Hessian Barracks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hessian Barracks |
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Main façade of the Hessian Barracks
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| Former names | Frederick Barracks |
| Alternative names | Revolutionary Barracks |
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| Address | 242 S. Market St. |
| Town or city | Frederick, Maryland |
| Country | United States |
| Coordinates | 39°24′32.5″N 77°24′33.8″W / 39.409028°N 77.409389°W |
| Current tenants | Maryland School for the Deaf |
| Construction started | 1777 |
| Completed | 1781 |
| Demolished | 1871 (partially) |
| Client | State of Maryland |
| Owner | State of Maryland |
| Technical details | |
| Material | Stone, wood |
| Floor count | 2 |
| Grounds | 4 acres (1.6 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000373 |
| Added to NRHP | January 25, 1971 |
The Hessian Barracks, once called the Frederick Barracks, is an old building in Frederick, Maryland. It's located in the state of Maryland, United States. The State of Maryland started building it in 1777, but it wasn't finished until 1781.
Originally, there were two L-shaped buildings on the site. However, one of them was taken down in 1871. The remaining building is made of stone and has two stories. It features porches with galleries and a pointed roof. The Hessian Barracks was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971, which means it's recognized as an important historical site.
Contents
A Look Back: History of the Barracks
Revolutionary War Use
During the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783), this building and its surrounding area were used to hold prisoners. These prisoners were soldiers from the British and German armies. They were captured during the war.
Different Uses Over Time
After the war, the barracks were used for many different things throughout the 19th century. For a while, it was a state armory, which is a place where weapons are stored. It was also used for producing silkworms, which are insects that make silk.
In September 1862, after the nearby Battle of South Mountain and the Battle of Antietam, the barracks became a military hospital. Wounded soldiers were brought here for care.
Fairgrounds and School Site
From 1853 to 1860, the large open field next to the barracks, which was once a parade ground, became the Agricultural Fairgrounds. People would gather there for fairs to show off farm animals and crops.
In 1867, the site was chosen for the Maryland Institution for the Deaf and Dumb. This school is known today as the Maryland School for the Deaf. To make room for new buildings, the western barracks building was taken down in 1871. A large new school building was built in the Victorian style. Later, in the late 1960s, this Victorian building was also removed and replaced with smaller brick cottages.
See also
