Charles County, Maryland | |
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 Flag  Seal | |
 Location within the U.S. state ofMaryland | |
 Maryland's location within theU.S. | |
| Coordinates:38°29′N77°01′W / 38.48°N 77.01°W /38.48; -77.01 | |
| Country |  United States |
| State |  Maryland |
| Founded | April 13, 1658 |
| Named after | Charles Calvert, 3rd Baron Baltimore |
| Seat | La Plata |
| Largest community | Waldorf |
| Area | |
• Total | 643 sq mi (1,670 km2) |
| • Land | 458 sq mi (1,190 km2) |
| • Water | 185 sq mi (480 km2) 29% |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 166,617 |
• Estimate (2023) | 171,973 |
| • Density | 363.79/sq mi (140.46/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| Congressional district | 5th |
| Website | www |
Charles County is acounty located in theU.S. state ofMaryland. As of the2020 United States census, the population was 166,617.[1] The county seat isLa Plata.[2] The county was named forCharles Calvert (1637–1715), thirdBaron Baltimore. The county is part of theSouthern Maryland region of the state.[3] With a median household income of $103,678,[4] Charles County is the39th-wealthiest county in the United States as of 2020, and the highest-income county in the United States with a Black-majority population.[5]
Charles County was created in 1658 by anOrder in Council. There was also an earlier Charles County from 1650 to 1654, sometimes referred to in historic documents asOld Charles County,[6][7][8] which consisted largely of lands within today's borders but "included parts of St. Mary’s, Calvert, present-day Charles, and Prince George’s County".[9]John Tayloe I purchased land aroundNanjemoy Creek after 1710 from which to mine iron and ship to his furnaces atBristol Iron Works,Neabsco Iron Works and later Occoquan Ironworks.
In April 1865,John Wilkes Booth made his escape through Charles County after shooting PresidentAbraham Lincoln. He was on his way toVirginia. He stopped briefly inWaldorf (then called Beantown) and had his broken leg set by local DoctorSamuel Mudd, who was later sent to prison for helping him.[10] Booth then proceeded to hide in theZekiah Swamp in Charles County, avoiding search parties for over a week until he and his accomplice were able to successfully cross thePotomac River.[10]
The 1911Digges Amendment, which attempted to disenfranchise African Americans in Maryland, was drafted by Democratic state delegate (lower house)Walter Digges and co-sponsored by state senator (upper house)William J. Frere, both from Charles County, Maryland. In Maryland's unrestricted general election of 1911, the Digges Amendment was defeated with 46,220 votes for and 83,920 votes against the proposal. Nationally Maryland citizens achieved the most notable rejection of a black-disfranchising amendment.[11]
In 1926, atornado ripped through the county leaving 17 dead (including 13 schoolchildren). OnApril 28, 2002, another tornado (rated an F-4) destroyed much of downtownLa Plata killing 3 and injuring over 100 people.[12]
The county has numerous properties on theNational Register of Historic Places.[13] Among them areGreen Park andPleasant Hill, home of the Green and Spalding Families.
On December 4, 2004, an arson took place in the development of Hunters Brooke, a few miles southeast ofIndian Head. TheHunters Brooke Arson was the largest residential arson[14] in Maryland history.[15][16][17]
