Gardens, Grounds, and Architecture Tour

Park Event · Hampton National Historic Site · May 28, 2026 – Sep 6, 2026 · 11:00 AM–12:00 PM

Join us for a walk through the gardens and grounds. Learn about the creation of the parterres, the people that kept the gardens and grounds looking beautiful and their stories.

For much of Hampton’s history, scenic gardening reflected the interests, social statuses, wealth, and creativity of the Ridgely family. From the 1790’s to modern day, the cultural landscape of Hampton has changed to suit the wants and needs of those who occupy the property.

Hampton’s landscape tells the story of the many functions of landscaping, labors, and people used to create scenic grounds. From the Ridgely Family to the people that lived and labored here.

One story of many

Daniel Harris (1785-c.1867) was enslaved by Charles Carnan Ridgely before being manumitted (legally freed) in 1829. He continued to work as a gardener at Hampton for John Ridgely to make enough money to free his enslaved daughter Mary (b. 1826) in 1831. Although Daniel left Hampton in the early 1830s, he continued to be employed in the area. By 1853, he became the first free Black person to purchase property in the area that would become the historically Black neighborhood of East Towson.

Learn more about the history of the gardens

Source: National Park Service (public domain).