Almost the Joint Strike Fighter In 1996 the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program awarded $750 million contracts to both Boeing and Lockheed Martin. Each contractor was to design and build two JSF demonstrators to compare different propulsion . . . — — Map (db m138656) HM
Panel 1: Chronology
The Cedar Point Lighthouse marked the southern point of the confluence of the Chesapeake Bay and the Patuxent River during the years from its completion in 1896 until it was abandoned by the Coast Guard in 1928. This . . . — — Map (db m62467) HM
A Chesapeake Landmark Erected in 1896, the Cedar Point Lighthouse marked the southern point of where the Patuxent River and Chesapeake Bay come together. The lighthouse was a three-story brick and frame structure, with its cupola mounted 50 . . . — — Map (db m138622) HM
The Civil War left St. Mary's County with traditional economic and social structures in ruins. For over 150 year Southern Maryland plantation owners had depended on slave labor, and their sympathies were with the Confederacy. Some had crossed . . . — — Map (db m181741) HM
The First Carrier-Based Interceptor One of the most important of the early Navy jets, the F-6A (designated F4D—or "Ford"—before 1962) exploited advanced engine and all-weather radar technologies to prove that carrier-based aircraft . . . — — Map (db m138631) HM
More Than An Attack Aircraft Affectionately known as the "Scooter," the A-4 satisfied the Navy's need for a low-complexity successor to the equality unsophisticated, propeller-driven A-1 Skyraider attack aircraft. Over 3000 A-4s were operated . . . — — Map (db m138632) HM
The Intruder is a medium-attack, all weather day-night carrier-based combat aircraft. Its first flight (prototype YA-2F1 BuNo 147864) was on 16 April 1960. The Navy’s designation of the Intruder was changed from the A-2F to the A-6A in October 1962. . . . — — Map (db m94285) HM
All-Weather Attack, Day or Night Grumman's A-6 Intruder was designed around a powerful air-to-surface radar. The final version, the A-6E, also featured an infrared/laser multi-sensor. In adverse conditions, these radar and optical systems . . . — — Map (db m138665) HM
Eye in the Sky Housing a powerful search radar antenna, the E-2's 24-foot diameter rotating dome is unmistakable. The first aircraft designated for Airborne Early Warning, the E-2 conducts air, sea, and land surveillance. It can control . . . — — Map (db m138661) HM
A Capable Cat The F9F was unquestionably the most successful of the Navy's early jets. From the subsonic, straight-winged Panther of the Korean War, the F9F series evolved into supersonic swept-wing F9F-6 and F9F-8 Cougars. F9F-8Bs . . . — — Map (db m138634) HM
The Ultimate Cat The Tomcat was designed with "variable geometry" wings that extended straight out from the fuselage for takeoffs and landings, but swept back at a 68°-degree angle for high-speed flight. Originally a fighter/interceptor for . . . — — Map (db m138644) HM
A New Approach to Anti-Submarine Warfare Nicknamed "Stoof" (a rough pronunciation of its designation), the S2F (later re-designated S-2), was the first carrier-based aircraft able to both search for an attack submarines. Previously, the two . . . — — Map (db m138646) HM
A Swiss Army Knife with Rotors Originally designed as a single-engine utility helicopter, the Seasprite quickly became a twin-engine aircraft with multiple versions and missions. The HH-2C, with armor and guns was used for combat search and . . . — — Map (db m138658) HM
The U.S. Navy developed Lexington Park to house white civilian workers who streamed into the area following the establishment of the Patuxent River Naval Air Station. Named for the storied aircraft carrier, USS Lexington, this was the . . . — — Map (db m181773) HM
