Patuxent River, River in central Maryland, United States.
The Patuxent River flows about 115 miles through Maryland and connects eight counties from Mount Airy to the Chesapeake Bay. Along its path the river forms natural boundaries and creates a waterway that cuts through many small communities.
People first settled along the Patuxent River banks around 1100 BC and left behind archaeological evidence such as pottery and building structures. These early settlements created a pattern of habitation along the waterway that would continue for thousands of years.
The river's name comes from Algonquin language and first appeared on John Smith's 1608 map during early colonial times. Today people fish and paddle on the water while living alongside this long-standing linguistic connection to the region's past.
The river has multiple access points for activities like fishing, boating, and kayaking throughout its watershed. Visiting different sections at different times of year helps you understand how water levels and conditions change with the seasons.
The river is the largest waterway located entirely within Maryland's borders and its watershed covers a substantial portion of the state. This geographic distinction makes it a key water system for the entire region.
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