Belmont Estate facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Belmont Manor and Historic Park |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Type | County |
| Location | Elkridge, Maryland |
| Area | 68-acre (0.28 km2) |
| Created | April 11, 2015 |
| Operated by | Howard County |
| Status | Open |
| Website | |
|
Belmont Estate
|
|
|
U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
|
 Location in Maryland
Location in the United States
|
|
| Nearest city | Elkridge, Maryland |
| Built | 1730 |
| Architect | Multiple |
| Architectural style | Queen Anne, Georgian, Gothic Revival |
| Part of | Lawyers Hill Historic District (ID93001000) |
| Added to NRHP | September 23, 1993 |
The Belmont Manor and Historic Park is a special place in Elkridge, Maryland. It used to be a large farm called the Belmont Estate. This historic site was started way back in the 1730s.
The main house, built in 1738, is a beautiful example of old-style Georgian architecture. It shows how buildings looked in Maryland a long time ago.
For many years, from the late 1600s until 1962, different important families owned Belmont. Later, it became a conference center. Today, it is a 68-acre park owned by Howard County. It's a great spot for learning about history and enjoying nature.
Belmont Manor is recognized as an important historic site. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Contents
Belmont Manor: A Journey Through Time
Early Days and Farm Life
The story of Belmont began in 1695. King William III of England gave a large piece of land, over 1,300 acres, to Dr. Mordecai Moore. This land was called "Moore's Morning Choice." It sat on a hill with great views of the Patapsco River.
Around 1735, Caleb Dorsey bought this land. He was a businessman who ran iron factories near the Patapsco River. Caleb Dorsey and his family used many people who were forced to work on the farm. They grew crops to sell and helped run the iron business.
Caleb Dorsey's son, Caleb Jr., built the main house in 1738 and named it "Belmont." The family lived there for many years. Later, the property was passed down to Caleb Jr.'s granddaughter, Priscilla, who was married to Alexander Contee Hanson, a United States senator.
After the American Civil War, Belmont became a popular place for wealthy families. Many lawyers built homes nearby, in an area called "Lawyer's Hill." A famous copy of a George Washington portrait by Gilbert Stuart hung in the mansion for over 100 years. Howard Bruce was the last person to live in Belmont as a private home, buying it in 1918.
Belmont as a Conference Center
Smithsonian Institution's Role (1962–1982)
In 1962, David K. E. Bruce, a former ambassador, sold Belmont and donated 339 acres to the Smithsonian Institution. The Smithsonian turned Belmont into a conference center in 1964. It became a place where people could meet for important discussions.
Many different groups, including scientists, government officials, and non-profit organizations, held conferences there. For example, in 1976, a big meeting about human research led to the creation of the important Belmont Report.
American Chemical Society (1982–2004)
In 1982, the Smithsonian Institution sold Belmont to the American Chemical Society. This group continued to use Belmont as a conference center. They hosted many events, including the first international conference for the John Clare Society in 2003. This society studies the works of the English poet John Clare.
Howard Community College (2004–2012)
In 2004, Howard Community College bought Belmont. They used the estate for cooking classes and kept running the conference center. However, due to money problems, the college announced in 2010 that they could no longer afford to keep Belmont.
Howard County then looked into buying the property to keep it open for the public.
Belmont Manor and Historic Park Today
On May 30, 2012, Howard County decided to buy Belmont from the college. The county kept 68 acres of the original property.
Howard County created the Belmont Manor and Historic Park in 2012. The county's Department of Recreation and Parks now manages it. Belmont is used for many things, including:
- Hosting conferences and meetings.
- Being a beautiful spot for weddings and private parties.
- Offering environmental education programs.
The Manor officially opened for public visits in April 2015. It works with other nature spots in Howard County, like the Howard County Conservancy.
Protecting Belmont's History
Many groups have worked hard to protect Belmont Estate. Organizations like the Rockburn Land Trust and Preservation Howard County have helped make sure this historic site is cared for.
One challenge is keeping the old buildings in good shape. For example, the outside of the mansion was painted with lead paint a long time ago, which needs special care.
Official Historic Status
Belmont Manor House and Estate are recognized as part of the Lawyers Hill Historic District. This district was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on September 23, 1993. This listing helps protect Belmont and highlights its importance in history.
See also
- List of Howard County properties in the Maryland Historical Trust
- Doughoregan Manor, another old manor in Howard County, Maryland
