Cities and Towns in Charles County, Maryland
Founded in 1658, Charles County is one of 23 counties in the state of Maryland. Historically, Charles County was formed from unorganized territory. The city of La Plata is the county seat. With FIPS code of 17, Charles County has a population of 168,698 and area of 643 square miles (1,665 km²).
List of all cities in Charles County, MD alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Bel Alton, MD | 20611 | 301/240/227 |
| Benedict, MD | 20612 | 301/240/227 |
| Bryans Road, MD | 20616 | 301/240/227 |
| Bryantown, MD | 20617 | 301/240/227 |
| Cobb Island, MD | 20625 | 301/240/227 |
| Dentsville, MD | 20646 | 301/240/227 |
| Faulkner, MD | 20632 | 301/240/227 |
| Hughesville, MD | 20637 | 301/240/227 |
| Indian Head, MD | 20640 | 301/240/227 |
| Ironsides, MD | 20643 | 301/240/227 |
| Issue, MD | 20645 | 301/240/227 |
| La Plata, MD | 20646 | 301/240/227 |
| Marbury, MD | 20658 | 301/240/227 |
| Marshall Hall, MD | 20616 | 301/240/227 |
| Mount Victoria, MD | 20661 | 301/240/227 |
| Nanjemoy, MD | 20662 | 301/240/227 |
| Newburg, MD | 20664 | 301/240/227 |
| 20682 | 301/240/227 | |
| Pisgah, MD | 20640 | 301/240/227 |
| Pomfret, MD | 20675 | 301/240/227 |
| Port Tobacco, MD | 20677 | 301/240/227 |
| Rison, MD | 20658 | 301/240/227 |
| Rock Point, MD | 20682 | 301/240/227 |
| Saint Charles, MD | 20602 | 301/240/227 |
| 20603 | 301/240/227 | |
| 20604 | 301/240/227 | |
| Swan Point, MD | 20645 | 301/240/227 |
| Waldorf, MD | 20601 | 301/240/227 |
| 20602 | 301/240/227 | |
| 20603 | 301/240/227 | |
| 20604 | 301/240/227 | |
| Welcome, MD | 20693 | 301/240/227 |
| White Plns, MD | 20695 | 301/240/227 |
Major Cities and Towns in Charles County, Maryland
Waldorf
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 36.25 square miles
- Population: Approximately 81,410 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 20601, 20602, 20603
- Latitude: 38.6246° N
- Longitude: 76.9190° W
Location and History
Waldorf is located in the northern part of Charles County, about 23 miles southeast of Washington, D.C. Originally known as Beantown in the early 1800s, the town was renamed Waldorf in 1880 after William Waldorf Astor, a prominent businessman. Waldorf remained a small, rural crossroads until the 20th century when the construction of U.S. Route 301 spurred rapid development, turning it into a bustling suburban community. The town’s proximity to Washington, D.C., and other military installations such as Andrews Air Force Base has contributed to its growth, attracting both residents and businesses. Waldorf is now a major retail and residential hub, with many commuting to the Washington metropolitan area for work.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Waldorf is part of the Charles County Public Schools system, with schools such as Westlake High School, North Point High School, and Thomas Stone High School serving the community. Major landmarks include the St. Charles Towne Center, a large regional shopping mall, and the Capital Clubhouse, a popular venue for ice skating and indoor sports. The town is also home to the Blue Crabs minor league baseball team, which plays at Regency Furniture Stadium. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking and biking at the Indian Head Rail Trail, which connects Waldorf with the surrounding natural areas. The Dr. Samuel Mudd House Museum, located nearby, preserves the history of the doctor who treated John Wilkes Booth after the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln.
La Plata
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 7.45 square miles
- Population: Approximately 10,159 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 20646
- Latitude: 38.5337° N
- Longitude: 76.9750° W
Location and History
La Plata, the county seat of Charles County, is located in the southern part of the county, about 30 miles southeast of Washington, D.C. The town was established in the late 19th century when the Pennsylvania Railroad built a station in the area, leading to the relocation of the county seat from nearby Port Tobacco. Named after the La Plata River in South America, La Plata grew as a commercial and administrative center. In 2002, a devastating tornado caused significant damage to the town, but La Plata has since rebuilt and modernized while retaining its historic charm.
Major Schools and Landmarks
La Plata is served by Charles County Public Schools, with La Plata High School and Milton M. Somers Middle School being the major educational institutions. Major landmarks include the Charles County Courthouse, a focal point of local government, and the Port Tobacco Players Theatre, which offers community theater productions year-round. The historic La Plata Train Station has been restored and now serves as a museum, showcasing the town’s railroad heritage. The annual Fall Festival and Christmas Parade are popular community events that bring residents together. The nearby Chapel Point State Park, located along the Potomac River, offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and picnicking.