Owing to the considerable voting power of its large number offreedmen followingthe Civil War,[18] and later its growth as a suburban area, Charles County was for a long time solidlyRepublican. The onlyDemocrat to carry Charles County until 1960 wasFranklin D. Roosevelt in 1932, althoughAlf Landon andWendell Willkie defeated Roosevelt in the next two elections by a combined margin of just 50 votes. Since the turn of the millennium, Charles County has become reliably Democratic, although not as overwhelmingly so as other parts of Maryland'sWashington, D.C. suburbs.[19] Charles County is one of only two counties in the nation to have voted forAl Gore in 2000 after voting forBob Dole in 1996, along withOrange County, Florida.[20]
| Voter registration and party enrollment as of March 2024[21] | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | 74,828 | 60.43% | |||
| Unaffiliated | 24,372 | 19.68% | |||
| Republican | 22,962 | 18.54% | |||
| Libertarian | 441 | 0.36% | |||
| Other parties | 1,218 | 0.98% | |||
| Total | 123,821 | 100% | |||
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 2024 | 26,145 | 28.39% | 63,454 | 68.90% | 2,498 | 2.71% |
| 2020 | 25,579 | 28.58% | 62,171 | 69.47% | 1,748 | 1.95% |
| 2016 | 25,614 | 32.71% | 49,341 | 63.01% | 3,348 | 4.28% |
| 2012 | 25,178 | 33.47% | 48,774 | 64.84% | 1,270 | 1.69% |
| 2008 | 25,732 | 36.69% | 43,635 | 62.22% | 760 | 1.08% |
| 2004 | 28,442 | 48.84% | 29,354 | 50.40% | 445 | 0.76% |
| 2000 | 21,768 | 48.82% | 21,873 | 49.05% | 951 | 2.13% |
| 1996 | 17,432 | 48.66% | 15,890 | 44.36% | 2,501 | 6.98% |
| 1992 | 17,293 | 44.97% | 14,498 | 37.70% | 6,663 | 17.33% |
| 1988 | 20,828 | 63.57% | 11,823 | 36.09% | 113 | 0.34% |
| 1984 | 16,132 | 60.97% | 10,264 | 38.79% | 64 | 0.24% |
| 1980 | 11,807 | 53.62% | 8,887 | 40.36% | 1,326 | 6.02% |
| 1976 | 7,792 | 45.00% | 9,525 | 55.00% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1972 | 9,665 | 67.34% | 4,502 | 31.37% | 186 | 1.30% |
| 1968 | 4,645 | 38.50% | 4,247 | 35.20% | 3,173 | 26.30% |
| 1964 | 3,455 | 34.55% | 6,546 | 65.45% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1960 | 4,560 | 45.41% | 5,482 | 54.59% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1956 | 5,088 | 56.41% | 3,931 | 43.59% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1952 | 4,334 | 56.13% | 3,338 | 43.23% | 49 | 0.63% |
| 1948 | 2,703 | 58.49% | 1,878 | 40.64% | 40 | 0.87% |
| 1944 | 2,755 | 59.50% | 1,875 | 40.50% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1940 | 2,716 | 49.71% | 2,692 | 49.27% | 56 | 1.02% |
| 1936 | 2,623 | 49.64% | 2,597 | 49.15% | 64 | 1.21% |
| 1932 | 1,851 | 42.35% | 2,473 | 56.58% | 47 | 1.08% |
| 1928 | 2,522 | 57.44% | 1,860 | 42.36% | 9 | 0.20% |
| 1924 | 2,215 | 56.59% | 1,491 | 38.09% | 208 | 5.31% |
| 1920 | 2,585 | 60.54% | 1,642 | 38.45% | 43 | 1.01% |
| 1916 | 1,374 | 48.06% | 1,363 | 47.67% | 122 | 4.27% |
| 1912 | 1,573 | 59.45% | 918 | 34.69% | 155 | 5.86% |
| 1908 | 1,643 | 57.23% | 1,167 | 40.65% | 61 | 2.12% |
| 1904 | 1,659 | 57.80% | 1,180 | 41.11% | 31 | 1.08% |
| 1900 | 2,268 | 61.93% | 1,368 | 37.36% | 26 | 0.71% |
| 1896 | 2,117 | 59.99% | 1,372 | 38.88% | 40 | 1.13% |
| 1892 | 1,279 | 53.49% | 1,051 | 43.96% | 61 | 2.55% |
Charles County is governed by county commissioners, the traditional form of county government in Maryland. There are five commissioners. As of 2022[update], they are:
| Position | Name | Affiliation | District | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| President | Reuben Collins | Democratic | At-Large | |
| Commissioner | Gilbert Bowling | Democratic | District 1 | |
| Commissioner | Thomasina Coates | Democratic | District 2 | |
| Commissioner | Amanda Stewart | Democratic | District 3 | |
| Commissioner | Ralph Patterson | Democratic | District 4 | |
Charles County is entirely within the5th Congressional District, which also includes Calvert, St. Mary's, and parts of Anne Arundel and Prince George's counties. The current representative is former Democratic House Majority Leader and former House Minority WhipSteny H. Hoyer.
