Charles County Local Guide

Get to Know Charles County

Practical starting points for owning, maintaining, and improving a home in Charles County. Find the right office, check property information, and get to the official source before your next project.

The brick-and-white Thomas Stone House at Haberdeventure behind a green lawn in Charles County, Maryland. — Thomas Stone House at Haberdeventure (official website, opens in a new tab)Photo: National Park Service

A county seat that moved. Charles County dates to 1658. La Plata became its county seat in 1895, taking over from Port Tobacco after the earlier courthouse burned. The Maryland State Archives chronology (opens in a new tab) traces that change and other turning points in the county’s history.

A familiar name with deeper roots. Port Tobacco’s name developed from Potapaco, the Native village recorded by John Smith in 1608. The later town became a busy trading port, but erosion and silt gradually changed its river access. The National Park Service’s Port Tobacco history (opens in a new tab) connects the place name, waterway, and surviving historic landscape.

Guide Topics

Use these links to reach the guide’s individual pages.

Find the Right Office Find Property Records and Tax Bills Find Tax Information and Relief Plan a Renovation Understand Permits and Inspections Set Up Utilities and Care for Septic Systems Internet Access Recycling and Household Waste Repair and Housing Assistance Check a Contractor Enjoy the Area Your Guide to Settling In Settling In Owning & Improving a Home Time Outdoors History & Culture Libraries & Community

General information to help you find the right starting point. Requirements, eligibility, service areas, and application processes can change. Confirm details with the office or provider serving your exact address. Official links open in a new tab. Found a broken link or a changed office? Contact LizyTylerCo and include “Charles County Guide,” the link name, and what happened. Return to All Resources. Photo credit: Thomas Stone House at Haberdeventure. Photo: National Park Service · Public domain. No claim to original U.S. Government works. · Display cropped.