Category Archives: Historical Sites

Belair Stable Museum

2835 Belair Dr, Bowie, MD 20715

Beginning in the late 1740s, Governor Samuel Ogle and his brother-in-law, Colonel Benjamin Tasker, imported a number of Thoroughbred horses, including the incredible Selima, to Belair. Today’s Stable Museum highlights the accomplishments of Belair’s bloodstock over a 200-year racing legacy. It also features Belair’s other agricultural uses and contains a restored 1923 Stablemaster’s living quarters. The Belair Stable Museum is located just a block from Belair Mansion. Admission is free; donations are welcomed. Tours for groups of 10 or more persons are available by appointment.

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Sherwood Gardens

Northern Baltimore, Maryland

Sherwood Gardens is a privately owned community park, originally called Stratford Green. The Park is Olmsted designed and in the center of a residential community called Guilford located in Northern Baltimore City. Guilford, another Olmsted designed gem, dates back to 1913 and is a Registered Historic District significant for its planning, its architecture, and Sherwood Gardens.

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Ladew Topiary Gardens

3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, MD 21111

Ladew Gardens, named “One of the Top 5 Gardens in North America,” deemed “the most outstanding topiary garden in America” by the Garden Club of America, and featured as one of “Ten incredible topiary gardens around the world” by Architectural Digest, is located in the Maryland countryside 20 miles north of Baltimore.  Designed and developed by Harvey S. Ladew (1887-1976), the Gardens and historic Manor House are known throughout the world.

Ladew’s 22 acres of gardens feature more than 100 larger-than-life topiary forms which serve as the backbone and centerpiece of the gardens and define a series of garden “rooms” including the Rose, White, Yellow, Sculpture and Iris Gardens. A life-sized Hunt Scene of topiary horses, riders, hounds and fox welcomes visitors as they arrive and stands as one of the best known elements of the Gardens. From the iconic Hunt Scene and the Great Bowl, to the more intimate Yellow Garden, Ladew’s gardens are maintained to the highest horticultural standards and with a dedication to the design intent of Harvey Ladew.

The 18th century historic Manor House stands as a reminder of the unique and inspired life of a remarkable American character, Harvey Ladew. The house, which was built over three centuries, is home to Ladew’s remarkable collection of English antiques and equestrian-themed art. The Manor House preceded and inspired the gardens which reflect its beauty, elegance and humor.

 

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Hampton – The Story of America

535 Hampton Lane, Towson, MD 21286

Once possibly the largest private home in America by 1790, the Hampton mansion serves as a grand example of late-Georgian architecture in America. Hampton is also the story of its people, as the estate evolved through the actions of the Ridgely family, enslaved African Americans, European indentured servants, and paid laborers within a nation struggling to define its own concept of freedom.

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