Scotland in St. Mary's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Mary Ellen Whalen Jones
"Aunt Pigeon"
| | 1829 - 1937 (107 years old) | |
April 11, 2026
1. Mary Ellen Whalen Jones Marker
Mary Ellen Whalen was born a slave in 1829 in White Marsh, Maryland. Affectionately known as "Aunt Pigeon," she was commissioned as a cook by the Union Quartermaster at Point Lookout Prison Camp.
Camp regulations prohibited prisoners from receiving food other than the meager daily rations provided.
Recognizing the inhumanity and hardships the prisoners suffered, this compassionate Christian woman would have her son signal as the prisoners approached.
She would then leave additional food for them, to supplement their rations on the windowsill.
Aunt Pigeon died on January 22, 1937, having received the Sacraments earlier that morning while cradling her Crucifix. Interred beside her husband Peter, she is buried in an unmarked grave in St. Michael's Church Cemetery in Ridge, Maryland. The descendants of the prisoners are profoundly grateful to "Aunt Pigeon," who saved so many of their ancestors' lives.
Erected by Confederate Memorial Park, Inc.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce • War, US Civil • Women. In addition,
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Location. 38° 4.417′ N, 76° 20.457′ W. Marker is in Scotland, Maryland, in St. Mary's County. It is on Point Lookout Road (Maryland Route 5) east of St. Michaels Manor Way, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 11625 Point Lookout Rd, Scotland MD 20687, 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, in the Chesapeake Bay Region, and on the Eastern Seaboard. 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: Sister Mary Consolata Conlan (here, next to this
April 11, 2026
2. Mary Ellen Whalen Jones Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 12, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 12, 2026. This page has been viewed 15 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 12, 2026.
