In this episode of St. Mary’s SOCO Stories, we dive into the gritty, little-known maritime conflict that once rocked the Chesapeake Bay—the Oyster Wars.

From the 1800s through the early 1900s, the waters off Southern Maryland became a battleground between local watermen, out-of-state dredgers, and the so-called "Oyster Navy." Fueled by profit and survival, these clashes weren’t just legal disputes—they turned violent, with raids, boat chases, and even gunfire echoing over the water.

Join us as we explore how a yummy, shelled creatures sparked chaos, how Ridge and Point Lookout played a role, and how the legacy of the oyster wars still shapes the culture of the Chesapeake today.

Long before speedboats and sailboats dotted the Potomac, its waters were prowled by pirates and privateers who made their mark on Southern Maryland's rich and rebellious history. In this episode of St. Mary's SOCO, we uncover the wild and often-overlooked stories of smuggling, sabotage, and swashbuckling along the Potomac River. From rogue raiders to sanctioned privateers, and even a few local legends who walked the line between hero and outlaw — these are the Pirates of the Potomac. Buckle up for a tide of tales you won’t find in your history book.

It’s where the land ends, the waters meet, and the stories never stop. In this episode of St. Mary’s SOCO, we head to Point Lookout — a place known for its beauty, its battles, and its bone-chilling hauntings.

Once home to a Civil War prison camp and hospital, Point Lookout has earned a reputation as one of the most haunted spots in the country. But before the ghosts came the soldiers, the shipwrecks, the lighthouse keepers, and the whispered warnings from the past.

Is it history? Is it legend? Or is it something in between?

Step softly. The spirits are listening.