The Last of the Breed Successor to the propeller-driven S-2 Tracker (also here on PRNAM's flight line), the S-3 gave its crews a well-integrated suite of ASW (anti-submarine warfare) and anti-ship systems with more warfighting capability and . . . — — Map (db m138657) HM
No Slack in Light Attack A derivative of the F-8 fighter, the Ling Temco Vought (LTV) A-7 Corsair II came into prominence during the Vietnam War, where it served as a close air support and attack aircraft. The first aircraft with a cockpit . . . — — Map (db m138637) HM
The First of Its Kind The McDonnell Douglas/Boeing AV-8B Harrier II evolved from the British Hakwer Siddeley Type Number P.1127 (1957). Together, the United Kingdom, United States and Germany funded the evaluation of nine development aircraft, . . . — — Map (db m138669) HM
A True Multi-Role Fighter In 1975 the U.S. Navy / Marine Corps competitively chose the F/A-18 Hornet to replace the F-4 Phantom II, A-4 Skyhawk, and A-7 Corsair II fighter and attack aircraft. The Hornet was seen as an affordable, single-seat . . . — — Map (db m138663) HM
The First Modern Strike Fighter As the direct descendent of the disappointing F3H Demon, the F-4's success was anything but assured. But, with over 5000 F-4s of various versions ultimately delivered to the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air . . . — — Map (db m138640) HM
During the Civil War, more than 700 African American men from St. Mary's County served as soldiers and sailors in the U.S. Army and Navy. Some enlisted to obtain their freedom; some were already free and joined from a sense of duty. Black men . . . — — Map (db m181789) HM
A Low-Level "Dumb" Bomb The Mark-80 series of unguided general-purpose bombs was first used in the Vietnam War. The Mk-80 series' 500-lb variant is the Mk-82. Like all Mk-80 series bombs, the Mk-82 cannot be safely employed at low altitudes in . . . — — Map (db m138642) HM
In 1942, during the height of World War II, the Department of Defense acquired land in St. Mary's County near the confluence of the Patuxent River Naval Air Station, a facility that would play a crucial role in testing airplanes used on U.S. . . . — — Map (db m181777) HM
Powering Naval Aircraft Mobile electric power plants (MEPPs) are used on the flight decks of aircraft carriers and on shore facilities. MEPPs supply regulated electrical power for aircraft servicing, starting, maintenance, and testing. The . . . — — Map (db m138627) HM
Very Fast, Very Heavy Reconnaissance The RA-5C began as the A3J Vigilante (redesignated A-5 in 1962), a carrier-based bomber designed to deliver a nuclear weapon and travel at twice the speed of sound. Two years after Vigilantes were fielded, . . . — — Map (db m138664) HM
Training Jet Jocks For over four decades, aspiring Navy and Marine Corps pilots learned the art of operating jets from aircraft carriers in a T-2 Buckeye. Unglamorous and unsophisticated, the T-2 was designed for only one vitally important . . . — — Map (db m138625) HM
Naval Flight Officer Training The civilian Sabreliner is a late-1950s-era business jet with wings based on those of the F-86 Sabre jet liner. In the early 1960s, the U.S. Navy converted a number of Sabreliners into T-39 aircraft for the purpose . . . — — Map (db m138645) HM
Electronic Warfare First fielded in 1971, the EA-6B Prowler was derived from Grumman's A-6 Intruder attack aircraft. The long-range, all-weather EA-6B was flown by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps squadrons, but never sold to foreign nations. . . . — — Map (db m138666) HM
This Museum is the vision of a group of Navy and civilian personnel who in 1974 set out to formally organize a museum to preserve and celebrate the history of the Naval Air Test Center at Patuxent River.
