Poplar Hill Mansion facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Poplar Hill Mansion
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 Location in Maryland
Location in the United States
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| Location | 117 Elizabeth St., Salisbury, Maryland |
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| Area | 0 acres (0 ha) |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000380 |
| Added to NRHP | October 7, 1971 |
The Poplar Hill Mansion is an old, important house in Salisbury, Maryland. It is located at 117 Elizabeth Street and is now a house museum that people can visit. This beautiful mansion is a great example of Federal architecture, a popular style from the early days of the United States.
Contents
Discovering Poplar Hill Mansion
The Mansion's Early Days
In 1795, a man named Major Levin Handy bought a large piece of land, about 357 acres, near Salisbury. He started building this grand house, known as Poplar Hill Mansion, that same year. However, Major Handy faced health problems and ran out of money. He had to stop building the mansion and put it up for sale in 1803.
Two years later, in 1805, Dr. John D. Huston bought the unfinished house. He continued the construction, bringing the mansion closer to completion. After Dr. Huston passed away, his wife, Sarah Huston, inherited the estate. This included the property and the people who were enslaved there at the time.
Changes Over the Years
In the late 1840s and early 1850s, Sarah Huston sold some of the land for new buildings. This helped the area around the mansion grow. Later, in 1881, George Waller bought the estate. His family lived in the mansion for many years, until 1945.
After the Waller family, Fred A. Adkins purchased the property in 1945. He updated the house, adding modern features. In 1948, Mr. and Mrs. Ward A. Garber became the new owners.
Becoming a Public Treasure
The mansion's journey to becoming a public museum began in 1970. Wicomico County bought the estate. Then, in 1974, the City of Salisbury took ownership, placing the mansion in public trust. This meant it would be preserved for everyone to enjoy.
Because of its historical importance, Poplar Hill Mansion was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. This special list recognizes places that are important to the history of the United States.
Mansion's Unique Design
Poplar Hill Mansion has many interesting design features that show its Federal architectural style. These details make the house special:
- Tall and Grand: The mansion has a very tall and impressive look.
- Bold Front: It features a strong, pointed roof section called a gable at the front.
- Large Windows: The house has big sash windows that let in lots of light.
- Detailed Woodwork: Inside, you can see beautiful and detailed wooden designs. This woodwork is in the Federal or neoclassical style.
- Special Windows: There are finely crafted Palladian windows. You can find one on the landing of the stairs to the second floor and another above the main front door.
The Mansion's Gentle Spirit
Like many old houses, Poplar Hill Mansion has its own stories. One popular legend tells of a young enslaved girl named Sara. The story says she passed away in the house during the Huston family's time. This happened after her dress accidentally caught fire in a back bedroom on the second floor.
Since then, some people have reported feeling a "consoling" spirit in the mansion. This spirit is said to be a comforting presence, adding to the mansion's unique history and charm.
