Port Tobacco in 1878

The text of the 1878 Maryland Directory is available on-line at the New River Notes website.

Below is what the directory has to say about Port Tobacco. Notice that other than the postmistress, the only women identified are in the millinery and notions business.

Port Tobacco
The county seat, is 2 miles from a station of that name on the Pope's Creek branch of the B. & P. R R., and 4 miles from Chappell's Point on the Potomac River. The situation is near the head of Port Tobacco Creek, a small stream that makes up from the river. Port Tobacco contains the usual number of county buildings. A canal has been dug to drain the marshy ground in the vicinity, and if kept properly cleaned would add much to the health of the town. Climate is mild, and the crops are generally good. Land In fertile, mostly cleared, and is capable of improvement; can be bought at from $5 to $50 per acre, according to location and improvements. Produces 12 bus. wheat, 15 oats, 150 potatoes, 30 to 40 corn, 800 to 1,200 lbs. tobacco, and 1 ton hay. The churches and schools are ample for the accommodation of the inhabitants. Crescentia Grange 57, P. of H., M. Chapman, Master; Wm. Boswell, Secretary. Population 200. Miss , Postmistress.

Attorneys at Law.
Chapman, A G.
Edelen, H H
Hawkins, Josiah
Btone & Mitchell
Stonestreet & Digges

Blacksmith
Wade,C. E.

Dentist
Cobey, A. D.

General Merchandise
Boswell, Wm. & Co.
Lacey, Joseph I.
Padgett, W. W.
Roberts, J. H. & Co.

Hotels
Centennial, Geo. A Huntt
St Charles, T J Moore

Millers.
Ammon, Col J S
Ketchicy, William

Millinery and Notions.
Quenzel, Mrs Adelaide
Smoot, Mrs J V

Painter.
Milton, Chas H

Stoves and Tinware.
Wheeler, B L

Tailors.
Murdock, R L & Son

Watches and Jewelry.
Quenzel, Julius

-April