Beall-Dawson House | Montgomery County

The Beall-Dawson House, located at 103 West Montgomery Avenue in Rockville, Maryland, is a prominent historic residence that offers a rich and nuanced glimpse into 19th-century life in Montgomery County. Built circa 1815 for Upton Beall, the Clerk of the Montgomery County Court, this Federal-style brick home reflects the architectural tastes and social status of an influential local family while also preserving the stories of the enslaved African Americans who lived and labored there.

Historical Context and Significance

Upton Beall came from a distinguished Georgetown family and built this elegant residence to serve both as a family home and a symbol of his standing in the community. The house’s construction employed Flemish bond brickwork, an architectural detail demonstrating craftsmanship and refinement uncommon in the more rural setting of early 19th-century Rockville.

Following Upton Beall’s death in 1827, his widow Jane and their three daughters continued to reside in the house, maintaining its status as a family estate through the mid-1800s. The Beall family was among the largest slave-owning families in Montgomery County during this period, owning as many as 52 enslaved individuals by 1860. These individuals worked both on the Rockville property and at other family holdings, performing a range of labor critical to the household and local economy.

The Beall-Dawson House thus encapsulates the stark duality of life in antebellum Maryland-showcasing the wealth and lifestyle of a prominent white family alongside the harsh realities of slavery and forced labor. The house contains quarters that once sheltered enslaved workers, allowing the museum to interpret and confront this difficult but essential aspect of local and national history.

Architectural and Interior Features

The Beall-Dawson House is constructed in the Federal style, characterized by symmetry, classic proportions, and refined decorative elements. Its brick walls, finely crafted woodwork, and balanced façade reflect early American architectural trends influenced by Georgian precedents but with lighter, more delicate detailing.

Inside, the house contains several rooms furnished with authentic 18th- and 19th-century period pieces, offering an immersive view into the domestic environment of a well-to-do family of the era. These period rooms reveal aspects of everyday life, including furniture, household goods, and personal belongings, helping visitors visualize the social customs, tastes, and routines of the Beall family.

Enslaved Persons’ Quarters and Interpretation

Distinctive in its approach, the museum does not overlook the lives of the enslaved people who inhabited the property. It preserves and interprets the spaces where enslaved laborers lived and worked, contextualizing their experiences within the broader history of slavery in Maryland. The house provides interpretive materials and exhibits that explore the roles enslaved people played in supporting the household and the economic systems of the time.

Adjacent Stonestreet Museum of 19th Century Medicine

Located nearby is the Stonestreet Museum, a one-room former doctor's office built for Dr. Edward E. Stonestreet. This complementary site offers insight into 19th-century medical practices, rural health care, and the challenges faced by country doctors. Exhibits include medical instruments, historical accounts, and information about the evolution of medical treatment during the period.

Museum Experience and Programs

Operated by Montgomery History, the Beall-Dawson House functions as a living museum, offering visitors both guided tours and self-guided explorations. The museum hosts rotating exhibitions that delve into various aspects of Montgomery County’s social, cultural, and material history. Programs often explore themes such as slavery, domestic life, architecture, and medicine in the 19th century, providing educational outreach for schools and the community.

The museum’s interpretive approach balances the telling of the Beall family’s story with a frank and respectful presentation of the enslaved individuals’ experiences, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of Maryland’s past.

Visiting Information

Location: 103 West Montgomery Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 20850.

Hours: Open Thursday through Sunday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Admission: Fees apply; visitors should contact the museum directly for current admission rates.

Parking: Off-street parking is available on West Middle Lane between North Adams Street and North Van Buren Street.

Accessibility: The museum strives to accommodate visitors with mobility needs, although some historic features may limit full accessibility.

Surrounding Attractions

The Beall-Dawson House is situated near several other cultural and recreational sites:

Rockville Town Square: A bustling hub with shops, dining, and seasonal events.

Rockville Civic Center Park: Offering trails, picnic spots, and outdoor cultural programs.

F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre: A venue for theatrical productions, concerts, and community events.

Summary

The Beall-Dawson House stands as a significant historic site in Rockville, Maryland, preserving the architectural elegance and lifestyle of a prominent 19th-century family while providing crucial interpretation of the enslaved people whose labor sustained them. Its Federal-style architecture, period furnishings, and inclusive storytelling create a layered, immersive experience that reveals the complexities of antebellum life. The adjacent Stonestreet Museum enhances the historical narrative by exploring contemporary medical practices. Together, these sites offer valuable insight into the social, cultural, and economic fabric of Montgomery County’s past.