They received support from the . . . — — Map (db m154154) HM
Rank and organization: Private, Company C, 38th U.S. Colored Troops. Place and date: At New Market Heights, VA., 29 September 1864. Birth: St. Mary's County, MD. Date of issue: 6 April 1865 . . . — — Map (db m181683) HM WM
Making Naval Aviators After completing ground school, the two-seat T-6 Texan II is the first aircraft an aspiring Naval Aviator will fly. Derived from the commercial Pilatus PC-9 aircraft, the T-6A won the Joint Primary Aircraft Training System . . . — — Map (db m138624) HM
1637 Jesuit Mission of Father Andrew White was located a mile from here on Patuxent River, on land given by Mattapanient Indian Chief Macquacomen. The first St. Nicholas Church was built at this site in 1796 by Jesuit Father James Walton. Present . . . — — Map (db m999) HM
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company B, 38th U.S. Colored Troops. Place and date: At New Market Heights, VA., 29 September 1864. Birth: St. Mary's County, MD. Date of issue: 18 February 1874. . . . — — Map (db m181685) HM WM
The CH-53A, the predecessor of America’s largest helicopter today, the CH-53E, was first flown in October 1964 and began entering service in 1966. Within 16,000 lb of cargo capacity, this large all-weather-capable helicopter could carry two jeeps, . . . — — Map (db m94287) HM
Heavy Lifting Sikorsky's CH-53 series started big and just kept growing. The first major leap came with the CH-53E Super Stallion, which added a third engine (the first generation CH-53A before you has two) and considerably more lift . . . — — Map (db m138667) HM
In 1942, the Department of Defense acquired land in St. Mary’s County and began construction of the Patuxent River Naval Air Station, a facility that would play a crucial role in testing airplanes used on World War II aircraft carriers. The . . . — — Map (db m56863) HM
Moving Naval Aircraft Powered by a Ford 302 V-8 gasoline engine, the United Tractor TA-75A was designed to tow aircraft weighing up to 75,000 pounds. The rear deck could mount a gas turbine for starting jet aircraft engines. TA-75As were used . . . — — Map (db m138630) HM
The Monument, a project of Unified Committee for Afro-American Contributions of St. Mary's County, was dedicated On July 29, 2000, Its purpose is to serve as an external reminder of the contributions of African Americans to the growth and . . . — — Map (db m128945) HM
The F9F-8B “Cougar” that you see here was graciously donated and transported to this museum by the city of Richmond, Virginia. It had been displayed at their visitors center for many years and had fallen into disrepair. As noted, . . . — — Map (db m128946) HM
African Americans continued to migrate to Washington DC, Baltimore, and other urban centers during the worldwide economic depression of the 1930s. However, those who stayed behind working the farms, waterways, and serving as domestics may have . . . — — Map (db m181768) HM
In the decade following World War I, citizens of a St. Mary's County still racially and economically divided focused their energies on providing for their families and educating their children toward a promising future.
Economics: . . . — — Map (db m181764) HM
African Americans have served in every war since the American Revolution. During the Civil War, more that 180,000 African Americans comprising 170 units served in the Union Army and 29,511 served in the Union Navy. Nearly 700 United States Colored . . . — — Map (db m56476) HM
This monument is dedicated in grateful tribute to the United States Colored Troops of St. Mary's County. It honors Medal of Honor recipients, all Union soldiers and sailors from St. Mary's County who served during the Civil War (1861-1865). . . . — — Map (db m181679) WM
This tribute to the unique contributions of African Americans in St. Mary's County spans the following areas: religion, farming, trades, domestic service, education, business, industry, community service, arts entertainment, health, sports, . . . — — Map (db m62448) HM
A law of 1704 provides that
"three notches of equal distance"
marked on the trees indicated"
a road leading to a ferry.
"Two notches with another notch
a distance above the other two"
a road to a court house.
"a slip cut down . . . — — Map (db m8931) HM
The Amish community in St. Mary’s is the largest of three Amish settlements in Maryland. The community is located primarily along MD Routes 6 and 236 in New Market, Charlotte Hall and neighboring Charles County. The Amish moved to the area in 1940 . . . — — Map (db m135330) HM
The federal government purchased the Washington, Brandywine and Point Lookout Railroad, then known as the Farmers' Railroad, in 1942. During WWII, the Navy extended the railroad from Forest Hall to the Patuxent River Naval Air Station to transport . . . — — Map (db m135332) HM
The Forest Hall store served as a sidetrack for passenger pick up and train turn around before the U.S. Navy began management of the railroad in 1942 and extended the line to the Patuxent River Naval Air Station. The background picture is from the . . . — — Map (db m135333) HM
Three Notch Road has served as the main highway between northern St. Mary's and Point Lookout since the days of Native Americans and later the English colonists. The name is likely attributed to a 1704 law that stipulated "three notches of equal . . . — — Map (db m135335) HM
In 2003 the Commissioners of St. Mary's County authorized beginning a rails-to-trails project in St. Mary's County. The Three Notch Trail is a 10' wide multi-use trail constructed on the former railroad right-of-way, which runs south from . . . — — Map (db m135336) HM
In 17th-century Maryland up until the late 1990's tobacco was the agricultural mainstay in Southern Maryland. Tobacco barns were a critical part of this farming effort, designed to air-cure tobacco plants inside, with abundant ventilation doors on . . . — — Map (db m135334) HM
The Village of Mechanicsville is a small, unincorporated community established about 1850 and is known for its agriculture, many small businesses, churches, schools, community gathering places and historic homes.
