ECC Visitor Guide 2026 - Flipbook - Page 28
Honoring
OUR FIRST PEOPLES
Every forest and waterway you explore in
Charles County bears the mark of its earliest
inhabitants.
Long before European settlers arrived, the lands and waters of
Charles County were home to Algonquin-speaking Indigenous
Peoples, including the state-recognized Piscataway Conoy
Tribe and Piscataway Indian Nation. While Europeans recorded
accounts of the local Indigenous Peoples in the 17th century,
their history spans 12,000 years. They were the 昀椀rst to live on
and harvest from the land, creating a deep connection to the
region that continues today.
Many descendants of the tribe remain in Charles County and
regard sites such as Mallows Bay and Chapel Point State Park
as sacred spaces. You can deepen your understanding of the
enduring history and culture of the Piscataway by attending
cultural events such as the Piscataway Conoy Indigenous Peoples
Festival. While this event is typically held at the Charles County
Fairgrounds, be sure to check the tourism events page for the
most up-to-date information on location, dates, and times.
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Charles County Of昀椀cial Travel Magazine
