LA PLATA, Md.—Charles County has received $44,000 in financial assistance from the National Park Service (NPS) Chesapeake Bay Office for the Benedict Revitalization Plan Phase 1 completion. Building on the Benedict Waterfront Village Revitalization Plan, Charles County will work with partners and community members to complete schematic design of Phase 1 priorities from the Village Gateway to the Benedict waterfront, according to a county government press release.
Design features will include a village gateway with signage and native plantings, a waterfront pedestrian pathway, a trail and boardwalk over wetland areas with site furnishings and interpretive signage, and a kayak launch. This project supports the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail and the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail.
These enhancements are part of Charles County's efforts to commemorate the War of 1812 and to recognize Benedict's key role during the War. In August 1814, 4000 British troops landed in the tiny Southern Maryland village of Benedict and marched to Washington where they burning several public buildings including the nation's Capital.
Charles County has also produced a new brochure commemorating Benedict's rich heritage. For copies of the brochure or more information contact Ms. Cathy Thompson, Community Planning Program Manager, at 301-396-5851 or ThompsCA(at)CharlesCounty.org. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.