There were still a few things on my list to see in Maryland, including lily ponds (hopefully in bloom). By the time I got to Labor Day weekend, the school year was starting up and free time was getting precious. Nevertheless, I headed out for a few hours on Sunday to see a few things along Mattawoman Creek, a tributary of the Potomac. I crossed the Potomac and headed south and was soon completely removed from the bustle of DC. I reached the Smallwood State Park, the home of William Smallwood, a veteran of the American Revolution and contemporary of his neighbor across the Potomac, George Washington. Smallwood was elected governor of Maryland three times and farmed tobacco, but he never married. The very helpful display there noted that he is described as difficult as well as pleasant in the historical record, which apparently never enticed a wife. Distant relatives inherited his estate and, later, in the 20th century, Maryland made an effort to preserve his farm. The tobacco barn has very helpful displays about farming this important local crop, but the house was closed when I visited. It was nice but not grand, and reminded me of the drawings I have seen of Mt. Vernon before George and Martha began expanding it.
I had not come far, but since it was not yet evening, I made an effort to see water lilies before returning home. The estate included a camp ground and a footbridge at the Mattawoman Creek, and there I found some advice from an avid local gardener. I followed this and drove south from the park, stopping at various bridges to see if there were any blooms. About 12 miles in, I had great success in finding water lilies, but nothing in bloom. Still, it is good to know for future summers, perhaps I will bring my kayak. I headed back home in the twilight, uncertain whether I would find time for seeing anything more of Maryland with the approach of fall.
