Hampton National Historic Site: An American Story

Learn about Hampton’s architecture, gardens, and the story of its people (including their relation to East Towson). The tour will include the mansion, slave quarters and gardens, plus the farm (time permitting).

Established in 1948, Hampton National Historic Site is the first National Park Service site preserved for its architectural merit and contributed to the establishment of the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1949. In 1790, the 24,000-square foot mansion was one of the largest private homes in the country. Though its overall design is characterized by Georgian symmetry, Baroque and Palladian features make Hampton Hall uniquely American with its blend of British and European aesthetics. Sited atop at large hill, the mansion looks out over the remaining farm structures and meadows of what was once a 25,000-acre plantation. With its extensive ornamentation, the building was intended to project wealth and power. However, the story of Hampton National Historic Site extends well beyond the footprint of its centerpiece. The Overseers House and surrounding stone slave quarters and farm structures offer a powerful place to clearly understand the complete story of Hampton through the stories of enslaved families whose labors created and sustained the opulent lifestyle reflected in the mansion’s design and the manicured grounds

Tour will take place rain or shine, except in the event of severe weather.

**Make a day of it by booking the companion East Towson walking tour at 1:30 and enjoying a quick lunch on your own in downtown Towson . See the brochure below for more information on plans to create a trail that will physically connect the already intertwined stories of Hampton National Historic Site and Historic East Towson.**

In Response to COVID-19 we are:

We are following Baltimore City Guidelines, wearing a mask is at your discretion, and at the moment not enforced. If Baltimore City health guidelines change, so will our stance.