Rosaryville, MD
Rosaryville is an unincorporated community in Prince George's County, Maryland, known for its historic mansion and state park offering outdoor recreation near the Washington D.C. area.
About the city
Official status and administrative affiliation
Rosaryville is an unincorporated area and census-designated place (CDP) in Prince George's County, Maryland, United States . Its full official name is Rosaryville, Maryland. As an unincorporated community, it does not have its own municipal government but is administered by Prince George's County. It is located in the state of Maryland, which is part of the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, known for its proximity to the U.S. capital and its significant federal government and defense-related employment .
Date of foundation and age
The area's history is deeply tied to the Mount Airy plantation. The original Mount Airy mansion was built around 1751 by Benedict Swingate Calvert, a son of Charles Calvert, the fifth Baron Baltimore . This makes the historic core of the area over 270 years old. The community itself was named for a local Roman Catholic church .
Geographical position and coordinates
Rosaryville is located at coordinates 38°46′4″N 76°50′8″W (38.767664, −76.835568) . It is situated in the Atlantic coastal plain, approximately 15 miles southeast of Washington, D.C., and lies beside U.S. Route 301, south of the towns of Clinton and Upper Marlboro . The elevation of the area is around 223 feet (68 meters) above sea level . It is a primarily residential and rural area with housing developments and open space .
Type of city and economic specialization
Rosaryville functions mainly as a residential community, with many residents commuting to jobs in the broader Washington D.C. metropolitan area . It can be classified as a suburban residential area. Its main recreational and economic draw is Rosaryville State Park, which offers outdoor activities and preserves the historic Mount Airy mansion, attracting visitors interested in history and nature .
Population and demography
As of the 2020 census, the population of the Rosaryville CDP was 11,548 . This makes it a small to medium-sized community. The population density was approximately 1,257.5 per square mile (485.5/km²) . A significant demographic feature is its racial makeup, with the 2020 census showing that 81.4% of the population identifies as Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) .
City's "business card" (briefly)
Rosaryville is a quiet residential community in Prince George's County, Maryland, offering a blend of suburban life and rural open space. Its main attraction is Rosaryville State Park, home to the historic 18th-century Mount Airy mansion and over 10 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, providing a natural escape just a short drive from Washington, D.C. .
Geography
Mountains and mountain ranges
Rosaryville is located in the Atlantic coastal plain, a region characterized by flat or gently rolling terrain. There are no mountains or significant mountain ranges within the immediate vicinity.
Water bodies (rivers, lakes, waterfalls)
The Rosaryville CDP contains a very small amount of water, approximately 0.01 square miles (0.04 km²), or 0.18% of its total area . This likely consists of small ponds or streams. The Patuxent River, a major tributary of the Chesapeake Bay, flows several miles to the east of Rosaryville.
Beaches and coasts
Rosaryville is located inland and does not have beaches or a coastline. The nearest beaches are on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, approximately 30-40 miles to the east.
Deserts, canyons, and unique landscapes
There are no deserts or canyons in Rosaryville. The landscape is typical of the Mid-Atlantic coastal plain, consisting of rolling hills, dense forests, and open fields, which are well-preserved within Rosaryville State Park .
National and natural parks
Rosaryville State Park is the primary natural attraction in the area .
- Full name: Rosaryville State Park.
- Area: The park spans 982 acres .
- Year founded: It was established in 1976 after the state of Maryland acquired the land in 1973 .
- Significance: The park is known for its extensive trail network of over 10 miles for hiking and biking and 8 miles of equestrian trails . It is also home to the historic Mount Airy mansion and has been designated a National Natural Landmark due to unique ecological features, such as the presence of the rare Virginia big-eared bat .
Islands and archipelagos
There are no islands in Rosaryville.
Climate and weather
Type of climate and general characteristics
Rosaryville has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa), characterized by warm, muggy summers and very cold, snowy winters . The weather is partly cloudy year-round. The area experiences four distinct seasons.
Average temperatures by month
Summers are warm to hot, and winters are cold.
- Hottest month: July, with an average high of 87°F (31°C) and an average low of 70°F (23°C) .
- Coldest month: January, with an average high of 43°F (6°C) and an average low of 29°F (-1.2°C) .
