Rich Hill . . . sound familiar? No? Well, you can soon visit one of the great Southern Maryland historic homes connected to both George Washington and John WIlkes Booth.

The Bel Alton, Md. home is not far from the Virginia border. Wales immigrant Hugh Thomas was given 600 acres in 1666. Yes, 1666. The land would be divided and sold many times over the years. Finally, it was abandoned and just some old shack that people passed.

But, one local politician bought the home and donated it to Charles County hoping its historical society could resurrect Rich Hill. And, after heavy state funding and a lot of sweat by advocates, Rich Hill should open in September.

It’s nothing short of a miracle.

The home’s exterior is once again new, the inside having modern electricity and air conditioning. A recent walk through showed rooms down to studs and materials ready to be used. It’s going to be grand.

Why visit?

Rich Hill was the birthplace of two historical figures. Dr. Gustavus Brown was one of Washington’s physicians at his deathbed. His sister Margaret married Thomas Stone, who signed the Declaration of Independence as a founding father.

In 1865, Samuel Cox owned the home as a local planter. A Southern sympathizer during the Civil War, Cox was awakened when Booth stopped by during his escape attempt after killing Abraham Lincoln seeking help across the Potomac River. Later arrested, Cox was released by federal authorities concentrating solely on the eight people directly involved in the assassination.

There aren’t many places connected to both Washington and Lincoln so you get a two-fer.

Rich Hill needs fundraising help. Donations are tax deductible so give a few dollars to help history come alive once more.

Help Get Rich Hill Over the Finish Line

And I’ll see you . . . in September.