In the early days of the . . . — — Map (db m135331) HM
Robert Brooke
First Lord of the Manor
Born London 1602; died Brooke Place, 1655
Commander of Charles County, 1650. President Provincial Council and acting Governor of Maryland 1652. Council met at "De La Brooke" 1662. . . . — — Map (db m81178) HM
Protecting ships from treacherous waters has been a necessity since ancient times when bonfires and strategically placed cottage lanterns warned seamen of dangers in fog and darkness. Lighthouses of the Chesapeake and Potomac River waterways are . . . — — Map (db m9011) HM
Capt. Rezin Beall (later Brig. Gen. in "Flying Camp") was wounded here in repulse of British efforts to cross to mainland from St. George's Island. Fighting continued until July 29, Lord Dunmore, commanding 72 marauding British vessels on Potomac . . . — — Map (db m18720) HM
The Steuart Petroleum Company, established in 1904, was the Baltimore/Washington D.C. area's largest independent supplier of commercial and residential oil, lubricants and fuel. In 1949, Steuart Petroleum purchased a 320-acre farm bordering . . . — — Map (db m203065) HM
Protecting ships from treacherous waters has been a necessity since ancient times when bonfires and strategically placed cottage lanterns warned seamen of dangers in fog and darkness. Light houses of the Potomac River waterways are variations . . . — — Map (db m192976) HM
Piney Point Lighthouse, Museum and Historic Park, a Chesapeake Bay Gateway, is one of your entry points to enjoy and learn about the places and stories of the Chesapeake and its watershed.
The 64,000 square-mile watershed is a complete ecosystem. . . . — — Map (db m9019) HM
In 1921, the United States Navy sent the first torpedo testing barge from Alexandria, Virginia to Piney Point where a 33-year testing facility would be established. Later, with the onset of WW II in 1941, the torpedo testing became a 24-hour . . . — — Map (db m138943) HM
Torpedoes arrive at Piney Point. In 1921, the United States Navy sent the first torpedo testing barges from Alexandria, Virginia, to Piney Point. By the onset of World War II, torpedo testing became a regular operation. The Navy purchased . . . — — Map (db m207239) HM
The Chesapeake Bay and its many tributaries have served as natural highways since the beginning of civilization. With the gradual development of villages and settlements along the shorelines, the waterways became the primary means of transportation . . . — — Map (db m9014) HM
The Chesapeake Bay and its many tributaries have served as natural highways since the beginning of civilization. With gradual development of villages and settlements along the shorelines, the waterways became the primary means of . . . — — Map (db m192973) HM
Visit Piney Point between March and October and you might see osprey at home on pilings used to moor oil barges. These graceful birds of prey return every year around St. Patricks Day from their winter homes in Brazil, Colombia or Venezuela.
