September 6, 2024 – From rolling hogsheads and whistling steamboats to roaring jets overhead, the Sotterley on the Patuxent specialty tour will cover how Sotterley’s location along the Patuxent River was key to establishing successful commerce and communication from the time of its very beginning until the close of the steamboat era. We will explore various aspects of the Patuxent River’s impact on the inhabitants of Sotterley, starting with the Piscataway Indian settlements and log canoes, through early English settlements and sailing vessels bringing goods and enslaved Africans, to Commodore Joshua Barney’s heroic flotilla during the War of 1812, to well-established manor communities serviced by gracious steamboats, to the crabbing and oystering industry, and finally the location of a major naval aircraft testing and training facility. The Patuxent River has a rich history. As the only Tidewater plantation in Maryland open to the public, Sotterley offers an ideal location for gaining in-depth knowledge of the important role of the river in our region’s history.

The tour will be followed by a reception with wine, nibbles, and a Q&A.

Recommended for ages 16 & older.  Walking and standing required.  The historic house is not ADA compliant.

Advance reservations required – please no walk-ins.  Tour is limited to 18 people.

It is advised to arrive approximately 15 minutes prior to your tour. Please proceed to the Warehouse to Check-in upon arrival.

Purchase Tickets Here