Bowie in Prince George's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
White Marsh Plantation
A Journey Back into American History
| | White Marsh African American Heritage Trail | |
In 1729, the wealthy merchant-planter James Carroll bequeathed his land holdings and enslaved laborers to the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits. It was here that the Jesuits established a mission atop the 100-foot hill known as Carrollsburgh, which became a central location for Catholics in Maryland. The predominantly African American community became known as White Marsh, where over 400 people spanning multiple generations were formed into labor to help build the Roman Catholic Church in America.
[Captions:]
From 1722 to 1864, enslaved laborers worked the lands of the White Marsh plantation. -Library of Congress
The Reverend John Carroll (1737-1815) was elected the first Bishop of Baltimore at the White Marsh chapel in 1789, making him the leader of the Roman Catholic Church in the newly formed United States. Although he spoke out against slavery, Bishop Carroll himself enslaved people. -Georgetown University
Map of Maryland Jesuit Stations, showing the location of the White Marsh Mission. -Rev. Thomas Hughes, S.J.
Erected 2026 by White Marsh Historical Society, Inc. and Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Bowie, MD.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans
this page online
Location. 38° 58.979′ N, 76° 43.162′ W. Marker is in Bowie, Maryland, in Prince George's County. It can be reached from Annapolis Road (Route 450) east of Race Track Road, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 16301 Annapolis Rd, Bowie MD 20715, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Mid-Atlantic. 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: A Community of Descendants (here, next to this marker); Sacred Ground (here, next to this marker); Slavery & Resistance at White Marsh (here, next to this marker); Sacred Heart Chapel (here, next to this marker); Enslaved Labor Acknowledgement (here, next to this marker); Bicentennial (a few steps from this marker); Sacred Heart Chapel - White Marsh (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Williams Plains (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bowie.
Additional keywords. enslaved labor
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 27, 2026
2. A couple markers on the grounds of the chapel
Credits. This page was last revised on June 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 28, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 28, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
