Northampton Slave Quarters and Archaeological Park10915 Water Port Court Hours of OperationSunrise - Sunset AdmissionFREE Historians and archaeologists are working together to reconstruct the lives of the many slaves and tenant farmers who lived at Northampton Plantation. Detailed information about the life of one enslaved woman, Elizabeth Hawkins, was obtained from descendants who live in the area and are active participants in the research and excavations relating to this site. HistoryFrom the 17th century through the mid-19th century, large tobacco plantations dominated the economic and social life of Prince George's County. One of the most prominent plantations in the county was Northampton. Today, all that remains of Northampton are the ruins of the main plantation house, outbuildings, and two slave quarters.In 1673, Charles Calvert, Esq., the third Lord Baltimore, granted Northampton Plantation, a 1000-acre tract of land, to Thomas Sprigg. Northampton was the home of the Sprigg Family and their slaves and servants for nearly 200 years. In 1865, Dr. John Contee Fairfax (Lord Fairfax, Baron of Cameron) purchased Northampton and the property served as a working farm until the 1950's. For almost 300 years, African-Americans lived and worked at the Northampton Plantation. Archaeological excavations, historic documents, and oral histories provide information about the lives of slaves and tenant farmers at Northampton. The Descendant CommunityNumerous descendants of 18th and 19th century slaves and tenants who lived and worked at Northampton still reside in Prince George's County. Many have linked their past to a common ancestor, Elizabeth Hawkins, who lived at Northampton during the 19th century. Two descendents, James and Raymond Smith, lived in a former slave quarter with their grandmother, Susie Smith, in the 1920's. James and Raymond Smith moved away in the mid-20s, but often visited their grandmother during the summer months into the 1930's. Their oral histories, along with artifacts discovered during excavations and historical documents, help to provide a detailed picture of life at the two quarters during the 18th and 19th centuries.Archaeology at NorthamptonThe archaeology at Northampton has uncovered valuable information about the architecture of the two former slave quarters. Also, through the analysis of artifacts such as pottery, animal bones, glass bottles, tobacco pipes, and cooking equipment, archaeologists have gained insight into the everyday lives of the slaves and tenants who lived at Northampton. These findings enable archaeologists and historians to draw conclusions about daily life, the amount of independence that existed in the slave quarter, and the transition from slavery to tenant farming in Prince George's County, Maryland.
Visitor InformationThe Northampton Slave Quarters and Archaeological Park is an outdoor museum that exhibits the rebuilt foundations of two former slave quarters of the Northampton plantation. The site features a self-guided tour interpreting the lives of enslaved and free African-Americans at Northampton from the 1790s until the 1930s.For more information on the educational programs at Northampton Slave Quarters and Archaeological Park, please contact the Archaeology Program, Natural and Historical Resources Division at 8204 McClure Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 or call 301-627-1286. Location/DirectionsLocated in the North Lake Subdivision of Lake Arbor between Maryland Route 202 (Landover Road) and Maryland Route 214 (Central Avenue).From the Capital Beltway, take Exit 17 East (Landover Road) toward Upper Marlboro. Turn left onto Lake Arbor Way. Proceed approximately one mile and turn right onto Lake Overlook Drive. The park is on the right between Water Port Court and Lake Overlook Place. From U.S. Route 301, take Central Avenue (Route 214) West. Continue for four miles and turn right onto Lake Arbor Way. Go approximately one mile and turn left onto Lake Overlook Drive. The park is located on the right between Water Port Court and Lake Overlook Place. Need a Ride! |
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