The Zekiah Swamp is a 20-mile long, 0.5 mile wide, bottomland swamp that runs through the heart of Southern Maryland. Zekiah Swamp is a nationally recognized and protected wetland area which provides a natural habitat for many rare wildlife and plant species and migratory birds. Several of the plant species are unique to the swamp.
The Zekiah Swamp watershed extends to more than two-thirds of Charles County, thus its bogs and marshes provide an essential natural filter for millions of gallons of waters before they enter the estuaries of the Chesapeake Bay.
Prior to the arrival of the English colonists, the swamp was a favorite camping and hunting area for the Algonquin Indians. In fact, the present name is derived from the Algonquin-Fox dialect "Sacaya," meaning "a dense thicket." Through the years there have been many spellings: "Zachiah," "Zachia," "Sakiah," and now "Zekiah."
Links to cool things in Southern Maryland...
Charles County Tourism
Southern Maryland Tourism
Port Tobacco Players
Public Lands in Southern Maryland
