Wyoming (Clinton, Maryland) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Wyoming
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Wyoming, May 1936
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 Location in Maryland
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | 11530 Thrift Road, Clinton, Maryland |
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| Area | 31 acres (13 ha) |
| Built | 1750 |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 80004330 |
| Added to NRHP | January 24, 1980 |
Wyoming is a historic house in Clinton, Prince George's County, Maryland, United States. It was built around 1750 and is a great example of old Maryland homes. The house has a special roof called a gambrel roof, which has two different slopes on each side. It also shows off "tidewater architecture," a style common in areas near the coast.
Wyoming is also important because it was the home of the Marbury family for a very long time. This family had many important leaders in Maryland's government and legal system for over 200 years. The Marbury family owned the house from when it was built until 1973. There's even a small family cemetery on the property.
The name "Wyoming" was chosen by a family member named Cora Marbury. She loved a poem called "Gertrude of Wyoming" by Thomas Campbell. The poem is about an event in the Wyoming Valley of Pennsylvania.
Contents
History of Wyoming House
Early Days and the Marbury Family
The land where Wyoming stands was first given to Robert Middleton in 1688. It was called Appledore back then. In 1698, a man named Francis Marbury bought the property. He was an important person in Maryland in the early 1700s. He helped manage tobacco, which was a big crop, and served as a judge.
When Francis Marbury passed away in 1734, his land was divided among his sons. One of his sons, Luke Marbury (the first), is thought to be the person who built the Wyoming house around 1750.
Colonel Luke Marbury and the Revolution
Luke Marbury's son, also named Luke Marbury (the second), became a very important figure during the American Revolutionary War. He was known as Colonel Luke Marbury. He helped create Maryland's first constitution in 1775.
When the war began, he became a captain in the local army. He fought in the Battle of Germantown, where he was captured and put in prison. Colonel Marbury was released in 1781. When he returned home, people were so happy that they carried him through the streets! He continued to serve in the state government until he died in 1809.
A Famous Connection: The Star-Spangled Banner
Colonel Luke Marbury had a brother-in-law named Dr. William Beanes. In 1814, during the War of 1812, Dr. Beanes was captured by the British. Francis Scott Key, a friend of Dr. Beanes, went to the British ship to try and get him released.
From that ship, Key watched the British attack Fort McHenry in Baltimore. He saw the American flag still flying after the battle. This amazing sight inspired him to write the poem that became "The Star-Spangled Banner," our national anthem.
Later Generations at Wyoming
Colonel Marbury's oldest son, Captain William Marbury, also served in the War of 1812. He held several government positions but sadly passed away young from tuberculosis.
Captain William Marbury's son, William Luke Marbury, inherited Wyoming. He focused on farming and managing the family's large land. It was his daughter, Cora, who gave the house its name, "Wyoming."
William Luke Marbury's son, Fendall Marbury, became a lawyer. He and his wife, Catherine Taylor Marshall, moved into Wyoming in 1857. Catherine was the great-niece of Chief Justice John Marshall, a very famous judge. Fendall also held many important roles in the state government.
The Marbury family continued to own Wyoming until 1973. In 1980, Wyoming was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as an important historical site.
Wyoming Farm Today
Wyoming Farm is a new project that started in 2016 on the grounds of Wyoming. It's an orchard that grows chestnuts and pawpaws. In the future, the farm plans to let people come and "Pick Your Own" fruit and nuts.
The farm also offers fun activities like historical tours of the property. You can also learn about permaculture, which is a way of farming that works with nature. There's even a photography studio called Wyoming Farm Studio, where you can take photo workshops.
- Wyoming, Prince George's County, Inventory No.: PG:81B-4, including photo in 1978, at Maryland Historical Trust website