The . . . — — Map (db m9016) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m94280) HM
On Christmas Eve of 1835, land consisting of 2.5 acres was purchased by the Federal Government from William and Charlotte Suter for three hundred dollars. The following year the first lighthouse constructed entirely on the shoreline of the Potomac . . . — — Map (db m94283) HM
In 1861, the U.S. created the Potomac Flotilla (gunboats and other armed vessels) to patrol the river and intercept Confederate blockade runners. Nevertheless, St. Mary's County residents frequently ferried supplies and men across to Virginia. A . . . — — Map (db m188560) HM
Here at Piney Point Lighthouse on December 11, 1861, Captain Shore of the steamer Chamberlin disembarked when he saw a distress flag flying. Inside the lighthouse, the wife of Keeper Robert J. Marshall, reported that "five or six loads of . . . — — Map (db m188667) HM
On Christmas Eve 1835, the Federal Government purchased 2.5 acres of land from William and Charlotte Suter for $300. A year later the first lighthouse constructed entirely on the shoreline of the Potomac River went into service at Piney Point. . . . — — Map (db m192977) HM
On Christmas Eve 1835, the Federal Government purchased 2.5 acres of land from William and Charlotte Suter for $300. A year later the first lighthouse constructed entirely on the shoreline of the Potomac River went into service at Piney . . . — — Map (db m207241) HM
Serving the Washington area since 1904, Steuart Investment Company was a family-owned company headquartered in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Over the years, this company operated many businesses including the Steuart Petroleum Company, also established . . . — — Map (db m138979) HM
The Potomac River dory boat was built almost exclusively within St. Mary's County, Maryland, and appeared around the 1880s when Maryland was known as the greatest oyster-producing region in the world. Originally designed as a two-masted sailing . . . — — Map (db m203135) HM
Almost from the beginning of the new nation, the United States established military facilities along the Potomac River - to test guns and munitions before placing them into service, to train troops and to defend the Nation's Capital.
Piney Point . . . — — Map (db m8974) HM
Potomac River Dory. The Potomac River dory boat was used for tonging and dredging of oysters in the waters of the Potomac River and its tributaries. Its unique design
features a V-bottom planked lengthwise, instead of the usual . . . — — Map (db m203131) HM
Most freestanding light houses were accompanied by "keeper's quarters," which housed the light keepers and their families. The Piney Point Lighthouse and keeper's quarters were built in 1836 by John Donahoo of Havre de Grace.
The original . . . — — Map (db m8978) HM
Most freestanding lighthouses were accompanied by "keeper's quarters," which housed the light keepers and their families. The Piney Point Lighthouse and keeper's quarters were built in 1836 by John Donahoo of Havre de Grace, Maryland. . . . — — Map (db m207240) HM
History of Cardinal Gibbons Institute
In November 1916, three Catholic priests, Fathers LaFarge, Emerick, and Matthews met with blacks from St. Mary’s county to discuss their plans to have a national industrial school. In May 1917, land was . . . — — Map (db m128947) HM
During the Civil War, thousands of enslaved African-Americans escaped from captivity in the South to liberty in the North. The grounds before once sheltered these freedom-seekers, know at that time as “Contraband”.
Conditions in the . . . — — Map (db m104760) HM
On June 10, 1865 J.H. Thompson, former POW camp head surgeon, notified the public that Pt. Lookout had been “abandoned”. This notice was published in the St. Mary’s Gazette. The St. Mary’s Beacon newspaper had been seized during the war . . . — — Map (db m60276) HM
By the end of the Civil War in 1865, the military bases at Point Lookout had grown into a small city. Besides the hospitals and prison camp, you could find dockyards, saw mills and warehouses - even a railroad, a post office and newspaper.
Point . . . — — Map (db m8934) HM
This site, where the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River merge, was an observation post for Americans during the War of 1812. It was also staging area for local militia in early summer of 1813.
Two- to Three-thousand British troops occupied the . . . — — Map (db m62446) HM
Point Lookout is a witness to much of our nation’s history. As you survey the vast expanse of Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River, remember those who have come before.
Early Inhabitants
Five thousand years ago, Native Americans first came to . . . — — Map (db m104745) HM
The grassy area in front of you was once the site of a major resort. The geared wheels peeking out of the grass are all that remain. They were part of a power plant that provided lighting for the resort’ buildings and power for its water treatment . . . — — Map (db m60316) HM
It is hard to imagine this tranquil site as a place of sickness, suffering and death. Yet during the Civil War, five graveyards marked Point Lookout.
Why so many graves? In 1863, Union forces chose this isolated spot for a prisoner of war camp. . . . — — Map (db m60286) HM
Imagine defending this isolated peninsula during the Civil War. There were threats from within (from thousands of prisoners) and from without (by Confederate soldiers trying to free their comrades or gain territory). What's more, a pro-Southern . . . — — Map (db m104758) HM
Standing before you is Fort Lincoln, the main Union fortification on the peninsula. As a key defense stronghold, Fort Lincoln, also known as Fort #2, was cleverly designed to resist attack.
