In 1966, John Philip Greenwell, Jr. and began long-term plans for his 178.6 acre Southern Maryland estate. He conceived the idea of donating his magnificent farm to the State of Maryland to be used as a public park accessible to all who wanted to enjoy its beauty. His vision was realized on April 8, 1971, when then Governor Marvin Mandel officially announced the State’s acceptance of Mr. Greenwell’s grand generosity. The Greenwells’ made the gift with the understanding that their beloved estate would be preserved in a way that would ensure its legacy as a place of freedom, beauty and accessibility for all visitors.