Maryland Municipal League Geotrail - Cottage City Traditional Cache

The town has a multitude of historic landmarks in the vicinity – two of the most compelling being the site of the home that was the basis for the Exorcist Movie and the home of the creator of The Landlord’s Game (predecessor of Monopoly) – so come out to find the cache and then stay to enjoy the afternoon with us.

Cottage City is a town of approximately 1,250 residents. It was incorporated in 1924 with a Commission-form of government--its Chairman Commissioner being equivalent to a Mayor. The name, Cottage City, is said to be taken from one of the original developer’s predominant house-styles. Today Cottage City is still aptly named with its Cottage/Bungalow style houses and tree-lined streets.

The park area located within the town was once the grounds of a three-story, two-wheel, water-powered grist mill. It was constructed from the stone that was used as ballast for ships coming from abroad. These ships frequented what was then Garrison’s Landing (today the Bladensburg Waterfront Park, accessible by car and via the hiker/biker trail where there is a visitors’ center, playground, pontoon boat tours, and canoe and kayak rentals).

Following the defeat of the American troops at the Battle of Bladensburg (fought, in part, at this site) on August 24th, 1814, the mill was used as a field hospital by the British. One of the surviving mill stones is located around the flag pole at Cottage City’s Town Hall (3820 40th Avenue). Public Bathrooms are also available there between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Located at 4203 Bunker Hill Rd., is a privately-owned house built in the second empire style during the 1860’s. This house was the former residence of Ms. Elizabeth (Lizzie) J. Magie who in 1904 received a patent on her board game called The Landlord’s Game which was a predecessor of Monopoly. One of her original boards even featured “Cottage Terrace” which remains a street name in Cottage City.

Nearly across the street from Town Hall is the site of the Exorcist. William Peter Blatty wrote the book and produced the movie, The Exorcist, based on an event that occurred in Cottage City in 1949. Although the movie was filmed in Georgetown, the story on which the book was based occurred at 3807 40th Ave. Unlike the movie, the exorcism was actually performed on a boy and local residents familiar with the story say he “turned out just fine.” The house is privately owned and the owner says he “doesn’t believe in any of that” and is quite happy living there.

This MML hide was moved and is now located near Town Hall. We hope you enjoy your visit to Cottage City!
The Town of Cottage City thanks you for visiting!



Thanks to the Boccos for helping with this hide!

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