 Rosaryville State Park and Mount Airy Mansion |
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Rosaryville State Park and Mount Airy Mansion |
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Rosaryville is a 982 acre day-use park and the location of the historic Mount Airy Mansion. Miles of trails for hiking, biking and equestrians are available for day use. To gain access to Rosaryville State Park, make a right turn into the entrance just south of Osborne Road while traveling south on U.S. 301.Two pavilions, each accommodating 200 guests, are available for rent. A bathroom is a short distance from the pavilion area. A $100 security deposit is required for all pavilion rentals. For pavilion reservations at Rosaryville State Park please call 301-856-9656.
RESERVING ROSARYVILLE STATE PARK
Pavilion Rentals - Available April through October, $200 per pavilion
Annual Pass - For year round use of Rosaryville State Park only, it is $50 per person. You may obtain the annual pass by calling 301-856-9656 or for more information, you may visit their web site at www.mountairymansion.org.
Reservations for all uses are accepted on a first come, first served basis.
TRAIL GUIDE
Check out a copy of the Rosaryville State Park Trail Guide. This trail guide, complete with a topographical map of the hiking, biking and equestrian trails, is available for sale at Cedarville State Forest headquarters.
ENTRANCE SERVICE CHARGE
Honor system chargeable at all times. Open year-round from sunrise to sunet. Full service use of the park and picnic pavilions is May through October, Friday through Sunday. Reduced service access to the park is available at all other times (gate is closed after the first parking lot).
- $3/vehicle; $4/vehicle out-of-state residents
- $10 per small bus
- $20 per school/charter bus
Rosaryville State Park
c/o Mount Airy Mansion
8714 Rosaryville Road
Upper Marlboro MD 20772
301-856-9656
MOUNT AIRY MANSION
Beautiful Mount Airy Mansion is located in the heart of Upper Marlboro's hunt country and is one of the oldest Maryland mansions connected to the Calvert family, the Lords Proprietor of colonial Maryland. Some historians speculate that parts of the building may date from the 1670s and served as a hunting lodge for the Lords Baltimore. However, a 1752 edition of the Maryland Gazette makes clear that whatever was there burned to the ground in that year. Benedict Swingate Calvert, the property owner at the time, probably built the east wing of the present structure shortly thereafter to replace the lost structure. Over the years, as the property descended through the Calvert family, the structure was enlarged to its modern proportions. The west wing is a fine example of the Greek Revival style of architecture that was popular in the early 19th century.
George Washington attended the 1774 marriage of his adopted son, John Park Custis, to Eleanor Calvert at Mount Airy.
In 1902, the property left the Calvert family, being purchased by Matilda ("Tilly") Duvall, who renamed it Dower House and operated a country inn here. Another fire in 1931 left only the masonry walls standing. Eleanor Medill ("Cissy") Patterson, publisher of the Washington Times-Herald and a prominent hostess of the era, purchased the ruins and restored them to their former glory. Ms. Patterson entertained presidents, ambassadors, authors and other prominent guests at Mt. Airy.
"Cissy" Patterson bequeathed the property to Ann Bowie Smith in 1948. In 1973, the State of Maryland purchased Mt. Airy, with state and federal funds, from the Smith family and made it part of Rosaryville State Park. It now serves again as a site for gracious entertainment.
For additional information on Mount Airy Mansion and its history, visit www.mountairymansion.org
RESERVING MOUNT AIRY MANSION
Parties, great and small, weddings, births, deaths and visits from seven Presidents have left their marks, leaving a wonderful feeling of expectancy to the lovely old home. Visitors can experience the history and atmosphere of Mount Airy. Your own celebrations and special memories will enrich and secure Mount Airy for the enjoyment of future generations.
Pineapple Alley Catering, Inc. is the manager and exclusive caterer for Mount Airy Mansion. For reservations, please call 301-856-9656.
MOUNT AIRY MANSION RENTAL RATES
Social Engagements (Eight hour usage, includes first floor, grounds and one changing suite):
- Monday-Thursday after 5 p.m. ($900)
- Fridays ($2,000)
- Saturdays ($3,200)
- Sundays ($2,500)
Location - In Upper Marlboro, located 10 minutes from the Beltway.
Mount Airy Mansion
8714 Rosaryville Road
Upper Marlboro MD 20772
301-856-9656
Funding for Maryland's State and local parks and conservation areas is provided through The Department of Natural Resources' Program Open Space. Established in 1969, Program Open Space symbolizes Maryland's long term commitment to conserving natural resources while providing exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities.
Updated on June 3, 2008
