MARYLAND - In a state of bustling cities and sprawling suburbs, a tiny village in Southern Maryland holds a unique and quiet distinction. With a population that barely numbers a dozen and a half people, the historic community of Port Tobacco Village in Charles County is officially the smallest incorporated town in the state of Maryland. But its tiny size today belies a rich and significant past as one of colonial Maryland's most significant seaports.
A Town of 18: The Story of Port Tobacco, Maryland's Smallest Town
The story of Port Tobacco is a fascinating tale of rise and fall.
- Colonial Powerhouse: Settled in the 17th century, Port Tobacco grew to become one of Maryland's largest and most important international seaports before the American Revolution. As its name suggests, it was a major hub for the booming tobacco trade, with ships from around the world docking in its harbor.
- The County Seat: From 1727 to 1895, it served as the bustling and influential county seat of Charles County, complete with a grand courthouse, taverns, and numerous homes and businesses.
How a Major Port Disappeared:
The town's decline was swift and was caused by a combination of nature and progress.
- The Silting of the River: Over-farming of tobacco in the surrounding area led to significant soil erosion. This sediment washed into the Port Tobacco River, slowly silting it in and making the harbor too shallow for the large ships that were the town's lifeblood.
- The Railroad and a Fire: The arrival of the railroad, which bypassed the town, furthered its decline. The final blow came in 1892 when the courthouse mysteriously burned down. The county seat was then officially moved to the new, rail-connected town of La Plata, and Port Tobacco faded into a quiet, rural village.
Visiting Port Tobacco Today:
A visit to Port Tobacco Village is a journey back in time. While the bustling port is gone, several historic structures remain, offering a glimpse into its storied past.
- The Reconstructed Courthouse: A beautiful reconstruction of the 1819 courthouse now serves as a museum, telling the story of the town and the county.
- Historic Buildings: Visitors can also see other historic buildings like Stagg Hall (c. 1766) and the Burch House.
- A Quiet Escape: The village today is a peaceful, historic hamlet surrounded by the natural beauty of Southern Maryland.
The village of Port Tobacco holds the unique title of the smallest incorporated town in Maryland, with an official 2020 census population of just 18 people. More than just a trivia answer, it is a living piece of Maryland history, a place that was once a major center of commerce and power. Its story is a powerful reminder of how forces of nature and progress can transform a landscape and a community.
Sources:
- U.S. Census Bureau (2020 Census Data)
- Charles County Government - Historic Port Tobacco Village
- Maryland Historical Trust
- The Society for the Restoration of Port Tobacco
- National Park Service
- Wikipedia - "Port Tobacco Village, Maryland"
