Chapman Forest On the Potomac, near the Nation's Capital — expansive, unspoiled nature and history —

Mt. Aventine and Chapman State Park at Chapman Forest Contributing to the Mattawoman-Potomac Creek Treasured Landscape

Chapman State Park spans the Cornwallis peninsula from the Potomac River nearly to Mattawoman Creek. With two miles of ecologically diverse Potomac waterfront, overlooked by Mt. Aventine, the historic manor house of the Chapman dynasty that occupied the site from c. 1750 to the early 20th century, it offers an ideal site for the John Smith Trail. There are preservation opportunities that could connect Piscatway National Park and expand the adjacent Mattawoman Natural Environment Area. Opportunities also abound for connecting the nature and history of the site to Gunston Hall and Mt. Vernon (the Chapmans had close ties to Lawrence Washington and George Mason), Piscataway National Park, Mason Neck, the Mattawoman Natural Environment Area and Wildlands, and more.

Mt. Aventine and 185 surrounding acres are on the National Register of Historic Places. In this north looking view, the left most wing includes a late 16th century stone cottage. The left half of the central two story brick home dates from c. 1840; the right half c. 1865.

View looking north from the porch of Mt. Aventine overlooking the Potomac River. Visible is Hallowing Point on Mason Neck and Ft. Belvoir in the distance. Hidden behind trees is low beach that could serve as a landing site for paddlecraft on the John Smith trial. This area coincides with the Chapman's 'fishing shore', a Shad and River Herring fishery that operated concurrently with that of George Washington, and was probably the Potomac's longest lasting and best documented historic fishery. The Park's Mattawoman drainage still supports spawning River Herring.

Please enjoy reading more abotu the Nomination of Chapman Forest as a Treasured Landscape.