Hampton

Hampton Children of tenant farmers, ca. 1895. Eliza Ridgely III and Nancy Brown Davis, her caregiver, ca. 1863. Hampton National Historic Site Maryland Hampton mansion, 1838, by Robert Carey Long Jr. COURTESY, PRIVATE COLLECTION Hampton National Historic Site preserves the center of a once-vast Maryland plantation. A microcosm of the nation, it reflects two centuries of American social, historical, and economic development. Workers near corn crib, ca. 1895. Lady with a Harp: Eliza Ridgely, by C.G. Stapko, 1950, after Thomas Sully, 1818. labor. This is reflected in details of the lives of its free and enslaved people and in the skillfully laid stonework of farm buildings, polished surfaces of furnishings, and landscaped grounds. National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Parterre with gardeners, 1878. ALL IMAGES — NPS UNLESS OTHERWISE CREDITED Hampton’s story is the narrative of this place and its people. Visitors can explore the estate, owned by seven generations of the Ridgely family, as it evolved within a nation struggling to define its own concept of freedom. Until 1864, when Maryland abolished slavery, Hampton’s economy and social structure rested on a foundation of forced By the early 1800s Gov. Charles Carnan Ridgely had expanded Hampton to nearly 25,000 acres (right). By 1829 almost 350 enslaved people worked in its operations. Farm buildings, ca. 1910. Making of Hampton From the mid-1700s through the mid-1800s, a succession of enslaved, indentured, and free workers made Hampton prosperous. Beginning in 1745, they cleared land and cultivated tobacco on portions of a 1,500-acre tract purchased by Baltimore merchant Col. Charles Ridgely. The property supplied Northampton Ironworks (right) with the natural resources for making iron starting in 1761. Workers refined, forged, and cast ore to make pig iron, domestic objects (fireback, right), and munitions for the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War. Hampton’s diverse agricultural operations, including grain crops, orchards, and livestock, allowed it to prosper for decades. A prize-winning Jersey dairy cattle herd, carefully recorded in this booklet (left), made it possible to manage the switch from enslaved to paid and tenant labor. When grain farming (above) became less profitable in the early 1900s, dairy operations were essential. NPS / RICHARD SCHLECHT Northampton Ironworks (above, artist’s depiction) provided the income that transformed Hampton into one of the largest plantations in Maryland by 1829. This success was achieved largely through the The ironworks closed in the early 1830s. Agriculture, based on enslaved labor until 1864, became the main enterprise on the plantation until the 1940s. labor of enslaved people. Many are listed by name on the 1829 estate inventory of Gov. Charles Carnan Ridgely (right). Slavery and the Quest for Freedom Hampton reflects the hypocrisy of the nation’s founding ideology, that a nation founded on the principles of equality and freedom also embraced slavery. Before Maryland declared emancipation in 1864, about 80 people enslaved here at Hampton sought freedom through escape. Others were manumitted (freed) by their enslavers, who set the terms. Gov. Charles Carnan Ridgely’s 1829 will manumitted or gave delayed manumission to some of the nearly 350 people he enslaved. This action split many families apart. It freed Polly Batty, an enslaved woman at the ironworks, but her five-year-old daughter, Nancy Brown, remained enslaved for 20 more years. Upon receiving her freedom, Nancy continued working at Hampton as a paid caregiver (above left). Despite the confines of enslavement, many individuals moved to seize control over their own lives. Rebecca Posey sought her freedom from Hampton and succeeded (newspaper notice, Baltimore Sun, August 26, 1852, above). Mary Jones petitioned for her certificate of freedom in 1860 (right). Eleven bells like this one (right) hang in a servants’ entrance between the family’s living quarters and the kitchen. The bells directed the lives of Hampton’s house servants, summoning them to work. Because of its cultural and natural resources, Hampton National Historic Site is considered a “national treasure.” The National Park Service, Avalon Foundation, and Society for the Preservation of Maryland Antiquities formed a partnership to preserve and operate Hampton. Head coachman