Introduction

It has been truly said of Hampton that it expresses more grandeur than any other
place in America."
With these words, respected author Henry Winthrop Sargent took "historical
notice" of Hampton in 1859. The distinguished estate situated several miles north
of Baltimore, Maryland, was already more than 100 years old.

The National Park Service received Hampton Mansion and 43 adjoining acres in 1948
with additional lands and structures acquired in 1953 and 1980. As a national park, Hamp-
ton's enduring significance is keyed to two features: its architecture; and its status as an
early agricultural/industrial empire and an entailed American estate, whose economic
and social history remained in the hands of one family for more than 200 years.

Once dominating a vast, self-contained community, Hampton Mansion is now the cen-
terpiece of a comparatively small historical park in the midst of 20th century intrusions.
Today's sixty-acre national site encompasses the main residence, one of the largest and
most ornate Georgian houses built in America, and twenty-three surviving dependen-
cies and associated farm buildings. Surrounded by landscaped grounds and elaborate
formal gardens, the Mansion contains an important collection of decorative arts, the
majority of which are original to the estate.

Much more than a stately and venerable mansion, Hampton has always been a dynamic
entity. The house, farm buildings, dependencies, gardens and furnishings all mirror a par-
ticular pattern of living within the context of 200 years of American history. Begun in
the 18th century, the Hampton conglomerate continued to expand and evolve until the
latter part of the 19th century when the way of life common to great plantations began
to disintegrate. The core of the estate remained intact, however, and the aura of tradi-
tion and graciousness was maintained at Hampton throughout the Ridgely family
occupancy.

The story of the Ridgelys of Hampton, told through the furnishings, family portraits
and other surviving documentation, reflects a fascinating, progressive and comprehen-
sive tale of fabulous success and prosperity, followed by failing prospects and eventual
decline.

Interpreted in the setting of Hampton Mansion and its past and present environment,
we invite you to share this tradition. The history of this once magnificent domain is both
intriguing and noteworthy—an important monument to the exuberant American spirit.