I’m a community that lies about four miles from George Mason’s Gunston Hall.
Woodbridge? Lorton? Fort Belvoir?
All correct answers, but today we’re talking Indian Head, a town on the Maryland side of the Potomac. Although it is bisected by Indian Head Highway, most folks peel off before they get here, and head to Waldorf and other parts of Southern Maryland. In fact, Highway 210 dead ends at Indian Head.
The town’s website has a brief history. Algonquin Indians once lived on the peninsula land. Mattawoman Creek pays tribute to one of their groups of people. Cornwallis Neck refers to Thomas Cornwallis, friend of Celilius or Cecilius Calvert, second Lord Baltimore. In the days when the Potomac was brimming with fish, Indian Head was a point of sale. These days, kayakers enjoy the serene waters.
1890 was a milestone for the town. Workers arrived that year for jobs at the Naval Proving Ground. Its mission was to test guns, powder, fuses and other naval ordnances and to produce smokeless powder. The Washington Post reported two 12-inch armor-piercing shells were successfully tested there in 1893.
In their history of Charles County, Charles County Bicentennial Committee tells us transportation to and from the Navy Yard in Washington was via the steamers. The Santa Barbara was the first in 1890. Of course, steamers were already running to Glymont, Indian Head’s sister community.
The paper also tells about an accident that rattled the installation and homes as far away as Alexandria. The explosion took place on the night of October 25, 1900. 50,000 pounds of black powder and small shells gave off a fireworks display seen from afar. Fire damaged or destroyed three buildings. Remarkably no deaths occurred and only one injury.
Charles County Bicentennial Committee tells us about the “Toonerville Trolley.” Lt. Commander Joseph Strauss established a street car on the installation in 1900.
The Indian Head base saw an uptick in employment during World War I. A historical marker on the base (military ID needed for access) tells us the proving grounds moved to Dahlgren in 1918. The move was prompted by overshooting shells into residential areas. The marker also provides historic photos.
World War II also brought an increase in jobs and prompted the construction of Highway 210. The base has gone through several name changes. Recently it became the Naval Support Facility. The town was incorporated in 1920. The majority of the population are the military folks, who give the area its largest employer. Town leaders are currently working with a Master Plan to foster an increase in business and tourism.
For those who visit here, a highlight is the Indian Head Rail Trail. A historical marker tells us the Indian Head - White Plains Railroad was built during World War I (1918). 14 miles long, it connected with the Pennsylvania Railroad junction at White Plains.
The line became obsolete in 1956 when powder production ended. In 2009, the Indian Head Rail Trail opened to the public.
One gets to the trail and boat launch via Mattingly Avenue, Indian Head’s lovely lane of charming small homes and St. Mary, Star of the Sea Parish. We talked with one enterprising resident who gussied up her home and made it into an Air BnB.
All in all a good walk. Here’s to the Navy at Indian Head and the folks who have supported them all these years. There are certainly challenges ahead. One recommendation we make is for a museum that would combine the history of the land, the town, the naval installation and Glymont.
Note: The businesses seen on the panel may not all be still open.
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