The Surratt Courier

[L Verge]

Negotiations are continuing, and it is my understanding that local government is taking part in them. Many people are waking up to the fact that the history doesn't just revolve around Booth's and Herold's visit. Samuel Cox was part of spurring Charles County and Southern Maryland back to life economically after the Civil War by working to get a railroad into the area.

Just southwest of the county seat is a community known as Bel Alton. It's original name was Cox's Station because it was a stop on the railroad that he brought down there. The original station stood right beside the tracks and Bel Alton-Newtown Road until about 5-6 years ago. During the first half of the 20th century, the town was bustling with even a hometown orchestra.