Placid Harbor is Rich in History
The earliest recorded history of Placid Harbor and its environs dates back to the 1660's. The William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center at Placid Harbor is adjacent to what is believed to be Maryland's oldest houseResurrection Manor. It is located near what is known as "Yankee's Point" after a Union army encampment there during the Civil War. During the War of 1812, the area around Placid Harbor became a whimsical target for the British, who were on their way to Washington to burn the Capitol. Apparently in need of some target practice, the British fired cannon shots at Resurrection Manor. One of the cannonballs pierced the brick wall of the house facing the Patuxent River, entered the house, bounded across the living room floor and ended up in the fireplace. The cannonball was passed from person-to-person and is now treasured as one of the authentic mementoes of the War period.
More recently, Placid Harbor was owned by a well-to-do Maryland landowner, later by one of the most anti-worker, anti-union radio commentators in history - Fulton Lewis, Jr. The IAM purchased the property and buildings from the Retail Clerks Union in 1980 and began construction of the new classrooms and administrative facilities in 1982.