Port Tobacco and La Plata

Maryland is one of the most beautiful places. The Old Stagecoach Road running along the water is not to be missed. It is still very rural and one can almost see the horses and wagons of yesteryear. As you drive this narrow unchanged route you will see the life of our ancestors. It is so lovely we wonder why they left in the first place. It is amazing that in modern times this locale has remained unchanged. We have included photographs of the land.

The old village of Port Tobacco is there to tour also. It is just off this main road. The road is lined with place signs telling who lived where. After following the land this is truly rewarding. At the end of the road is Chapel Point where the St. Ignatius Catholic Church stands. It is the oldest Catholic Church in the nation. Chapel Point is mentioned in many early records so this is especially moving and the cemetery views are unsurpassed.

This church was founded by the Jesuits who were brought  to America on The Ark and The Dove ships that founded the Maryland Colony in 1633.Richard Nevitt co owned The Dove. He was the great great grandfather of Elizabeth Nevitt who married our Daniel McPherson. Richard McPherson, eldest son of Daniel was named for Richard Nevitt.

LaPlata is also close by and is the County seat. Many of the wills and documents were recorded there for our ancestors. The old Courthouse is lovely but it was under repair so was closed to us on the trip. Hopefully we will get to see the inside and record search next trip. When seeing all of this you will get a sense of yourself and your family. It was a great experience!  This is where it all began for us in America.