Price–Miller House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Price–Miller House
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 Location in Maryland
Location in the United States
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| Location | 131–135 W. Washington St., Hagerstown, Maryland |
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| Area | 0.4 acres (0.16 ha) |
| Built | 1825 |
| Architectural style | Neo-classical |
| NRHP reference No. | 76001018 |
| Added to NRHP | May 24, 1976 |
The Price–Miller House is a historic home located in Hagerstown, Washington County, Maryland, United States. It's a two-and-a-half-story brick building built around 1824–1825. The house features a Neoclassical style, which means it looks like ancient Greek and Roman buildings. It sits on a tall stone foundation.
This important house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. This is a list of places in the United States that are special because of their history or design. Since 1966, the Price–Miller House has been the main office for the Washington County Historical Society. It is also home to the Miller House Museum, where you can learn about local history.
Contents
A Look Back: The Price–Miller House Story
The Price Family: Early Days (1825–1844)
The main part of the Price–Miller House was built between 1824 and 1825. It was built for William Price, who was a well-known lawyer. Mr. Price bought the land in 1823. He used the building as both his family home and his law office in Hagerstown.
William Price held an important job as the United States Attorney for Maryland. He served in this role from 1862 to 1865 and again from 1866 to 1867. President Abraham Lincoln appointed him to his first term. William Price was also the father of a famous architect named Bruce Price. His granddaughter was Emily Post, a well-known author who wrote about good manners. The Price family lived in the house until 1842. William Price's law partner, William Beverly Clark, continued to use the office until 1844.
The Neill Family: Generations of History (1844–1911)
In 1844, William Price sold the house to Alexander Neill, Jr. Mr. Neill was also a lawyer and served as the president of the Hagerstown Bank. The Neill family lived in the home for a long time, across three generations, until 1911.
The house then passed to Alexander Neill III, who was Alexander Neill, Jr.'s son. Alexander Neill III was also a lawyer and a politician. He was a member of the Maryland House of Delegates in 1870. This is a group of people who make laws for Maryland. He also worked as an auditor for the Washington County Court in 1876. After Alexander Neill III, the house went to his son, Alexander Neill IV. When Alexander Neill IV passed away in 1911, his family sold the house.
The Miller Family: A Doctor's Home (1911–1966)
The family of Alexander Neill IV sold the house to Dr. Victor Davis Miller, Jr. in 1911. Dr. Miller was a local doctor. He moved into the house with his wife, Nellie Baechtell Loose Miller, and their two children, Helen and Victor III. Their third child, Henry Loose Miller, was born in the house a year after they moved in.
Dr. Miller made some changes to the house. In 1915, he added a three-story section to the building. He also finished the basement areas. The basement and the new addition were used as a private medical office. Four other doctors worked there along with Dr. Miller. The Miller family lived in the house until the early 1960s. After Nellie Miller passed away in 1965, the house was divided among her three children. Victor Davis Miller and Henry Loose Miller gave their share of the house to the Washington County Historical Society. They also helped the society get the final share of the house in 1966.
Miller House Museum: A Local Treasure
Today, the Price–Miller House is known as the Miller House Museum. It serves as the main office for the Washington County Historical Society. The museum helps people learn about the history of Washington County and the lives of the families who lived in this special house.