Indian Head
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.34 square miles
- Population: Approximately 3,844 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 20640
- Latitude: 38.6009° N
- Longitude: 77.1620° W
Location and History
Indian Head is located in the western part of Charles County, along the Potomac River, about 25 miles south of Washington, D.C. The town’s name comes from the original Algonquian inhabitants of the region, who lived along the Potomac River. In the late 19th century, Indian Head became home to the U.S. Naval Proving Ground, now known as the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Division, which has played a key role in the development of explosives and ordnance for the U.S. military. The presence of the base has defined the town’s economy and community for over a century.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Indian Head is served by Charles County Public Schools, with General Smallwood Middle School and Indian Head Elementary School located nearby. Major landmarks include the Naval Surface Warfare Center, which remains one of the largest employers in the region. The Indian Head Rail Trail, a 13-mile paved trail built on a former railroad bed, is a popular destination for cyclists and hikers. Smallwood State Park, located just outside the town, offers fishing, boating, and camping along the Potomac River. Indian Head’s rich military history is also preserved in the Naval Ordnance Station Historic District, which includes several buildings from the early 20th century.
Bryans Road
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 15.58 square miles
- Population: Approximately 8,650 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 20616
- Latitude: 38.6312° N
- Longitude: 77.0784° W
Location and History
Bryans Road is located in the northwestern part of Charles County, near the Potomac River and about 20 miles south of Washington, D.C. The town was originally named after Oliver Norris Bryan, a farmer who lived in the area in the late 19th century. Bryans Road remained a rural farming community until the 1940s, when the construction of Indian Head Highway (MD Route 210) led to its development as a residential suburb of Washington, D.C. The town has since grown into a bedroom community for government workers and military personnel commuting to nearby Indian Head and Washington.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bryans Road is part of the Charles County Public Schools system, with Henry E. Lackey High School and Matthew Henson Middle School serving local students. Major landmarks include the Piscataway Park, located along the Potomac River, which offers walking trails and scenic views of Mount Vernon, across the river in Virginia. The town is also home to the Moyaone Reserve, a unique residential community known for its environmentally focused design and preservation of natural landscapes. Bryans Road provides easy access to both the Indian Head Rail Trail and Smallwood State Park, making it an attractive location for outdoor enthusiasts.
Hughesville
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 10.29 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,485 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 20637
- Latitude: 38.5337° N
- Longitude: 76.7780° W
Location and History
Hughesville is located in the eastern part of Charles County, near the intersection of MD Route 5 and MD Route 231. Founded in the 19th century, Hughesville was originally a tobacco market town, serving as a hub for farmers in the surrounding agricultural areas. The town was known for its tobacco auctions, which continued into the late 20th century before the decline of the tobacco industry in Maryland. Today, Hughesville is a quiet residential community with a mix of historic homes and modern developments. The town has become a center for commercial activity in the region, with shopping centers and businesses serving southern Maryland.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hughesville is part of Charles County Public Schools, with students attending nearby schools such as Thomas Stone High School. Major landmarks include the Historic Christ Church, a colonial-era Episcopal church that dates back to the early 1700s. The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission is located in Hughesville, promoting the preservation of the region’s agricultural heritage. The town’s rural setting provides opportunities for horseback riding and hiking, with several nearby farms offering equestrian facilities. Hughesville’s location at the crossroads of major highways makes it a convenient base for exploring the surrounding countryside and nearby towns.
Benedict
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.24 square miles
- Population: Approximately 254 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 20612
- Latitude: 38.5124° N
- Longitude: 76.6833° W
Location and History
Benedict is a small town located along the Patuxent River, in the southeastern part of Charles County. The town was founded in the 17th century as a port and trading center for tobacco and other goods. Benedict played a significant role during the War of 1812 when British forces used the town as a staging ground for their attack on Washington, D.C., which culminated in the burning of the White House. The town’s strategic location along the Patuxent River has contributed to its historical significance, though today it is a quiet, rural community with a small population.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Benedict is served by Charles County Public Schools, with students attending nearby schools such as Thomas Stone High School. Major landmarks include the Benedict Waterfront Park, which offers scenic views of the Patuxent River and opportunities for boating and fishing. The Benedict Bridge, which spans the Patuxent River, connects Charles County with neighboring Calvert County and provides a gateway to the rural landscapes of southern Maryland. The town’s historical significance during the War of 1812 is commemorated with markers and exhibits that detail its role in American history.