Port tobacco
St. Thomas Manor
The oldest continuously occupied Jesuit residence in the world, the Manor and Church is a pretty place to visit, with a good bit of history to its name. The mission was founded in 1641 to administer to the Potapoco American Indians. It was here that John Carroll was invested in his robes as the first Catholic bishop in the country he later also founded Georgetown University. Outbuildings include a small, mid-19th century wood-frame slaves' quarter.
Just at the western edge of La Plata is Port Tobacco, Maryland's smallest town 15 people, dating back to 1727. Owing in no part to its extremely small size, the village is well preserved and home to much archaeological research. To get here, take MD-6 Port Tobacco Rd west from La Plata and then make a left on Chapel Point Rd. Turn right on small Commerce St for the village itself, while St. Thomas Manor is further south along the same road.
Port Tobacco Courthouse
The Courthouse is the centerpiece of the historic village, and upstairs they maintain a small museum with exhibits on local history and archaeological findings. Occasional tours in with costumed docents.
Thomas Stone National Historic Site
This is the house of Thomas Stone, one of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence. The National Park Service operates a visitor center with information about the Revolutionary leader's life and the Declaration of Independence, and also offers guided tours of the country estate.
