BEL ALTON, Md. — One of Charles County’s oldest treasures is stepping closer to welcoming the public in a whole new way. Historic Rich Hill — the oldest house in the county that visitors can tour — is preparing for its next chapter as a fully restored and accessible site designed to draw heritage travelers from near and far.
Last week, county officials approved a $13,422 request from the Historical Society of Charles County to complete accessibility improvements at the property. The money will cover permits, inspections and engineering plans for new front and back steps with a handicap ramp.
Charles County Historical Society Vice President Michael Mazzeo, presenting the request with Planning and Growth Management Deputy Director Cathy Thompson, said Rich Hill has the potential to become a major tourist destination and that accessibility upgrades will enhance its value to the county.
“Securing this funding gives us the momentum we need to finish the work,” Mazzeo said. “We’re excited for the community to experience Rich Hill when the doors officially open — this is going to be something special for Charles County.”
Rich Hill is a county-owned property expected to attract visitors and bring in tourism dollars once renovations are finished. The official grand opening is scheduled for June 27, 2026, when all displays, furniture and exhibits will be unveiled to the public.
What To Expect Inside
Rich Hill is nearly ready to open its doors, with furnishings and displays prepared as the final renovations come to a close. When the site welcomes visitors, the restored parlor and the Samuel Cox Jr. bedroom will be fully furnished, offering a glimpse of 19th-century life. Other areas of the house will feature themed exhibits, including the Dr. Brown Gallery, the Enslaved African American Exhibit and the Behind These Walls interpretive space. Together, the mix of furnished rooms and curated displays will provide an immersive experience that blends everyday life in early Charles County with the larger stories that shaped American history.
Historic Significance
Built around 1729 in Bel Alton, Rich Hill is not only one of Charles County’s oldest surviving structures but also the oldest house in the county open for public tours. The home was once owned by Col. Samuel Cox, a key figure in Southern Maryland’s Civil War history. Cox sheltered John Wilkes Booth and David Herold at Rich Hill in April 1865 as they fled Washington after the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Because of its ties to that moment in national history, the property is recognized as a critical landmark in both local and American heritage.
Looking Ahead
The journey to this point has been made possible through a combination of funding and support. Including the latest approval, the Historical Society has received $63,000 in grant money to restore and prepare Rich Hill for public use. With the preservation work nearly complete and community events planned, those investments are paving the way for Rich Hill to become a lasting cultural and tourism destination for Charles County.
Historical Society President Debi Scoggins noted that these efforts go beyond one project. “Rich Hill belongs to the people of Charles County,” Scoggins said. “The grants and community support have brought us to this point, and they’re ensuring that this site will serve as a place of history, reflection and learning for generations to come.”
Community Invitation: Help Move The Bricks
Saturday, October 11, starting at 10:30 a.m., the Historical Society is hosting a “Move the Bricks” event at Historic Rich Hill. Volunteers will help transfer four piles of bricks from the side yard onto pallets at the back of the house.
Participants are encouraged to bring a wheelbarrow or yard gloves, though just lending a hand will go a long way. As a special thank-you, volunteers will also get a sneak peek at the interior progress of Rich Hill ahead of next year’s opening. The rain date is set for Sept. 28.
Organizers invite residents to come out, ask questions and learn more about the restoration effort that is bringing new life to Charles County’s oldest public historic home.
Upcoming Events At Rich Hill
- May 16, 2026 — Rich Hill will be featured on the Maryland House & Garden Pilgrimage.
- June 27, 2026 — Official Grand Opening of Rich Hill.
- July 11, 2026 — The Historical Society of Charles County’s 250th Celebration: Living History at Rich Hill featuring the 1st Maryland Regiment of the American Revolution.
- Sept. 19, 2026 — Say Their Names: Remembering the Enslaved African Americans at Rich Hill.
Stay Up To Date
Follow progress and future events by visiting the Historical Society of Charles County at charlescountyhistorical.org and on Facebook at facebook.com/CharlesCountyHistoricalSociety.
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