The Parkers Creek Heritage Trail is not a single trail, but a network of 22 interpretive signs placed throughout ACLT’s 26 miles of public hiking trails. Together, the signs and companion webpages share aspects of the rich cultural, environmental, and community history of the Parkers Creek watershed.

 

The Heritage Trail explores more than 11,000 years of regional history, including Indigenous presence before European settlement, colonial settlement, agriculture and rural life, and the changing relationship between local communities and the land.

 

A major focus of the project is the history and contributions of African American families and communities in the Parkers Creek region. Eight interpretive signs are devoted primarily to Black history, while several additional signs include Black history as a secondary focus. Featured stories include African American farming families, Black mutual aid and benefit societies, Civil War veterans, community leadership, and the experiences of formerly enslaved and free Black residents who shaped the region over generations.

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Learn more at www.pcheritagetrail.org

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Funding for the Parkers Creek Heritage Trail project has been provided by the Maryland Heritage Area Authority, part of the Maryland Historical Trust in the Maryland State Department of Planning. This project is one element within the state-level Southern Maryland Heritage Area. In addition, the project received a Seed Grant to participate in the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area.