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Smallwood was the home of General William Smallwood, a Revolutionary War officer
who was the 4th Governor of Maryland. His house, called Smallwood's Retreat, has
been restored and is open to visitors. Sweden Point Marina has 50 boat slips and
excellent access for fishing on the Potomac River.
Smallwood's Retreat plantation house is open free to the public from 1 p.m. to 5
p.m. on Sundays from May until the end of September. Tours are conducted by
costumed docents. Group tours are available upon request. For information about
scheduling a group tour call 301-743-7613.
Smallwood reached the rank of major general for his service as a patriot leader
during the Revolutionary War. He was elected Governor of Maryland in 1785, and
later served in the Maryland Senate. The plantation house reflects Smallwood's
lifestyle as a gentleman planter.
Besides the restored house, the 628 acre park offers a marina, boat launching
ramps, a picnic area, camping area, pavilions, a recycled tire playground and
nature trails. On occasion, there are craft demonstrations, military exhibitions
and other special events. A park map is available from the park office.
Smallwood State Park was dedicated in September 1958, as a historic park. At the
time, the park consisted of 30 acres of land which included the Retreat House
and the grave site of General William Smallwood. Smallwood State Park takes its
name from General William Smallwood, a native born Charles Countian. He was the
highest ranked Marylander who served in the American Revolutionary War. During
his term as the 4th Governor of Maryland, Maryland ratified the Federal
Constitution.
Sweden Point Marina was not always known as Sweden Point. At one time it was
referred to as Sweetman's Landing. The area that is referred to as Grinder's
Wharf (which is only a few exposed pilings today) was built on a naturally deep
water channel in the Mattawoman Creek. The Grinder family was one of the areas
major brick manufacturers in the Chicamuxen area. They in turn used Grinders
Wharf to ship their brick out to the wholesalers. In the mid 1800's the wharf
was used by the Washington Steamship Lines on the Potomac. The steamers would
pick up water on their journey south to the Chesapeake Bay.
SWEDEN POINT MARINA
Sweden Point is located on the Mattawoman Creek, a tributary of the Potomac
River. It is approximately one mile from the marina to the Potomac River.
* Sweden Point Marina is currently renting boat slips. Sweden Point is a secured
marina with restrooms, showers and laundry facilities. Potable water and
electric service is provide for every slip. Seasonal (5 month) rates start at
only $410. For more information, call 301-743-7613.
* The marina wet-slip area opened July 2004 after renovations were completed.
All other marina facilities are open. A 50 slip marina, accommodating boats up
to 36 feet in length (one slip can accommodate 42 foot length), includes
bathhouse and laundry facilities, electric and non-potable water hook-ups.
Dock-side fresh water fill station and pump-out station are available. Rates are
based on the length of the boat and the duration of stay. We offer five month
and annual leases. For those traveling the tidal Potomac transient berthing is
also available. Vessels arriving by water may reserve slips in advance by
calling 301-743-7613. Wet slip renters have 24 hours access to the facility. The
area around the marina is dredged to a depth of 6 feet.
* A dry storage area is available for trailerable vessels. Dry storage has up to
50 spaces in a secure lighted area. Monthly rates are available for dry storage
with owners having access to their vessels from sunrise to sunset.
* Six boat launch ramps are available. A launch service charge is in effect year
round.
* Concessions - Sweden Point Marina features a small store which provides
dock-side fuel (gas, no diesel), ice, bait and tackle, firewood, snack foods and
souvenirs. The concession is open seasonally, call in advance for current hours
of operation.
* The Marina Services Building can be rented for parties and meetings. It
features a kitchenette/prep area, a large room overlooking the Mattawoman Creek
(77 person capacity), an outdoor deck, and restroom facilities. |
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