Mallows Bay-Potomac River

About this sanctuary

Just 40 miles south of the Nation’s capital, Mallows Bay-Potomac River is a time capsule of history in Southern Maryland that includes Native American culture, Revolutionary and Civil War era activity, Potomac River steamboat transports, and historic commercial fishing operations. It is most renowned for the partially submerged remains of more than 100 wooden steamships, known as the “Ghost Fleet,” which were built for the U.S. Emergency Fleet between 1917-1919 as part of America’s engagement in World War I and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Although the ships never saw action during the war, their construction at more than 40 shipyards in 17 states reflected the massive national wartime effort that drove the economic development of communities and related maritime service industries. It also features archaeological artifacts nearly 12,000 years old that represent the history of Native American communities.

Over time, these abandoned ships became the foundation for a rich habitat for wildlife, including bald eagles, herons, and osprey, river otters and beaver, and numerous fish species.