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Smallwood State Park Retreat House
View of the Smallwood House from the front. Smallwood's Retreat was the colonial home of General William Smallwood. It is the reason why Smallwood State Park exists.

Originally his home was probabily known as Mattawoman Plantation. William Smallwood built his home in 1760. It was home until his death on February 14, 1792. A life-long bachelor, William was a gentleman farmer whose family made a considerable fortune on tobacco farming in Southern Maryland. At one time he owned 5,000 acres and 56 slaves and indentured servants. Tobacco was the main crop of the plantation.

General Smallwood was the highest ranking officer from the state of Maryland during the Revolutionary War - a two starred Major General. He mustered his first troops from the state and commanded them for a period during the war. General Smallwood served in the Continental Army for eight (8) years (1775-1783). In 1785 he was appointed Governor of Maryland and served three one-year terms.

General Smallwood died in debt and his home and property were sold at public auction in order to pay his bills. This was true for many of the patriots (including Thomas Jefferson); they had put their own money into the War effort. The home was later occupied by various tenants and renters, until it fell into ruin while it was being used for storage for the Carpenter farm.

The dining room at the Smallwood HouseScene from the kitchen of the Smallwood house located to the side and seperate from the house.
The Smallwood foundation, Inc. was formed in 1934 to save the Smallwood House. Most of this group were decendents of William Smallwood; they wanted to preserve his house for all the citizens of Maryland. Restoration was undertaken in 1954 and completed in 1958. According to records and inventories of the house, which can be found at the Maryland Archives, most of the furniture is matched to the inventories and is original to the 1700's.

From April 29 to October 7 the House is open on Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for tours. Other times can be arranged by appointment. All tours are conducted by costumed docents, who are Smallwood State Park volunteers. For more information, or to become part of the volunteer program, contact the Director of Volunteer Services at 301-743-7613. You can also e-mail Smallwood State Park. We also offer the Living History Programs.

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Last Updated on January 8, 2001

Photographs by: Roberta F. Dorsch and Ranger Mike Dyson