Prospect Hall (Frederick, Maryland) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Prospect Hall
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 Location in Maryland
Location in the United States
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| Location | 889 Butterfly Lane, Frederick, Maryland |
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| Area | 2.3 acres (0.93 ha) |
| Built | 1800 |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 80001810 |
| Added to NRHP | September 8, 1980 |
Prospect Hall is a very old and important mansion in Frederick, Maryland. It was built starting around 1787 on a high spot called "Red Hill." The main building we see today was likely finished by 1810.
A wealthy landowner named Daniel Dulaney began building the first home here. The current mansion is a large, white, three-story building. It mixes two old styles: Greek Revival and Federal. Many famous people have visited Prospect Hall, including Presidents George Washington and Harry S. Truman.
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A Place in History
Prospect Hall played a special role during the American Civil War. In 1863, just before the famous Battle of Gettysburg, a big change happened here. General Joseph Hooker was leading the Union Army's main force, the Army of the Potomac. But President Abraham Lincoln decided to replace him.
New Commander at Prospect Hall
President Lincoln sent new orders by messenger. These orders told General George G. Meade to take command of the Army of the Potomac. This important change happened right at Prospect Hall. A large stone monument now stands on the property. It tells the story of General Meade taking charge before the Battle of Gettysburg. This site is part of the "Maryland Civil War Trails" program.
Later Years and a School
In the middle of the 1900s, a U.S. Representative named Joseph H. Himes owned Prospect Hall. Later, it became home to a school called Saint John's Literary Institution. This school is now known as Saint John's Catholic Prep.
School Life at the Mansion
Saint John's Catholic Prep used Prospect Hall as its campus from 1958 until 2013. The school then moved to a new location in Buckeystown, Maryland. While the school was there, students even made a documentary about the mansion's history. It was called "A History of Prospect Hall."
After the school moved, the property was redeveloped. New apartment buildings were built on the land around the historic mansion. Prospect Hall was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. This means it is recognized as an important historical site.
- Prospect Hall, Frederick County F-3-61, including photo from 2006, at Maryland Historical Trust
Images for kids
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US General George G. Meade (undated) used Prospect Hall as headquarters en route to Gettysburg (1863)
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US Senator Charles Mathias (undated) spoke at the Sesquicentennial celebration in 1979
