Point Earthworks (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); "At the Point of Rock" (about 300 feet away); "Light Horse Harry" Lee (about 300 feet away); The Freestone Point Hunt Club (about 500 feet away); Iron Pulley Wheel (about 600 feet away); The Freestone Fisheries (about 600 feet away); Swimming in Bounty (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Leesylvania.

More about this marker. At the lower left of the marker is a picture of the "S.S. Freestone moored at a newly constructed pier at Freestone Point in 1957."

At the lower right of the marker is a picture of the "frontpiece and portion of the dinner menu from the S.S. Freestone’s dining room."

On the upper right of the marker is a picture of the "Grand Opening Advertisement."

The S.S. Freestone image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Kevin W., February 8, 2008

2. The S.S. Freestone

... moored at a newly constructed pier at Freestone Point in 1957.

Photographed By Kevin W., February 8, 2008

3. "A Pacific Paradise on the Potomac" Marker

Photographed By Kevin W., February 8, 2008

4. The Pier

Note that, by walking out on the pier, you are actually leaving Virginia and entering Maryland.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 12, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,710 times since then and 40 times this year. Last updated on October 3, 2023, by N. Jozsa of Woodbridge, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 12, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.