Historic London Town & Gardens

Imagine a place where time seems to have slowed its pace, allowing history and nature to merge into a single harmonious landscape. Historic London Town and Gardens is a unique 23-acre park located in Edgewater, Maryland. Here, on the scenic banks of the South River, the pages of the past come alive, telling the story of a colonial port settlement founded back in 1683.

Historic London Town and Gardens. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The central jewel of the park is the London Town Publik House (known as the William Brown House), recognized as a National Historic Landmark. In addition to authentic 18th-century buildings, visitors will find impressive gardens: from the wild Woodland Garden featuring rare plants to refined ornamental areas with panoramic water views. This destination in the USA attracts not only history buffs but also those seeking inspiration in the tranquility of nature.

Modern-day London Town is more than just an open-air museum; it is an active site for archaeological research. Located very close to the city of Annapolis, the park offers guests a unique opportunity to see the work of the Lost Towns Project laboratory, where scientists painstakingly reconstruct the appearance of the "lost" colonial town through discovered artifacts.

To plan your visit and inquire about event details, you can use the official contact information for the museum park. The staff and volunteers of the London Town Foundation are always ready to assist visitors with information.

The main adventure here begins with an immersion into the daily life of the colonial era. Visitors can embark on a fascinating guided tour of the historic William Brown House, which served as a tavern in the mid-18th century. The interior recreates the atmosphere of that time, while the guides' stories allow you to truly feel the spirit of old America. Of particular interest are the musket firing demonstrations and the work of craftsmen in the Carpenter Shop.

For those who prefer active outdoor recreation, there is a one-mile trail through the Woodland Garden. Walking along it, you can encounter exotic and native plant species inspired by British royal gardens. The seasonal Ornamental Gardens feature areas with stunning views of the South River, perfect for contemplative relaxation or vibrant photos.

Don't miss the chance to peek into the archaeology lab, where finds from the "lost town" excavations are processed right before your eyes. This is a rare opportunity to see artifacts from the 17th and 18th centuries before they become museum exhibits. Additionally, the park often hosts historical festivals and educational events that make history tangible and engaging for visitors of all ages.

The most convenient way to reach this secluded historical corner is by car. The site is located at 839 Londontown Rd in Edgewater, which is just a 15–20 minute drive from downtown Annapolis. The main route follows MD-2 South (Ritchie Highway) to Edgewater, after which you need to turn onto Londontown Rd. Free parking is provided for guests on-site.

If you are traveling from Washington, D.C., the trip will take about 45 minutes. For those traveling by air, the nearest major hub is BWI (Baltimore/Washington International) Airport, from which you can reach the gardens by taxi or rental car in 30–40 minutes. Its location on the banks of the South River also makes it a popular spot for cycling trips among locals.

Public transportation in this area is limited: you can take a bus from Annapolis to Edgewater, but you will need to cover the remaining 3 kilometers to the park entrance by taxi or on foot. Using navigation apps with the attraction's name will help you accurately calculate travel time and avoid traffic jams.

The history of this place began in 1683 when the port settlement of London Town was established by a legislative act. Thanks to its favorable location on trade routes and its status as a county seat, the town quickly grew into a thriving tobacco port. At that time, it was a major economic competitor to cities like Annapolis and Williamsburg, and its docks were always crowded with merchant ships.

However, the town's golden age was short-lived. After the capital moved to Annapolis in 1694 and tobacco inspection regulations changed, economic activity began to fade. By the end of the American Revolution, only a few buildings and a ferry crossing remained of the once-bustling port. Most of the structures disappeared, turning the settlement into a true "lost town," whose secrets archaeologists continue to uncover today as part of the Lost Towns Project.

The only silent witness to former glory that has survived to this day is the majestic William Brown House, built around 1760. This building served as a tavern and guest house for travelers crossing the river. Later, in the 1820s, the county purchased it to establish an almshouse for the poor, which operated here until the mid-20th century.

In 1970, the house was designated a National Historic Landmark, saving it from destruction. Since 1971, a museum has been open here, and the surrounding territory has gradually transformed into a unique symbiosis of an archaeological park and botanical garden, where every artifact tells its own chapter of early American history in the USA.

To leisurely explore all the key locations of the park, it is recommended to set aside 2 to 4 hours. This time is sufficient to get acquainted with the historical exhibits and enjoy the natural beauty along the riverbank.

A tour of the main building — the William Brown House — and viewing the museum exhibits usually takes about an hour. The remaining 1–2 hours are best spent walking the shaded trails of the Woodland Garden and visiting the archaeological sites. If you plan to attend one of the historic craft demonstrations, you should factor in extra time.

The park and museum welcome guests according to a set schedule that helps you plan your visit during the week. Historic London Town and Gardens is typically open to the public from Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Please note that the complex is closed to the general public on Mondays and Sundays. Since the grounds often host private events and weddings, the hours for specific locations may vary, so it is recommended to check the official website for the most up-to-date information before your trip.

The surroundings of the South River and Anne Arundel County offer many interesting places that perfectly complement a visit to the historic park. A short trip will allow you to swap the atmosphere of a colonial port for the cozy streets of the old town or modern entertainment centers.

Exploring nearby locations will help you dive deeper into the Maryland atmosphere, whether it's walking past state residences or getting to know the local flora and fauna. Below are the most notable sites located nearby: