Mount Clare (Maryland) facts for kids
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Mount Clare
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Mount Clare, December 2011
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| Location | Carroll Park, Baltimore, Maryland |
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| Area | 0 acres (0 ha) |
| Built | 1763 |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000860 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | April 15, 1970 |
| Designated NHL | April 15, 1970 |
Mount Clare, also known as Mount Clare Mansion, is the oldest house from the Colonial era in Baltimore, Maryland. It was built starting in 1763. This large house shows the Georgian style of architecture. It was part of a big plantation owned by the Carroll family.
The house was built by Charles Carroll the Barrister (1723–1783). He was a lawyer and a distant relative of Charles Carroll of Carrollton. The latter was a very famous person who signed the United States Declaration of Independence. He was also involved in starting the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad nearby in 1828.
In 1890, the City of Baltimore bought a large part of the estate. They turned it into a big park. Since 1917, a group called the National Society of Colonial Dames in Maryland has taken care of Mount Clare. Because of its special architecture, Mount Clare was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. It was also named a National Historic Landmark.
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What Mount Clare Looks Like
Mount Clare has a special entrance area called a portico. Above this, there is a part that sticks out. This upper part has a beautiful Palladian window.
In 1910, the City of Baltimore added two smaller buildings on each side. These buildings were first used as public restrooms. But they have since been changed. Now, one is a library, and the other shows what a colonial kitchen looked like. There is also an old stable from around 1912. It used to house horses for park rangers. Today, it is used for classes and can be rented for events.
Mount Clare's History
The very first building on the Mount Clare land was built in 1754. It was built by John Henry Carroll, who was Charles Carroll the Barrister's brother. This first building was likely made part of the larger house later on. Charles inherited the land after his brother John passed away.
The property was very large, about 800 acres. It overlooked the Patapsco River. In colonial times, there were docks and the Baltimore Iron Works nearby. This was a big industrial place back then. Charles Carroll began building the main house between 1757 and 1760.
This area was once considered for the new Baltimore Town in 1729. But another spot was chosen further northeast. This was because a landowner thought there was iron ore where Mount Clare is now.
Building the Mansion
Charles Carroll the Barrister started building the main part of the house. It was a 2½-story Georgian style building. He included his brother John's kitchen. He also added a wash house and a special greenhouse for oranges, called an orangery.
In 1768, Charles added the part that sticks out and the Palladian window. These features are very noticeable today. He also made the kitchen wing bigger. An office wing was added to make the house look balanced. The house was mostly finished around 1767.
After Charles the Barrister died in 1783, his wife made more changes. She connected the smaller buildings to the main house. She also added a greenhouse and made the laundry area larger. These changes made the house complex very long, about 360 feet. These new parts were in the Federal architecture style. This style was popular then and is a bit different from the older Georgian style.
The Railroad Era
By the 1820s, the city of Baltimore was growing closer to Mount Clare. New streets and houses were being built. At this time, a big canal called the Erie Canal opened in New York. This made it easier and cheaper to transport goods. Baltimore's leaders worried about their city's trade.
So, in 1827, some important businessmen started the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company. Charles Carroll of Carrollton, the Declaration of Independence signer, was one of its leaders. On July 4, 1828, he helped lay the first stone for the railroad. This happened very close to Mount Clare.
Soon, the railroad built many workshops and buildings nearby. These became known as the Mount Clare Shops. A small passenger station was built there in the early 1830s. Later, the famous B&O Roundhouse was built in 1884. This area became a center for railroad work. Many inventors like Peter Cooper and Ross Winans worked there. They designed and improved steam engines. Hundreds of skilled workers came to live and work in this part of Baltimore.
Later Years and Museum
The Carroll family no longer owned the mansion after 1840. During the American Civil War in 1861, Union Army soldiers used Mount Clare as their headquarters. They built forts around it and called it Camp Carroll. Baltimore became a very well-fortified city.
After the war, the house was used as a beer garden for a while. Then, in 1890, the City of Baltimore bought the house and about 70 acres of land. They turned it into a large park for the city.
Since 2012, the City of Baltimore, the B&O Railroad Museum, and the National Society of Colonial Dames have worked together to manage Mount Clare. The Colonial Dames have been taking care of the site since 1917. The B&O Railroad Museum, which is about a mile away, offers train rides to Mount Clare. They also have tours that teach about the railroad and Civil War history of the area. The Colonial Dames share the story of the mansion itself. They show what life was like for the Carroll family and their workers during the colonial period.
Visiting Mount Clare
Mount Clare Mansion is open to the public. It is decorated with furniture and items from its historical period. Guided tours are available. They usually start with a short video. The tour takes you through the entire house and lasts about 45 to 60 minutes.
Gallery
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Mount Clare Mansion, October 1958 HABS Photograph
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See also
