Piney Point in St. Mary's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Piney Point
Summer White House
Photographed by Don Morfe, May 16, 1999
1. Piney Point Marker
The Piney Point area possesses its own unique social history and charm. Named for the loblolly and long leaf yellow pines along the shoreline, Piney Point became the social center of Washington D.C. between 1820 and 1910. President James Monroe vacationed here in 1820 in a cottage that became known as the Summer White House. Presidential guests Franklin Pierce and Theodore Roosevelt often came to Piney Point to escape Washingtons summers.
Other American notable such as Daniel Webster, John C. Calhoun and Henry Clay fished and bathed near the lighthouse while staying at the local hotel.
The last owner and proprietor of the Piney Point (Tolsons) Hotel was Warren Tolson who purchased the 25 room hotel and 27 cottages in the early years of the 20th century. The hurricane of 1933 severely damaged the hotel, eventually forcing it to close.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #05 James Monroe, the Former U.S. Presidents: #14 Franklin Pierce, the Former U.S. Presidents: #26 Theodore Roosevelt, and the Lighthouses series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1820.
Location. 38° 8.133′ N, 76° 31.786′
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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: Lighthouses of the Chesapeake (within shouting distance of this marker); Piney Point Lighthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); The Lighthouse Keeper's Quarters (within shouting distance of this marker); Potomac River Military Testing (within shouting distance of this marker); Bay Lights (within shouting distance of this marker); Osprey (within shouting distance of this marker); Map of Lower Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Piney Point Lighthouse (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Piney Point.
Other markers no longer nearby. The Lighthouse Keeper's Quarters (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Natural Highways (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named Piney Point Lighthouse (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it).
Photographed by Don Morfe, May 16, 1999
2. Piney Point Lighthouse
Credits. This page was last revised on March 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 28, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,874 times since then and 74 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 28, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
