Faithful subjects of the English crown; Jesuits; and entrepreneurs first settled in Charles County in the early 1630s. The area quickly sprouted into Colonial-styled plantation life of distinct Southern charm. The currency of the day was tobacco; even for payment of taxes and doctor bills. Through the War of 1812 and the Civil War; the mainly agricultural economy of the county was devastated. But as time passed; plantations became farmsteads; Native American trails became roadways; and the railroad created new town centers; such as Waldorf and La Plata. In the earlier years; the countys self-sufficiency was strongly displayed when the public school system and fire departments were started through private donations. For most of its life; Charles Countys only employer not associated with agriculture was the Indian Head Naval Proving Ground; now known as the Indian Head Division; Naval Surface Warfare Center. It is still ranked as the countys number one employer. Tobacco still reigned as the cash crop of choice until 2000.
#2807382 in eBooks 2002-07-18 2002-07-18File Name: B009A10MKS
Review
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Hamtramck Driven CityBy ChromiThis book is excellent! I was interested in reading about my grandparents first home-town in the USA. They came to the USA from Poland and it was the place both of my parents grew up in. Our family moved from there in 1963 when I was only two years old to an east side suburb. I only remember my visits back to the city; mostly the penny candy store at the corner! I am amazed by how much of the history of Hamtramck this book covers and how well the story is told. Very good read; I enjoyed all of it!5 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Great book for people who grew up in HamtramckBy hamtown girlIts funny to actually read a book about the city you grew up in. This book does a great job going through the history of Hamtramck. Its a great read because its nostalgic remembering things that have happened and hearing names of streets mentioned. I got a kick out of it.
