History: Maidstone-on-the-Potomac is a historic house and farm near
Falling Waters, West Virginia. Located on the Potomac River
immediately opposite Williamsport, Maryland, the property consists
of a 218-acre (0.88 km2) tract with a main house dating from c.
1741. The house was built by Evan Watkins, who operated Watkins
Ferry on the Potomac, which was used by George Washington and
General Edward Braddock. In 1795 the property was sold to Peter
Light. The Light family retained the property until 1854,
substantially expanding the house.
The ferry and house, by now known as Light's Ferry passed to
Robert Lemen, who converted the ferry into a cable ferry.
In 1861 the ferry was used by Union forces under Captain Abner
Doubleday to cross into Virginia for raids. In 1863 Doubleday again
crossed the river by fording while pursuing Robert E. Lee's Army of
Northern Virginia as it advanced on Gettysburg. A month later,
following Lee's defeat, 70,000 confederate soldiers crossed at
Lemen's Ferry.
In the late 19th century the first bridge crossing was built at
this location. Today, US 11 crosses here, bisecting the
property.
The Watkins Family also became associated with the Boone Family
during the time of their ownership of the Ferry. A great-great
grandson, John Watkins (His father John T Watkins was born at
Watkins Ferry) , of the original Evan Watkins married Elizabeth
Karn, a 1st and 2nd cousin of Daniel Boone's. Elizabeth was the
daughter of Christopher Karn and Leah Boone. John and Elizabeth's
son Christopher Columbus Watkins married Rachel Bristow who was the
granddaughter of Leah's sister, Hannah Boone.
Fire: Maidstone-on-the-Potomac was damaged in a fire of
suspicious origin the night of March 7, 2009, one of several
similar fires in Berkeley County, West Virginia and Washington
County, Maryland in a short span of days.
The cache is located between the guard rail and the short,
crumbling wall that surrounds the nearby building. This should be a
quick cache and dash.