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

Inscription. 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 Washington’s 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 (Tolson’s) 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, and the Former U.S. Presidents: #26 Theodore Roosevelt series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1820.

Location. 38° 8.133′ N, 76° 31.786′ W. Marker is in Piney Point

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, Maryland, in St. Mary's County. Marker is on Lighthouse Road (SR 498). The marker is on the grounds of the Piney Point Lighthouse. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Piney Point MD 20674, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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); The Lighthouse Keeper's Quarters (within shouting distance of this marker); Piney Point Lighthouse (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.

Piney Point Lighthouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Don Morfe, May 16, 1999

2. Piney Point Lighthouse

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 28, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 882 times since then and 69 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.