Digging up tourist attractions

Friday, July 11, 2008

Two recent archeological digs, one in Port Tobacco and the other just south of La Plata, have unearthed some significant finds. At the dig near the Port Tobacco Courthouse last month, the discovery of four grave shafts has archeologists hoping they are close to finding the site of a 17th-century church. Experts hope the project off Chapel Point Road will uncover artifacts that will help fill in the gaps in Port Tobacco’s history. Port Tobacco was a thriving port in the early years of Charles County.

And last month after several weeks of searching, a team lead by a St. Mary’s College professor and a group of students, have unearthed artifacts from the site of the county’s first courthouse. Off Springhill Newtown Road, archeologists believe they have found Moore’s Lodge, built in 1677.

These two digs have brought some extraordinary finds, and it’s appropriate that they are being conducted this year as Charles celebrates the 350th anniversary of its founding. Also with the milestone birthday, comes a newfound interest in the county’s history. The history of the area has always been a big draw for tourists. Several events planned as part of the celebration this year are focusing on the history aspect.

Tourism is big business and a major part of the region’s economy. According to the Travel Industry Association of America local tax receipts totaled $3.4 million in 2002. Charles County tourism department figures show that the local receipts increased to $3.9 million in 2004 and expenditures rose 11.6 percent from $71.2 million in 2003 to $79.5 million in 2004.

The new finds have the potential to teach a lot about life in the 1600s. There aren’t a whole lot of places in the country that can offer this opportunity. Locally, Historic St. Mary’s City and Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum have been successful in marketing their history. Thousands of visitors flock to those sites each year.

Charles County needs to capitalize on these new archeological finds and its other historical sites. Unveiling the history-tour trolley this weekend is a great start. County officials need to make the most of the popular destinations and keep pumping money into its tourism budget. There’s so much to gain by doing so.