Lotus Festival at Mount Harmon Plantation and Mason-Dixon Line

American Lotus Pond at Mount Harmon Plantation

One of the few places where the American Lotus can still be found in its natural setting is at the Mount Harmon Plantation which was one of the earliest plantations in Maryland.  The lotus blossoms bloom in early August and the Lotus Festival is held annually during the first weekend in August. 

http://mountharmon.org/plantation-events-2/#Lotus

http://aquaplant.tamu.edu/plant-identification/alphabetical-index/american-lotus/

The brick manor house dates back to 1788.  The “prize house” and its tobacco press still exist on the bank of the Sassafras River.  The lower level of the house contains many items of Chippendale furniture and other pieces which would have been seen in the manor early in the 19^th Century.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Harmon

http://mountharmon.org/

Plantation Owner Negotiating With Regimental Officers Demanding Provisions for Their Regiment

Re-enactors representing a Scottish regiment were encamped on the Manor lawn.  Prior to American independence, the English army protected the settlers from Indian attacks and tried to enforce English law.  During the Revolution and War of 1812, the English foraged for food and livestock seizing what they needed from the local inhabitants.

Regimental Encampment

Officer, Scottish Regiment

We also stopped to see one of the capitol stones on the Mason-Dixon Line.  The capitol stones were set a 5 mile intervals along the line and had carved into the stone the coats of arms of the Penn and Baltimore families.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mason%E2%80%93Dixon_line

Capital Stone on Mason-Dixon Line

Capital Stone Mason-Dixon Line