Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Historic London Town & Gardens Historic Site is located on Maryland’s scenic South River near Annapolis. Once a bustling port town established in the late 17th century, it served as a vital center for commerce and settlement in colonial Maryland. Today, the site encompasses archaeological ruins, reconstructed colonial-period buildings, and beautifully maintained ornamental gardens that reflect 18th-century landscape design. The gardens include native and exotic plants, boxwood parterres, and herb gardens that provide visitors with botanical as well as historical interest. The site’s location on the South River offers peaceful waterfront views and opportunities to enjoy the surrounding natural environment. Visitors can explore walking trails that wind through the gardens and historic sites, participate in educational programs, and view exhibits in the onsite visitor center that interpret early Maryland colonial history, Native American heritage, and 18th-century gardening practices. The site’s gentle topography, well-kept paths, and family-friendly atmosphere make it a favorite destination for history buffs, garden enthusiasts, and outdoor recreation seekers. Special events such as colonial reenactments and horticultural demonstrations enhance visitor engagement. Overall, Historic London Town & Gardens Historic Site provides a window into early American colonial life set against the backdrop of scenic river views and cultivated landscapes.