Rose Hill (Port Tobacco, Maryland) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Rose Hill
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South elevation of Dr. Gustavus Brown's Rose Hill on Rose Hill Road, vicinity of Port Tobacco, Charles County, Maryland. Built late 18th Century, restored 1937. Photograph by Thomas T. Waterman, 1940, for the Historic American Buildings Survey
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 Location in Maryland
Location in the United States
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| Location | Rose Hill Rd., Port Tobacco, Maryland |
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| Area | 602.2 acres (243.7 ha) |
| Built | 1715 |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000914 |
| Added to NRHP | March 30, 1973 |
Rose Hill is a historic house located near Port Tobacco in Charles County, Maryland, United States. It was built in the late 1700s. The house is designed in the Georgian style. It has a main two-story section with sloped roof ends called gables. The house has been carefully restored several times over the years.
Rose Hill was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. This means it is recognized as an important historical site.
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Why Rose Hill is Special
Rose Hill is famous for a few interesting reasons:
- It was home to Dr. Gustavus R. Brown. He was a close friend and doctor to George Washington.
- Olivia Floyd lived here. She was a brave Confederate agent during the American Civil War. She helped run supplies through enemy lines.
- It is also linked to the mysterious Port Tobacco Blue Dog Legend.
Dr. Gustavus Brown's Home
Around 1780, Dr. Gustavus Brown bought several pieces of land. He combined them to create a larger property. On this land, he built the house we now call Rose Hill. The house was finished around 1783.
Dr. Brown was a very important person. He was a lifelong friend of George Washington, who became the first President of the United States. Dr. Brown was also one of Washington's personal doctors.
Over the years, many different families have owned Rose Hill. The house was restored in 1937. It was also restored again in the early 1970s by Charles Stuart.
Olivia Floyd and the Civil War
Olivia Floyd was another notable person who lived at Rose Hill. She was born in 1826. Her family came to own the property after her uncle and aunt inherited it.
Olivia Floyd became famous during the American Civil War. She worked as a secret agent for the Confederacy. She was also a "blockade runner." This meant she helped sneak important supplies past the Union's naval blockade. She was very brave and risked her life for her cause.
In 1892, Olivia Floyd sold Rose Hill. The new owner was Adrian Posey, who was a state senator in Maryland.
The Blue Dog Legend
Rose Hill is also connected to a local mystery. It is said to be the site of the famous Port Tobacco Blue Dog Legend. Port Tobacco village is located at the bottom of Rose Hill. Rose Hill Road, where the house is, has only a few scattered homes.
The legend tells a spooky tale about a blue dog that guards a hidden treasure. Many people have tried to find the treasure, but the blue dog always stops them. This legend adds a touch of mystery to the historic Rose Hill property.
Gallery
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Rose Hill Historic Marker, September 2009
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Rose Hill Historic Marker, September 2009
- Rose Hill, Charles County, including undated photo, at Maryland Historical Trust