To defend against artillery fire or direct infantry . . . — — Map (db m104759) HM
Divided loyalties and ironies tore at Marylanders’ hearts throughout the Civil War: enslaved African-Americans and free United States Colored Troops; spies and smugglers; civilians imprisoned without trial to protect freedom; neighbors and families . . . — — Map (db m1000) HM
For 136 years, the Point lookout Lighthouse
helped generations of Chesapeake Bay
mariners avoid shoals, navigate through dense
fog, and find the Potomac River’s mouth. The
beam shone until 1966, when an automated light off Point Lookout assumed . . . — — Map (db m104740) HM
The U.S. Government, located in Washington D.C., was surrounded by Maryland and Virginia. Since Virginia had already joined the Confederacy, it was critical in the survival of the Union that Maryland not be allowed to secede. The State was quickly . . . — — Map (db m168932) HM
Erected by the United States to mark the burial place of Confederate Soldiers and Sailors who died at Point Lookout, Md., while prisoners of war and were there buried to the number of 3384, but whose remains were subsequently removed, either to . . . — — Map (db m927) HM
Erected by the State of Maryland in memory of the Confederate Soldiers who died Prisoners of War at Point Lookout, from March 1st, 1864, to June 30th, 1865.
(north face) “At the call of Patriotism and duty they encountered the . . . — — Map (db m943) HM
Camp Hoffman Prison
The Union prison at Camp Hoffman, Maryland — called Point Lookout — opened in 1863. A 15-foot-high plank fence surrounded the 40-acre prison compound. The first prisoners arrived in July 1863-Confederates . . . — — Map (db m128948) HM WM
This memorial plaza is to honor the sacrifices of the 52,264 Confederate soldiers, sailors and civilians imprisoned near here during the War Between the States. Point Lookout prison camp was established immediately following the Battle of Gettysburg . . . — — Map (db m60250) HM
History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived but if faced with courage, need not be lived again. - Maya Angelo
To the memories of our past
Who are patient and who wait,
True and faithful to the last,
For Easter morning . . . — — Map (db m128949) WM
After the Battle of Gettysburg, the Union established a prisoner-of-war depot near here. Confederate soldiers and Maryland civilians were imprisoned and guarded by 400 Union troops. With only tents for protection, 3,384 prisoners died. — — Map (db m998) HM
After the battle of Gettysburg, the Union established a prisoner-of-war depot near here. Confederate soldiers and Maryland civilians were imprisoned and guarded by 400 Union troops, with only tents for protection. 3,384 prisoners died.
State Roads . . . — — Map (db m60283) HM
Hammond General Hospital, opened
at Point Lookout, Maryland, in
August 1862, was named for Surgeon General William A. Hammond. The massive structure, built
to accommodate 1,400 amen, was set on piles about two to three feet
above ground and . . . — — Map (db m1001) HM
This monument is dedicated to the memory of those soldiers, sailors, and hospital attendants from both North and South, who were here at Point Lookout from July 1862 to July 1865.
This monument marks the general location of the Hammond Hospital — — Map (db m60284) HM
Here you see a partial reconstruction of Camp Hoffman, the largest Union prison camp for Confederate soldiers. Built after the Battle of Gettysburg, it was planned to hold 10,000 prisoners. However, more than five times that number—52,000 in . . . — — Map (db m128950) HM
Centuries of storms, fogs, shoals, collisions, combat, poor judgement and bad luck have plagued local mariners. Gazing across Point Lookout's waters, we can only wonder how many of their wrecks litter the bottom of the Chesapeake Bay and the . . . — — Map (db m8935) HM
Near this location during the Civil War was the smallpox hospital where thousands of people were quarantined.
Highly contagious, horrible to behold and often fatal, smallpox was a dreaded disease. When the scourge hit the prison camp, officials . . . — — Map (db m60285) HM