Nathan Harris (above) was known as a “famous driver of four horses.” After emancipation, his skill empowered him to choose a life away from Hampton. Harris established a successful stable near Baltimore. National Significance By the mid-1900s Hampton farm was no longer financially viable. When National Gallery of Art director David Finley visited to consider buying a painting in the mansion, he realized Hampton’s significance. Charitable foundations, preservation organizations, and the federal government worked in cooperation to make it a national historic site. Its 1948 designation was a high point in the developing historic preservation movement in the United States. It led to the founding of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Today the stories, landscape, buildings, and artifacts left by the diverse people of Hampton offer a window into our nation’s history. Many of the key buildings and features are labeled on the map (other side). Lady with a Harp: Eliza Ridgely, painted by Thomas Sully in 1818, leaves Hampton for the National Gallery of Art (above). A copy now hangs in the mansion. A two-year restoration of the mansion (drawing room, 1949, above) follows the departure of John Jr. and Jane Ridgely (left), with butler Thomas Holmes (Baltimore Sun Magazine, August 1948). Hampton Timeline 1745 Col. Charles Ridgely buys 1,500 acres in northern Baltimore County to farm tobacco. 1761 Col. Ridgely and his sons, John and Capt. Charles Ridgely (left), found Northampton Ironworks. 1776–83 During the Capt. Charles Ridgely by John Hesselius, ca. 1765. American Revolutionary War, Northampton Ironworks supplies the Continental Army with munitions. 1783–90 Enslaved, free, and indentured people build the mansion for the Ridgely family. 1841 Having reestablished the practice of enslavement by 1830, John Ridgley buys three 1944 The director of the 1872 Dairy farming becomes the primary focus of operations at Hampton. 1948 After negotiations with National Gallery of Art visits Hampton, realizes its national significance, and becomes the primary advocate for its preservation. in Maryland, legally allowing newly freed people to stay or leave Hampton. 1829 Gov. Charles Carnan Ridgely’s will grants freedom or delayed freedom to many enslaved people at Hampton. The estate is divided among his 10 heirs, beginning an economic decline. 1864 Slavery is abolished Milk crock, ca. 1880. more families in 1841—the last large purchase of enslaved people at Hampton. 1861 As the Civil War begins, 61 people are enslaved at Hampton. 1906 Facing economic realities, the Ridgelys give up their Baltimore townhouse to live at Hampton full-time. 1929 Before the Great Depression starts, the Hampton Development Company brochure, ca. 1929. Ridgelys form the Hampton Development Company to sell acreage from the estate. the Ridgelys, National Park Service, and private partners and organizations, Congress designates Hampton National Historic Site. Dining room, mansion (restored to its appearance NPS / © ROBERT CREAMER JR. in 1820). 1950 After two years of restoration, Hampton National Historic Site opens to the public. Home Farm The home farm occupies a portion of the 1,500-acre parcel that Col. Charles Ridgely purchased in 1745. Most people who lived and worked here were enslaved or indentured. At first they farmed tobacco, a cash crop for export, and grew produce for themselves and the livestock. The colonel’s son, Capt. Charles Ridgely, lived in the farmhouse while he managed the ironworks and supervised the construction of the mansion. Mansion By the early 1800s corn, wheat, and other grains were Hampton’s main crops. As the economy and interests of the owners changed, the home farm continued to evolve. The buildings added to support the workings of the plantation included a granary, barns, corn cribs, ash houses, a dovecote for domesticated pigeons, and enslaved quarters. Hampton Hall is a prime example of the plantation houses built in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia in the late 1700s. Its symmetry, classical proportions, and details are hallmarks of the Georgian style of architecture, transplanted to the United States from Britain. At 24,000 square feet, the mansion may have been the largest private residence in the country when completed in 1790. Grounds The beauty of Hampton’s grounds is owed to the guidance of Eliza Ridgely and