2024 Annual Report - Flipbook - Page 15
The Mallows Bay designation is a
first for the state of Maryland and
Chesapeake watershed. The designation
attracts tourists from around the globe and
promotes county economic development.
The designation continues to protect and
conserve the environmental and cultural
resources within the park and watershed.
RESILIENCY & SUSTAINABILITY
MALLOWS BAY PARK
Mallows Bay is located along the Potomac River on the western shore
of Charles County. The site is home to the largest ship graveyard in the
Western hemisphere. Comprised of over 100 vessels dating from the
American Revolution through World War I, the sunken vessels are often
referred to as the Mallows Bay "Ghost Fleet."
The "Ghost Fleet" includes the partially submerged remains of wooden
steamships that were built in response to threats from World War I-era
German U-boats that were sinking ships in the Atlantic. Although the
ships never saw action during the war, their construction at more than
40 shipyards in 17 states reflected the massive national wartime effort
that drove the expansion and economic development of waterfront communities and maritime service industries. The fleet was brought to the
Potomac River to be salvaged for scrap metal by a company in Alexandria,
Virginia, not far from the sanctuary site.
Located along an 18-square mile stretch of Potomac River coast in Charles
County, Maryland, the sanctuary boasts a collection of historic shipwrecks
dating back to the Civil War, as well as archaeological artifacts nearly
12,000 years old. Its rich landscape also includes sites that represent the
history of Native American communities in the area, the once-booming
Potomac River fishing industry, and the Civil War.
Mallows Bay Park offers a combination of recreation and educational
experiences — fishing, paddling, wildlife viewing, and hiking provide many
alternatives for experiencing the unique, serene, and sometimes surreal
environment of one of Maryland’s most unique historic sites. Visitation
to the park continues to increase as does its popularity.
“Center” for Mallows Bay
Potomac River National
Marine Sanctuary which
will serve as a community
resource that will feature historical, cultural, and natural
resources and will serve as a
gateway between the sanctuary
and the public. This building is envisioned as a both a
community hub and tourism
destination, with exhibit and
office space for the sanctuary
and partners, a classroom for
educational programs, flexible space for local groups and
town/county events, and open
areas for public space and outdoor installations. The purpose
of this feasibility study is to
help determine the best location and preliminary design for
the future Visitor Center for
Mallows Bay-Potomac River
National Marine Sanctuary.
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Charles County Government Annual Report • 2024
In July 2019, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
the state of Maryland, and Charles County announced the designation
of Mallows Bay-Potomac River as a national marine sanctuary.
Charles County Recreation,
Parks, and Tourism in partnership with the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA),
and the State of Maryland
Department of Natural
Resources (DNR), and
Maryland Historic Trust (MHT)
are in the process of planning and development of a
