Aquasco is named for a nearby tract first surveyed and patented in 1650. The name is derived from the Native American name
Aquascake. Located between Swanson's Creek and the Patuxent River, the community developed as an agricultural center for the production of
tobacco. The main roads connecting the widely scattered tobacco
plantations were established in the 18th century and, in the early 19th century, the village of Woodville began to form. It was named after the Wood family, early settlers of Aquasco. By mid-century, the village had a grist mill, several small stores, a tavern, blacksmith, school, post office, and Methodist and Episcopal churches. Because of the number of plantations, the
slave population was relatively high in this section of Prince George's County. The
Freedmen's Bureau established a school at Woodville in 1867. The school later became home to
John Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church.
African Americans also worshiped at
St. Mary's Episcopal Church, established in 1848 as a mission church of
St. Paul's Parish Church, which later became
St. Phillip's Episcopal Church. ==Government==