According to theU.S. Census Bureau, the county has an area of 643 square miles (1,670 km2), of which 458 square miles (1,190 km2) is land and 185 square miles (480 km2) (29%) water.[24]
In its western wing, along the southernmost bend inMaryland Route 224, Charles County contains a place due north, east, south, and west of the same state—Virginia.[25]
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1790 | 20,613 | — | |
| 1800 | 19,172 | −7.0% | |
| 1810 | 20,245 | 5.6% | |
| 1820 | 16,500 | −18.5% | |
| 1830 | 17,769 | 7.7% | |
| 1840 | 16,023 | −9.8% | |
| 1850 | 16,162 | 0.9% | |
| 1860 | 16,517 | 2.2% | |
| 1870 | 15,738 | −4.7% | |
| 1880 | 18,548 | 17.9% | |
| 1890 | 15,191 | −18.1% | |
| 1900 | 17,662 | 16.3% | |
| 1910 | 16,386 | −7.2% | |
| 1920 | 17,705 | 8.0% | |
| 1930 | 16,166 | −8.7% | |
| 1940 | 17,612 | 8.9% | |
| 1950 | 23,415 | 32.9% | |
| 1960 | 32,572 | 39.1% | |
| 1970 | 47,678 | 46.4% | |
| 1980 | 72,751 | 52.6% | |
| 1990 | 101,154 | 39.0% | |
| 2000 | 120,546 | 19.2% | |
| 2010 | 146,551 | 21.6% | |
| 2020 | 166,617 | 13.7% | |
| 2023 (est.) | 171,973 | [26] | 3.2% |
| U.S. Decennial Census[27] 1790-1960[28] 1900-1990[29] 1990-2000[30] 2010[31] 2020[32] | |||
| Race / Ethnicity(NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 2000[33] | Pop 2010[31] | Pop 2020[32] | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 81,111 | 70,905 | 56,832 | 67.29% | 48.38% | 34.11% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 31,203 | 59,201 | 80,850 | 25.88% | 40.40% | 48.52% |
| Native American orAlaska Native alone (NH) | 858 | 877 | 995 | 0.71% | 0.60% | 0.60% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 2,169 | 4,296 | 5,624 | 1.80% | 2.93% | 3.38% |
| Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 66 | 87 | 147 | 0.05% | 0.06% | 0.09% |
| Other Race alone (NH) | 199 | 243 | 957 | 0.17% | 0.17% | 0.57% |
| Mixed Race or Multi-Racial (NH) | 2,218 | 4,683 | 9,535 | 1.84% | 3.20% | 5.72% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2,722 | 6,259 | 11,677 | 2.26% | 4.27% | 7.01% |
| Total | 120,546 | 146,551 | 166,617 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
As of the2010 United States census, there were 146,551 people, 51,214 households, and 38,614 families residing in the county.[34] The population density was 320.2 inhabitants per square mile (123.6/km2). There were 54,963 housing units at an average density of 120.1 per square mile (46.4/km2).[35] The racial makeup of the county was 50.3% white, 41.0% black or African American, 3.0% Asian, 0.7% American Indian, 0.1% Pacific islander, 1.3% from other races, and 3.7% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 4.3% of the population.[34] In terms of ancestry, 12.6% wereGerman, 10.8% wereIrish, 8.7% wereEnglish, 6.3% wereAmerican, and 5.1% wereItalian.[36]
Of the 51,214 households, 41.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.2% were married couples living together, 16.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 24.6% were non-families, and 19.8% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.83 and the average family size was 3.24. The median age was 37.4 years.[34]
The median income for a household in the county was $88,825 and the median income for a family was $98,560. Males had a median income of $62,210 versus $52,477 for females. The per capita income for the county was $35,780. About 3.7% of families and 5.2% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 6.8% of those under age 18 and 4.6% of those age 65 or over.[37]
As of thecensus[38] of 2000, there were 120,546 people, 41,668 households, and 32,292 families residing in the county. The population density was 262 inhabitants per square mile (101/km2). There were 43,903 housing units at an average density of 95 per square mile (37/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 68.51%White, 26.06%Black orAfrican American, 0.75%Native American, 1.82%Asian, 0.06%Pacific Islander, 0.72% fromother races, and 2.08% from two or more races. 2.26% of the population wereHispanic orLatino of any race. 11.6% were ofGerman, 10.8%Irish, 10.2%English, 9.3%American and 5.3%Italian ancestry.
There were 41,668 households, out of which 41.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.00% weremarried couples living together, 14.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.50% were non-families. 17.20% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.86 and the average family size was 3.21.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 28.70% under the age of 18, 7.60% from 18 to 24, 33.20% from 25 to 44, 22.70% from 45 to 64, and 7.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.20 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $62,199, and the median income for a family was $67,602 (these figures had risen to $80,573 and $89,358 respectively as of a 2007 estimate). Males had a median income of $43,371 versus $34,231 for females. Theper capita income for the county was $24,285. About 3.70% of families and 5.50% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 6.70% of those under age 18 and 8.60% of those age 65 or over.
