Hampton National Historic Site

Address:535 Hampton Lane
Towson, Maryland
Tel: (301) 344-3948

Visit the remnants of a vast 18th century estate at the Hampton National Historic Site, north of Towson, Maryland. The Hampton National Historic Site, which includes a Georgian manor house, gardens, and original slave quarters, was the largest privately-owned house in America upon its completion in 1790. Today, the 63-acre site is protected for its architectural significance and offers both ranger-guided and self-guided tours of the estate.

In 1790, Captain Charles Ridgely completed construction of the Georgian-style Hampton Mansion, then the largest private home in the United States. The estate on which the Hampton Mansion was built eventually encompassed 25,000 acres and included an ironworks and a farm. The Hampton Mansion stayed in the Ridgely family for six generations until 1948, when Congress authorized the Hampton National Historic Site.

Today, the Hampton National Historic Site hosts self-guided and ranger-guided tours of the estate. The farm, gardens, grounds, stables and family cemetery are open for self-guided exploration. Both the mansion and farm at the Hampton National Historic Site offer ranger-guided tours. Also at the site is the Junior Ranger Program, where youngsters between ages seven and 12 can fill out a free booklet and receive a Junior Ranger badge. After exploring the Hampton National Historic Site, visitors can find plenty of restaurants in Towson, including diners and fast food.

To get to the Hampton National Historic Site, take I-695 to exit 27B, then take Dulaney Valley Road north, and turn right onto Hampton Lane.

Visit the Hampton National Historic Site and learn the story of the economic and moral changes that have shaped America.