- Extreme values: Temperatures rarely drop below 15°F (-9°C) or rise above 95°F (35°C) .
| Month | Avg. High (°F/°C) | Avg. Low (°F/°C) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 43°F / 6°C | 29°F / -2°C |
| February | 46°F / 8°C | 31°F / -1°C |
| March | 55°F / 13°C | 38°F / 3°C |
| April | 66°F / 19°C | 47°F / 8°C |
| May | 74°F / 23°C | 56°F / 13°C |
| June | 82°F / 28°C | 65°F / 18°C |
| July | 87°F / 30°C | 70°F / 21°C |
| August | 84°F / 29°C | 68°F / 20°C |
| September | 78°F / 26°C | 61°F / 16°C |
| October | 67°F / 19°C | 50°F / 10°C |
| November | 57°F / 14°C | 41°F / 5°C |
| December | 47°F / 8°C | 33°F / 1°C |
| *Source: * |
Precipitation and humidity
Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
- Average annual rainfall: Approximately 41 inches (1,038 mm) .
- Wettest months: Late spring and summer, with May and June seeing an average of 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain .
- Snowfall: The area receives significant seasonal snowfall, averaging about 3 inches (76 mm) annually . The snowy period lasts from late November to late March, with February typically seeing the most snow, averaging 6 inches (152 mm) .
Sunshine and UV index
The area is partly cloudy year-round. The clearest months are from early August to early October, with September being the sunniest .
Seasonality and best time to visit
The best time to visit Rosaryville for warm-weather outdoor activities is during the entire month of June and from early August to early October .
- Spring (March-May): Temperatures are mild and pleasant, with increasing rainfall. This is an excellent time for hiking in the state park as foliage emerges.
- Summer (June-August): Weather is warm to hot and muggy. This is a popular time for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities, though visitors should be prepared for heat and humidity .
- Fall (September-November): Temperatures are comfortable, and the humidity drops. Early fall is a great time to visit, with beautiful foliage .
- Winter (December-February): Weather is cold with frequent snowfall. The park offers opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing .
Landmarks
[Mount Airy Mansion]
The most significant historic landmark in the area is the Mount Airy Mansion, located within Rosaryville State Park .
- Full name: Mount Airy Mansion (originally part of the Mount Airy plantation) .
- Year of construction and architect: The current mansion's construction was begun in 1751 by Benedict Swingate Calvert .
- Historical significance: The mansion served as a hunting lodge for the Calvert family, the founding proprietors of Maryland . It is famously connected to George Washington, as his step-grandson, John Parke Custis, married Eleanor Calvert here in 1774. George Washington attended the wedding . Their son, George Washington Parke Custis, who built Arlington House, was born here in 1781 .
- Location: 7805 West Marlton Ave, Upper Marlboro, MD 20735 (within Rosaryville State Park) .
- Interesting facts: After a devastating fire in 1931, the mansion was restored by Cissy Patterson, a prominent newspaper publisher who hosted U.S. presidents there. The state of Maryland acquired the property in 1973, and it is now preserved as part of the state park .
[His Lordship's Kindness]
Another historic property in the area is "His Lordship's Kindness," which reflects the area's colonial history.
- Full name: His Lordship's Kindness.
- Historical significance: It is a plantation house that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1970 .
[Rosaryville State Park Trail System]
The park itself is a landmark for outdoor recreation.
- Full name: Rosaryville State Park Trail Network.
- Features: The park features over 10 miles of hiking and biking trails and over 8 miles of equestrian trails that wind through rolling hills, dense forests, and open fields, offering scenic views . The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer and numerous bird species .
Transport
Main airports in the city and region
Rosaryville does not have its own airport. Residents and visitors rely on airports in the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore area.
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA): Located approximately 20 miles northwest of Rosaryville. It is the closest major airport, primarily serving domestic flights.
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD): Located approximately 45 miles northwest of Rosaryville. A major international airport serving the region.
- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI): Located approximately 35 miles northeast of Rosaryville. A major international airport and a hub for Southwest Airlines.
Public transport system (bus)
Public transportation options are limited in this suburban/rural area .
- Bus Service: The primary public transportation is a bus route operated by the Prince George's County Department of Public Works and Transportation. This bus service operates along Highway 301 and connects Rosaryville to local shopping centers, schools, medical services, and government offices .
Main highways and roads
Rosaryville is easily accessible by car via major roadways.
- U.S. Route 301: This is the main highway that runs directly through the community, providing a vital north-south connection .
- Interstate 95/495 (Capital Beltway): Located a short drive to the north, this major interstate provides access to Washington, D.C., and its surrounding suburbs in Maryland and Virginia.
Commuting patterns
Due to limited public transit, residents are highly reliant on personal vehicles .
- Average Commute Time: The average one-way commute time for Rosaryville residents is 42.5 minutes, which is significantly longer than the U.S. average of 26.4 minutes .
- Mode of Transport:
- 79.2% of residents drive alone in their car.
- 7.9% carpool with others.
- 6.7% use mass transit.
- 5.2% work from home .