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Visit a section of river between Wilson Bridge and Colonial Farm...
Jones Point Lighthouse
Fort Foote
Dyke Marsh
Fort Washington
National Colonial Farm
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This "living history" farm has been developed by the Accokeek Foundation in cooperation with the National Park Service to depict life on a middle class Southern Maryland tobacco farm in the mid-18th century. The farm includes an herb garden, authentic field crops, an out-kitchen where meals are cooked on the weekends, a tobacco barn, a "necessary" (privy), smoke house, and barnyard area with appropriate breed animals for the colonial period.
Each summer, farm employees grow authentic strains of tobacco, corn, and wheat, demonstrating farming methods used in colonial times. The chestnut grove, containing more than 600 trees, is an attempt to produce a chestnut tree resistant to blight. The farm is located on the shore of the Potomac River directly across from Mount Vernon. A fishing pier and picnic grove are located outside the farm entrance.
The Accokeek Foundation, a local nonprofit group, has been conducting research projects at the National Colonial Farm since 1958. These projects explore agricultural history, restoration of the American Chestnut tree, heirloom plant varieties, land preservation techniques, and native flora, which assist the programs at the Colonial Farm.
The Potomac River Heritage and Agricultural Center, operated by the Accokeek Foundation, occupies the visitor center at the park. The center has displays and information on the entire Potomac River and the roles of farming and the river in the development of the region.
Tours can be arranged by contacting the farm office at 301-283-2113. There is no fee for prearranged group tours, which are normally scheduled for Tuesdays through Fridays.
The farm is open daily except Mondays and Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Weekend activities, including planting demonstrations, hearth cooking, herb programs, and spinning, are scheduled during the year. Admission is $2.00 per adult; .50 for children.
National Colonial Farm, National Park Service, 3400 Bryans Point Road, Accokeek, MD 20607. Telephone: 301-283-2113.
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