The Patuxent River, 1608
"Their habitations, or towns, are for the most part by the rivers or not far distant form fresh springs, commonly upon the rise of a hill, that they may overlook the river and take every small thing into view which stirs upon the same. Their houses are not many in one town..."
- William Strachey, 1612
Archaeologists believe they may have discovered the location of the Pawtuxunt Indian settlement of Opanient. This site rests on a 30 foot high bluff that extends out into the Patuxent with five mile viewing distances up and down the river. The high bluffs provided natural defense against canoes filled with Massawomeck, who were enemies of the Patuxent Indians. The site was further protected by a palisade. The site matches William Strachey’s observations of what natives looked for to establish their farming settlements along the shores of the tidal rivers. The site today continues to provide beautiful vistas up and down the river, with a private residence in the middle of what was most likely the palisaded settlement of Opanient.