One of the many things for families to do is to enjoy the wealth of history that Point Lookout represents.

It was once the site of the largest Union prison for Confederate POW's. Built after the Battle of Gettysburg, the prison held 52,000 Confederate unfortunates at one time or another during the waning days of the Civil War. Approximately 3,800 died from lack of decent food, water, shelter, disease, and bad sanitation. At times, the death rate was higher in the prisons than in the battlefields. The dead Confederate soldiers are now honored by a huge obelisk which stands over their mass grave.

The people who work and live here seemed bound and determined to savor and preserve Maryland's heritage. In this vein, an Interpretive Center has been built in the center of the Park, within easy access from the campgrounds. The building houses a library of literature on the Civil War - display cases filled with relics from the era and audio-visual presentations that serve both to inform the casual observer and intrigue the seasoned historian.

Many of the residents who live just outside the Park's bounds will be glad to pass on to you ghost stories and war tales that their ancestors have passed on to them.

If Maryland is the acme of seafood, then Point Lookout is the acme of Maryland. For those who would rather gather their own, a license is needed if you want to try your hand at catching bluefish and seatrout that run past here on their way up the Chesapeake. Crabs may be taken non-commercially without a license.

The Visitors' Center attempts not only to teach the proper methods of catching and preparing these treasures of the sea, but also interprets State law concerning their gathering.

The interpretive staff organize summertime activities, such as the annual Civil War Memorial Service, Easter Sunrise Service, and Halloween programs.

Camping facilities in the Park include one hundred forty-seven campsites; twenty-six of which include complete water, sewer, and electric hook-ups. Thirty campsites with electric hook-ups are also available. All of the sites come with a picnic table, a barbecue grillfire ring, and lantern post. Fees vary and campers should request information on prices. Reservations are accepted.

The Park also has a boat rental facility which offers canoes, rowboats, and motor boats at a minimal fee. For the camper with his own boat, there is a camper pier that sits on Lake Conoy in the center of the Park. A channel leads directly into the Potomac River. While at Point Lookout State Park, check at the Ranger's Station for the summer schedule of the cruise boat which transits the Chesapeake Bay to historic and picturesque, Smith Island. There is also a 710 foot fishing pier on the Chesapeake Bay side. Additionally, there is ample roadside fishing for those who want to stick by their campers. A Maryland Sport fishing license is required.

Point Lookout has a multitude of sights and activities for the summertime vacationer. A swimming area with picnic tables, grill, and playground equipment is available in season. Wear yourself out or just take a stroll down the sandy, rock-lined beaches.

From Washington, D.C., take Branch Avenue Rt. 5 South.

For information about Point Lookout State Park, call the Park at 301-872-5688 or, write Point Lookout State Park, P.O. Box 48, Scotland, Maryland 20687.