As of 2010, the county population's racial makeup was 48.38% Non-Hispanic whites, 40.96% blacks, 0.65% Native Americans, 2.98% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islanders, 0.17% Non-Hispanics of some other race, 3.20% Non-Hispanics reporting more than one race and 4.27% Hispanic.
According to the 2022 publication "Meet Charles County" of the County Department of Economic Development, its top employers are:
| # | Employer | # of Employees |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Naval Surface Warfare Center / Naval Support Facility Indian Head | 3,834 |
| 2 | Charles County Public Schools / Board of Education | 3,701 |
| 3 | Charles County Government | 1,814 |
| 4 | University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center | 775 |
| 5 | Walmart /Sam's Club | 637 |
| 6 | College of Southern Maryland | 602 |
| 7 | WaldorfChevy/Cadillac,Ford,Toyota/Scion,Dodge | 583 |
| 8 | Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) | 471 |
| 9 | Safeway | 465 |
| 10 | Target | 465 |
| 11 | The Wills Group | 344 |
| 12 | Lowe's | 332 |
| 13 | Chick-fil-A | 294 |
| 14 | ADJ Sheet Metal | 280 |
| 15 | Restore Health Rehabilitation, La Plata Center | 260 |
| 16 | Sagepoint Senior Living Services | 250 |
Charles County is served by numerous state highways and oneU.S. Highway:
The Census Bureau recognizes the followingcensus-designated places in the county:
| Club | League | Venue | Established | Championships |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Maryland Blue Crabs | ALPB, Baseball | Regency Furniture Stadium | 2008 | 0 |
{{cite journal}}:Cite journal requires|journal= (help){{cite journal}}:Cite journal requires|journal= (help){{cite journal}}:Cite journal requires|journal= (help)Mr. [Charles] Brooke ofHarvard was one of the sons ofRobert Brooke of Whitechurch, Hampshire, a graduate ofWadham College, Oxford (B.A. 1620, M.S. 1624), and a wealthy and prominent planter of Charles County, Maryland… [After] arrival of the Brooke family in Maryland, Mr. Brooke enteredHarvard College June 3, 1651.
Although Smallwood 'waited onWashington and urged the Necessity of attending [his] Troops,' Washington 'refused to discharge' them… Smallwood was therefore absent during the early portions of theBattle of Brooklyn on August 27, 1776. British soldiers outflanked the American soldiers under[Major Mordecai] Gist's command in a surprise attack. The Marylanders retreated, fighting their way toward theGowanus Creek… Smallwood arrived later in the battle and provided covering fire for the retreating American soldiers with two cannons and some reinforcements… and subsequently faced a deadly British onslaught. The Marylanders led several charges against the British, holding them at bay for a crucial period of time that saved Washington's army… On October 28, 1776… in theBattle of White Plains, [Gen.] Smallwood's soldiers once again saved Washington's army… Positioned on Chatterton's Hill, the Marylanders charged British soldiers, pushing them back briefly. A series of British counterattacks forced the Marylanders to retreat, but prevented the destruction of the entireContinental Army. The1st Maryland Regiment suffered greatly in the battle. Smallwood himself received two 'slight' wounds during the orderly retreat, receiving one in his wrist and another in his hip.
{{cite journal}}:Cite journal requires|journal= (help)Successfully contested as a Republican the election of Barnes Compton to the Fifty-first Congress and served from March 20, 1890, to March 3, 1891; unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1890 to the Fifty-second Congress; elected to the State house of delegates in 1895 and served as speaker… elected to the Fifty-fifth and to the six succeeding Congresses (March 4, 1897-March 3, 1911).
Semmes was… given command of the newly-built cruiser CSSAlabama. From August 1862 until June 1864, Semmes took his ship through the Atlantic, into the Gulf of Mexico, around the Cape of Good Hope and into the East Indies, capturing some sixty merchantmen and sinking one Federal warship, USSHatteras. At the end of her long cruise,Alabama was blockaded at Cherbourg, France, while seeking repairs. On June 19, 1864, Semmes took her to sea to fight the Union cruiser USSKearsarge and was wounded when she was sunk in action. Rescued by the British yachtDearhound, he went to England, recovered and made his way back to the Confederacy.
Places adjacent to Charles County, Maryland | |
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Municipalities and communities ofCharles County, Maryland,United States | ||
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38°29′N77°01′W / 38.48°N 77.01°W /38.48; -77.01
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