Dorsey Hall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Dorsey Hall
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Dorsey Hall, January 2011
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 Location in Maryland
Location in the United States
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| Location | 5100 Dorsey Hall Dr., Columbia, Maryland |
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| Area | 2 acres (0.81 ha) |
| Built | c. 1798 |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| NRHP reference No. | 01001374 |
| Added to NRHP | December 28, 2001 |
Dorsey Hall is a historic house located in Columbia, Maryland. It is a well-preserved example of homes built in the early 1800s. The house is connected to the Dorsey family, who were very important in the history of Howard County.
Contents
What is Dorsey Hall?
Dorsey Hall is a two-and-a-half-story building. It is made of stucco and has a sloped roof. The house shows the common building styles of the early 19th century. It stands as a reminder of the past in Howard County.
The Dorsey Family History
Dorsey Hall was built on a large piece of land called Dorsey's Search. This land was first claimed by John Dorsey in the late 1600s. He was part of a very old and important family in the area. The land was surveyed, which means it was officially measured.
The surrounding neighborhood of Dorsey's Search is named after this original land grant. For many years, the farm was worked by people who were not paid for their labor. This system continued until the mid-1800s.
Changes Over Time
In the 1960s, the owners tried to change the land around Dorsey Hall. They wanted to build tall apartment buildings. A company called The Rouse Company bought the land. They planned to develop the area.
However, people living nearby did not want these changes. So, the development plans were stopped in 1968. The house itself was later fixed up in 1979. At that time, parts of an old stone mill were still visible on the property.
Modern Development
In 2000, the land around Dorsey Hall was sold again. Developers planned a new office project. The land around the house was made smaller, down to about 2 acres. Today, Dorsey Hall stands at the entrance to a business park. This park has many medical offices.
The buildings in the business park are designed to match the old house. However, Dorsey Hall does not have any signs. It is also not open to the public. This can sometimes cause confusion for visitors.
Location and Recognition
Dorsey Hall is located near Maryland Route 108. It is technically in Ellicott City, Maryland, not Columbia. The house was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001. This means it is recognized as an important historical site.
