Bladensburg in Prince George's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Lowndes' Urban Plantation
Bostwick
— Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail —
Shortly after the founding of the City of Bladensburg in 1742, wealthy merchant Christopher Lowndes purchased 4 one-acre lots on which to build Bostwick, originally referred to as Bostock. The prominent brick mansion house, completed in 1746, was surrounded by a detached kitchen, barns, and outbuildings such as a dairy and wash house, most of which are no longer standing. Eventually expanded to the 7.7 acres seen today, the site was never a large agricultural operation, rather the gardens, grazing fields, and an orchard were cultivated to support the house and the many people, both free and enslaved, who lived there.
From high on the hill, Christopher Lowndes could oversee his shipbuilding enterprise on the banks of the Anacostia River while conducting business in the front parlor of the house. Known today as an urban plantation, this kind of city house was common in Colonial American ports such as Charleston and Richmond.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior; Scenic Byways Program, Maryland State Highways Administration.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1742.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Preserving the Past (within shouting distance of this marker); An Evolving Landscape (within shouting distance of this marker); Bostwick (within shouting distance of this marker); A Workplace of Many Generations (within shouting distance of this marker); British Stopover (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Bostwick (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Market Square & Stone House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Casualties of War (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bladensburg.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 28, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 36 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 28, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
