Tour Historic Homes of Southern Maryland
Amidst the rolling landscapes and shimmering waterways of Southern Maryland lies a treasure trove of American history, waiting to be explored through its historic homes that are open for visitors to tour! These architectural gems provide visitors with a unique glimpse into the lives and times of the figures who shaped our nation. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a fascinating day trip, these homes offer a rich tapestry of stories and sights. Join us as we embark on a journey through time, exploring the beauty, history, and legacy of Southern Maryland's historic homes.
Maxwell Hall
@Maxwell Hall Park
17388 Teagues Point Rd
Hughesville, MD 20637
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Maxwell Hall, a captivating colonial house built in 1768, is a treasure of Southern Maryland's history. Nestled within the expansive 692 acres of Maxwell Hall Park and overlooking the picturesque Patuxent River and Swanson Creek, this historic home is a window into the 18th century. Open to the public for special events, it offers a unique opportunity to step back in time.
Constructed by George Maxwell, a noted Benedict merchant, Maxwell Hall, or "Maxwell's Seat," as he called it, stands on land that was once a part of Calverton Manor. The house is an architectural emblem of the era, comparable to the residences of other prominent merchants and planters of the late 1700s with its double-sloped Dutch-style gambrel roof, double-tiered chimneys, and stairwell wall lined with hand-split clapboards. These features reflect the stature and sophistication of its original inhabitants.
Surrounding the main house are several outbuildings, including antique barns and stables. These structures, dating back two centuries, include a tobacco barn with hand-hewn clapboards and a large barn with a stripping shed, remodeled in the 1920s. A meat house from the same era adds to the property's historic charm.
Maxwell Hall's significance extends beyond its architecture. During the War of 1812, it played a crucial role when the British landed at Benedict, which gives it the distinction of being the first site a foreign enemy landed in force upon an independent United States (the second being Pearl Harbor in WW2). Legend has it that a British officer briefly used the house as his headquarters, a decision that likely spared Maxwell Hall from the destruction faced by many nearby structures.
In 1980, Edwin and Marion Swann rescued Maxwell Hall from decades of neglect, painstakingly restoring it to its former glory. Acquired by Charles County Government in 2007, Maxwell Hall now serves as a vital link to understanding the War of 1812, colonial life along the Patuxent River, and Benedict's role in American history.
Mt. Aventine Mansion
@Chapman State Park
3452 Ferry Place
Indian Head, MD 20640
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Mt. Aventine Mansion was built in the 19th century by the Chapman family, who had deeply connected with the families of US Founding Fathers George Washington and George Mason. The mansion we see today replaced an earlier house near the Potomac River that was damaged by fire. Today, Mt. Aventine stands majestically, offering stunning views of the Potomac River and the Virginia shoreline.
The mansion, originally constructed around 1840 by Pearson Chapman, a descendant of Nathaniel Chapman, was expanded around 1860. This expansion enhanced its grandeur and size, making it one of the finest examples of 19th-century architecture in the area. The two-story, common bond brick structure with lower flanking wings, and a cedar-lined lane leading to the house, exemplifies the opulent lifestyle of its era.
Mt. Aventine boasts eight fireplaces, five bedrooms, six and a half bathrooms, and multiple living spaces, including a front parlor, dining room, main kitchen area, warming kitchen, and two offices. The house's layout, featuring a central hall with two wings, makes it an outstanding representation of 19th-century homes in the region. Its historical significance was recognized in 1996 when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The property, after being sold by the Chapman family in 1914, saw various owners, including Countess Margit Bessenyey, the late wife of the Hungarian ambassador to the United States. An equestrian enthusiast, she transformed the estate into a stud farm for Hungarian thoroughbred horses, a legacy still evident in the park's barns, stables, and riding arena.
Today, Mt. Aventine is part of Chapman State Park and is open to the public every Sunday from April to September. The Friends of Chapman State Park host these open houses, featuring guided nature walks, history presentations, and activities for children, inviting visitors to experience the splendor and historical significance of this Southern Maryland landmark.
