8th Grade Field Trip to TSNHS and HPTV

Our trip then took us to Historic Port Tobacco Village. Settled in the 17th century, Port Tobacco grew to become one of Maryland’s largest international seaports in the years before the American Revolution. The town served as the seat of Charles County from 1727-1895, but its history began with the precolonial Native American Villages of Potopaco and continues to the current residents of the town. Students were able to tour the courthouse, Stagg Hall, and Burch House. While at the courthouse, students participated in a mock trial of Thomas Stone. Students served as witnesses, Thomas Stone, the judge, and jury. Stagg Hall was built around 1766 and was the headquarters of the local mercantile and home of a prosperous merchant. This house is representative of the type of homes erected by merchants and other prosperous citizens throughout the Chesapeake during second half of the 18th century. Students also toured the Burch House. Washington Burch was an African American man that went from slave to emancipated citizen. He became a registered voter at the age of 35 in 1870. He purchased his home in 1874, just 9 years after the Emancipation Proclamation. In 1868, Burch became a Delegate of the State for the District of Republicans Convention and founded a school for African American children. His home is a look into what life was like in Port Tobacco post-Civil War. The structure was originally built in the mid to late 18th century and is one of the last remaining colonial buildings of the area.