The Brooks Parcel, a sprawling 100.63-acre tract nestled on Richard Allen Street in Aquasco, Maryland, holds the promise of a future deeply rooted in its rich past. This land, identified by Prince George’s County tax account 0844712 or 183-B1-016, is more than just acreage; it’s a canvas upon which a new chapter can be written, honoring the historical and cultural tapestry of the Aquasco area, particularly the vibrant communities of Eagle Harbor and Cedar Haven.

Nestled in the tranquil southeastern corner of Prince George’s County, Maryland, the Aquasco area holds a rich tapestry of history and culture, particularly through its iconic waterfront communities of “Cadar Haven” and “Eagle Harbor,” often affectionately dubbed “Paradise on the Patuxent.” These communities, deeply intertwined with the Patuxent River, offer a glimpse into Maryland’s past, present, and future.

The very name “Aquasco” traces its roots back to 1650, derived from the Native American term “Aquascake,” signifying the fertile lands between the Patuxent River and Swanson’s Creek. For centuries, this area thrived on agriculture, primarily tobacco.

However, the true cultural significance of this region, particularly for “Paradise on the Patuxent” – a moniker primarily applied to Eagle Harbor – blossomed in the early 20th century. Eagle Harbor, originally known as Trueman Point, served as a bustling river port from the early 18th century, facilitating the transport of tobacco. By the 19th century, the Weems Steamboat Company further solidified its role as a vital steamboat stop, continuing until the 1930s.

Born out of necessity and aspiration during the Jim Crow era, Eagle Harbor was founded in 1925 by a visionary group of African American and white collaborators as a summer resort town exclusively for African Americans. It proudly became the first incorporated African American town in Maryland. Here, teachers and federal workers from Washington D.C. purchased small lots, initially pitching tents that gradually gave way to charming wooden and brick cottages. The community thrived on shared resources, including a communal Artesian Well, and deliberately eschewed overtly commercial establishments like liquor stores and large hotels to maintain its serene, family-friendly atmosphere. Activities centered around the Patuxent River: swimming, boating, bathing, hunting, and crabbing, fostering a strong sense of community and leisure.Adjacent to Eagle Harbor lies Cedar Haven, also a part of this historical narrative of African-American resort communities. While Eagle Harbor saw extensive development, Cedar Haven, though planned, had many lots that never sold, leading to a more natural, densely foliated landscape today, now largely preserved as the Cedar Haven Natural Area. This natural area offers fishing access along the Patuxent River and provides insight into the ecological richness of the region.

A Land Steeped in History: Aquasco, Eagle Harbor, and Cedar Haven

The Aquasco region, where the Brooks Parcel lies, boasts a history as deep and winding as the Patuxent River itself. Centuries before European settlement, the area was home to Native American groups, including the “Acquaskack” as documented by Captain John Smith in 1608. European land patents in the mid-17th century, such as “Dove’s Nest,” marked the beginning of agricultural pursuits, primarily tobacco cultivation, which relied heavily on the labor of indentured servants and, tragically, enslaved Africans.

By the early 19th century, the village of Woodville, later known as Aquasco, began to coalesce around key crossroads. The post-Civil War era brought profound changes. African Americans, newly freed, began to assert their independence by forming their own congregations, such as the John Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church and St. Phillip’s Episcopal Chapel, and, crucially, by acquiring land. This period saw a flourishing of African American property ownership, a testament to their resilience and determination. Though the lack of a railroad line meant Aquasco retained its rural character longer than some areas, the advent of automobiles eventually provided easier access to urban centers, yet the community largely preserved its peaceful, agrarian essence. Today, Aquasco remains a predominantly rural area with a significant African American population, reflecting its unique heritage.

A Future in Harmony

The development of the Brooks Parcel represents an opportunity to create a unique destination that honors the historical and cultural significance of the Aquasco area while providing a luxurious and environmentally conscious retreat. By carefully planning for large-lot homes, a country inn, and cultural or recreational facilities, the development can attract a discerning clientele seeking both natural beauty and a deep connection to a rich, meaningful past. The focus should be on sensitive design, integrating with the surrounding rural and agricultural landscape, and potentially contributing to the ongoing revitalization efforts of Eagle Harbor and Cedar Haven, ensuring that the “Paradise on the Patuxent” continues to thrive for generations to come.

The Brooks Parcel: A Vision for Sensitive Development

The 100.63-acre Brooks Parcel, with its current “AG – Agricultural & Preservation” zoning, presents a unique opportunity for development that respects and enhances the surrounding historical and natural landscape. While the General Plan for 2035 designates the area as “Rural and Agricultural,” this zoning class allows for a variety of uses that could align with a vision of a high-end, culturally sensitive vacation destination.