generations of enslaved and free workers who nurtured thousands of plants. An elaborate in-ground irrigation system carried water to the great terrace and falling gardens south of the mansion. A kitchen garden and greenhouses supplied fruits, vegetables, and flowers year-round. Overseer’s House and Enslaved Quarters Dairy Mansion Orangery Ridgely Family Cemetery The overseer lived in the gambrel-roofed farmhouse (built 1745, later additions) starting in the 1790s. Enslaved farm laborers, and later tenant farmers, lived in the two stone buildings (built ca. 1854) behind the overseer’s house. Built ca. 1790 over a spring. Dairymaids like Lucy Williams, an enslaved woman, processed and stored milk and butter here. The dairy earned a good income throughout the 1800s and early 1900s. Built 1783–90. At first the mansion served as the Ridgelys’ summer retreat. The family and visitors lived in the tall central block, which was flanked by service wings. This modern orangery replaced the original Greek Revival structure, which burned in 1926. The orangery housed citrus fruit trees in the winter, providing fruit throughout the year. The cemetery and family vault hold dozens of graves from multiple generations. Members of the Ridgely family, formerly enslaved servant Nancy Brown Davis, and housekeeper Selena Devlin are buried here. The mule barn and parking are located nearby. OVERSEER’S HOUSE AND ENSLAVED QUARTERS—© ROBERT CREAMER JR. ALL OTHER PHOTOS —NPS / MAXIMILIAN FRANZ PHOTOGRAPHY MAP — NPS WITH GUTHRIE ALEXANDER Falling Gardens Cedar of Lebanon Behind the mansion, a massive earth-moving project created ramps descending to parterres (patterned flower beds). In the late 1800s these beds required over 8,000 plants grouped in geometric and carpetlike designs. The Hampton landscape includes many non-native plants and trees acquired by the family. Eliza Ridgely may have brought this cedar home from a trip to the Mediterranean in the 1830s. The dairy is located near the entrance. Along the driveway approaching the overseer’s house and enslaved quarters are the corn crib ruins. The home farm visitor entrance is located on the other side of Hampton Lane not far from the walking path. Plan Your Visit Hampton’s grounds are open year-round from dawn to dusk. Restrooms are located near each of the three parking lots. Visit the park website for the most up-to-date information about activities, events, tours, and hours of operation. The mansion is open by guided tour only. For safety and security, mansion tours have a limited capacity. Hampton National Historic Site is north of Baltimore, near Towson, Maryland. From I-695 take exit 27-B North (Dulaney Valley Road), make an immediate right onto Hampton Lane, and follow the signs. From downtown Baltimore take I-83 (Jones Falls Expressway) to I-695 East, toward Towson, to exit 27-B. Exploring Hampton In the historic era, other service buildings clustered near the mansion—domestic workers’ quarters, tool and storage sheds, gas house, and pump house. On the east walking path, two large stone stables reflect the Ridgelys’ great interest in horses across three centuries. A walking path runs from the mansion to the path leading to the cemetery, the stables, and out to Hampton Lane. Accessibility We strive to make facilities, services, and programs accessible to all. For information go to the visitor center, ask a ranger, call, or check the park website. More Information Hampton National Historic Site 535 Hampton Lane Towson, MD 21286 410-823-1309 www.nps.gov/hamp Follow us on social media. The official NPS App will help guide your visit. Hampton National Historic Site is one of over 400 parks in the npf_black.pdf 1 8/26/22 National Park System. To learn more, visit www.nps.gov. The historic gate is located along Hampton Lane between the park visitor entrance and home farm visitor entrance and leads to a walking path to the orangery and mansion. The mansion and cedar of Lebanon trees are located near the orangery. The orangery is near the mansion and has restrooms. 12:33 PM The falling gardens are next to the greenhouses. Join the park community. www.nationalparks.org IGPO: 2023—423-201/83017 New in 2023 The greenhouses are located along the driveway from the parking lot. The park visitor entrance is located on Hampton Lane, which is reachable via Interstate 695. The visitor entrance has parking and restrooms.