Tudor Hall
@Saint Mary's County Historical Society
41680 Tudor Place
Leonardtown, MD 20650
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Tudor Hall, a Georgian-style house originally built in 1744 and expanded in the 1760s, is one of the most historically significant structures in St. Mary's County. Once the home of Phillip Key, the uncle of the renowned Francis Scott Key, author of “The Star Spangled Banner," Tudor Hall is renowned for its unique architectural features and rich history.
The house was initially part of a large estate owned by Abraham Barnes, who had acquired over 1000 acres in Leonardtown around 1742. The original structure, typical of the era, featured a central hall with a room on each side and dormer bedrooms on the second floor. By the 1760s, the house underwent significant renovations, adding to its grandeur and size. It was later acquired by Phillip Key around 1817, who transformed it into a 14-room mansion, raising the roof and squaring the house out.
One of the most distinctive features of Tudor Hall is its inset portico and the elegant hanging staircase in the main hall, which leads through the house and into the garden. The house also boasts a triple fireplace in the kitchen, a curving back staircase, a captain's walk on the roof, and a unique "haw-haw" fence. These features, combined with the fact that George Washington is known to have visited (and possibly slept here), imbue Tudor Hall with a sense of prestige.
In 1949, Mary Patterson Davidson purchased Tudor Hall with the intention of restoring it and converting it into a library. Although her untimely death prevented her from seeing this plan through, friends ensured its realization. Tudor Hall served as the St. Mary's County Memorial Library until 1984, when it could no longer support the library's growth.
Acquired by the St. Mary's County Historical Society in 1984, Tudor Hall now houses the Society's research library and bookstore, offering resources on genealogy and local and regional history. This mansion not only serves as a repository of the past but also continues to be a vital part of the community's connection to its historical roots. As a War of 1812 site, Tudor Hall is an integral part of preserving the history of Southern Maryland.
Thomas Stone House
@Thomas Stone Historic Site
6655 Rose Hill Road
Port Tobacco, MD 20677
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The home of Thomas Stone, the Maryland delegate that signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776, has been designated a National Historic Site by the National Park Service. Born in 1743 in Charles County, Maryland, Stone's political career began at the age of 31, when he rapidly ascended from a small-town lawyer to a member of the Second Continental Congress.
The property, originally named Haberdeventure, is believed to derive its name from the Latin phrase "havitatio de ventus," meaning "dwelling in (or of) the wind." This historic estate, purchased by Stone from his uncle, Daniel Jenifer, in 1770, spans 442 acres. Construction of the brick central block of the house began in 1771, and by the following year, Stone and his family had moved in, despite ongoing construction.
One of the Georgian mansion’s unique architectural features is its curved five-part structure. While parts of the house remain original from Stone's time, fire damage, renovations, and modernization have altered its appearance over the years. The central block's first floor includes the center passage and east and west rooms, with the second floor housing two large bed chambers.
Thomas Stone's commitment to public service continued until his death in 1787, just four months after his wife's passing. Both are buried in the family cemetery on the property. Today, the Park Service offers guided tours of the Thomas Stone House offers guided tours of the house. Visitors are also encouraged to visit the walking trails, with views of the property’s outbuildings and the Stone family cemetery.
More Historic Maryland Homes
In Historic Port Tobacco Village, the Washington Burch House stands as a symbol of resilience and change. Washington Burch, an African American who transitioned from slavery to freedom, purchased this home in 1874, only a few years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Known locally as the Catslide House for its unique roof, it offers a rare glimpse into post-Civil War life and is a testament to Burch's contributions as a community leader and educator.
7310 Chapel Point Rd
Port Tobacco, MD 20677
Website
The Dr. Mudd House, located in Waldorf, is infamous as the home of Dr. Samuel Mudd, the physician who treated John Wilkes Booth's leg after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Now a museum, it features tours led by costumed docents, transporting visitors back to a pivotal moment in American history. More info on the Dr. Mudd House is available on our Museums article!
Mount Airy Mansion, located in Upper Marlboro’s Rosaryville State Park, was once the residence of the Benedict and Elizabeth Calvert family from 1740 to 1902. This grand estate, visited by George Washington and connected to the Custis, Calvert, and Washington families, has been beautifully restored, showcasing its rich history and significance. FYI Mount Airy Mansion is currently closed for renovations!
9640 Rosaryville Road
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
Website