Charles County Visitor Guide - Flipbook - Page 26
THOMAS STONE
N AT I O N A L H I S T O R I C S I T E
Hike through a National Park
Tour the home of a signer of the
Declaration of Independence
Explore a 19th-Century Tobacco Barn
Thomas Stone, a wealthy man with impressive family
connections, built his stately home here despite working in Annapolis. It’s not hard to imagine why the estate,
named Haberdeventure, was considered one of the finest in Charles County.
Here you can get a peek at exhibits in several rooms
in this uniquely designed home consisting of five connected structures set in an arc. Picture Stone rushing
to get his sick wife home after signing the Declaration
of Independence in Philadelphia or sitting at his desk
writing a letter to his friend George Washington, who
lived across the river.
If you’re walking to the historic house from the Visitor
Center, stop to pay respects at the Stone family cemetery. For a complete park experience, take a stroll on
the 1.5-mile outbuildings trail — check out the horse
barn, tobacco barn, corn crib, and tenant house along
the way.
Don’t miss the chance to speak to one of the passionate NPS Rangers at the Visitor’s Center — their knowledge will add tremendous depth to your visit. Take in
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an engaging film about Thomas
Stone, browse the exhibits and
bookstore, and donate to the park
if you’re so inclined. Restrooms are
also available, and both the Visitor Center and historic
house are wheelchair accessible.
The park is open Thursdays through Sundays from 10 a.m.
to 4 p.m. in March to December. The park is closed in
January and February. Admission is free.
Continue your learning of the family with a visit to nearby
Rich Hill, the childhood home of Margaret Brown (Thomas
Stone’s wife) and her brother Gustavus. Dr. Gustavus
Brown went on to be one of George Washington’s physicians and cared for the President on his deathbed. Rich
Hill is in the process of being restored.
Haberdeventure is a loose variation of the Latin
phrase “havitatio de ventus," which means to “dwell in or of
the wind.” Stand in front of the house during your visit and
see if you feel a breeze touch your face!
The Thomas Stone National Historic Site is one of many Charles County destinations
featured on the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail and Byway.
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