This
site represents an important part of the heritage and
development of Caroline County. After the chartering of the
town of Port Royal in 1744, this excellent harbor served the
large tobacco trade between local plantations & London. A
warehouse and ferry were located nearby.
During the Civil
War, Union gunboats and troops took possession of, then
evacuated the town. After
the assassination of President Lincoln, John Wilkes Booth
sought refuge here. He was killed two miles outside town
limits.
Regular
steamboat service included stops here from 1828 to 1932. The
construction of railroads caused the harbor to dwindle in
usage and importance.
