Point Lookout State Park

Near the confluence of the Potomac and Chesapeake Bay was an infamous Civil War prisoner camp, but Point Lookout's history goes back further. A lighthouse built here in 1830 marked the treacherous currents between the Bay and the Potomac. In the 1850s, the site was a summer resort, with a hotel, more than 100 beach cottages, and a large wharf.

As the Civil War engulfed the region, Union forces operated a hospital and prisoner of war camp here. After the Battle of Gettysburg, construction began on a rebel camp capable of holding 10,000 prisoners of war. Conditions at the prison, called Camp Hoffman, were not good; the water was polluted and there was insufficient food and shelter. The prison held more than 50,000 Confederate prisoners between 1863 and 1865; more than 3,000 died at the camp; many are buried at a national cemetery nearby. The site is commemorated by a Confederate Monument in Scotland, 3 miles north of Point Lookout. A museum/visitor center at Point Lookout State Park interprets the Civil War prison history. Weekly history programs are conducted from June through September.

Park rangers tell stories of unusual (and possibly unnatural) events in the area around Point Lookout. Many of them are related to the prisoners of war who suffered in the area; others come from the victims of shipwrecks in the treacherous waters around the point. Many of the unusual activities involve the Point Lookout Lighthouse, one of four remaining lighthouses on the river. The light, on top of a two-story house, was first lit in 1830, and could be seen for up to 12 miles. During the Civil War, it was heavily guarded. In 1930, it was part of an experiment to evaluate wind energy for power. The light was replaced with a navigation light in 1965. Fishing is easy, although a Maryland saltwater sport fishing license is required. The park is also a good place to try crabbing. The camp store sells crab nets, string, and chicken for bait. No license is required for recreational crabbing. The guarded swimming area is often crowded on summer weekends. The park offers a bath house, grills, picnic tables, and playground equipment. Boat launching, boat rentals, hiking trails, and campsites are also available. Annual events include an Easter Sunrise Service and Halloween programs in October. Directions: Follow Md. Route 5 about 70 miles from the Capital Beltway south. After Mechanicsville, follow Route 235 south to the point.

Point Lookout State Park, Md. Dept. of Natural Resources, Star Route Box 48, Scotland, MD 20687. Telephone: 301-872-5688. Fee for admission is $2 per person. Rates are half-price on Wednesdays.