Landon House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Stancioff House
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 Location in Maryland
Location in the United States
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| Location | 3401 Urbana Pike (MD 355), Urbana, Maryland |
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| Area | 14 acres (5.7 ha) |
| Built | 1849 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 75000896 |
| Added to NRHP | April 23, 1975 |
The Landon House, also known as the Stancioff House, is a very old and important home in Urbana, Maryland. It was built around 1849. This large, three-story house has a special roof called a clerestory and a big porch with two levels.
Inside, the house has simple but elegant woodwork in the Greek Revival style. A building that used to be a smokehouse is now a small chapel.
People say the house was first built in Virginia near the Rappahannock River. It was supposedly moved to Urbana in 1846. The Reverend R.H. Phillips helped with this move.
Over the years, the Landon House has been many things. It was a school for girls and later a military school for boys. During the American Civil War, it was a resting place for soldiers and even a field hospital.
In 2013, new owners bought the house. They plan to make it look like it did during the Civil War. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. It is also part of the Antietam Campaign Civil War Trail.
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A House on the Move
The Landon House has a fascinating story about how it got to Urbana. It was first built in 1754. This was near the Rappahannock River in Virginia.
In 1846, the house was supposedly moved. It traveled by barge to Georgetown. Then, it moved again along the Potomac River to Point of Rocks.
During this big move, the house was made much larger. It eventually had about 40 rooms! The land it sits on today is about 6 acres.
Some experts, like Denis Supercynski, say parts of the house might have come from other buildings. This was a common practice back then. However, there is no clear proof that the entire building was moved.
What Was This House Used For?
The Landon House has had many different jobs throughout its long history. When it was first built, it was used as a silk mill. This is where silk fabric was made.
After it was rebuilt and moved, it became a school. First, it was a school for girls. Then, in 1854, it changed into the Landon Military Academy. This school was run by Robert C. Jones.
The house also played a role during the Civil War. It was the site of a famous dance. Later, it was used as a hospital for wounded soldiers.
The Civil War and a Famous Ball
During the Civil War, the Landon House was known as the Landon Female Academy. It was the setting for a memorable event.
On September 8, 1862, Confederate General J. E. B. Stuart found the house. It was empty at the time. He explored the house and found a large ballroom.
General Stuart decided to hold a ball that night. He wanted to give his soldiers a break from the war. The ballroom was decorated with flags and roses. Music was played by the 18th Mississippi Cavalry's band. Ladies from Urbana were invited to attend. This dance became known as the "Sabers and Roses Ball."
During the ball, a report came in. Union cavalry soldiers were nearby. They were heading towards Urbana. The party stopped quickly. General Stuart and his men left to check on the threat.
When they arrived, the Union soldiers had already been pushed back. So, Stuart and his men returned to the ball. Most of the ladies had left by then. But they were invited back, and the party continued!
After the ball, the house became a field hospital. Soldiers from both sides left their mark. They drew "lightning sketches" on the walls. Confederate soldiers drew their president, Jefferson Davis, and General Stuart. Union soldiers later drew Abraham Lincoln twice as large. They even signed their drawings. You can still see these drawings on the walls today!
The House Today and Tomorrow
After the Civil War, the military academy was left empty. It was then bought by Sam Hinks, who used to be the mayor of Baltimore. His family lived there for many years.
Later, in 1946, Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Stancioff bought the property. They lived there with their children. The house stayed in the Stancioff family until 1997. It was added to the National Historic Register in 1974.
After the Stancioff family, Kevin Dolan purchased the building. He used it as a place for events. He even hosted Civil War re-enactments there.
In 2013, the Landon House was bought by Dr. Praveen Bularum, Dr. Rohit Khirbat, and Chakri Katepalli. They paid $850,000 for it. They plan to restore the house to how it looked during the Civil War.
They hope to open the house by March 2014. It will be used as an event center. There are also plans to add a bed and breakfast. The "Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area" has supported the preservation of this historic building.
