La Plata Historic District | Annapolis

The La Plata Historic District, located in La Plata, Charles County, Maryland, is a vibrant area reflecting the town's deep historical roots and architectural evolution from the 18th through the early 20th centuries. The district serves as a testament to the region’s growth, particularly after La Plata became the county seat in the late 19th century. It preserves a variety of structures ranging from modest homes to prominent estates, many of which are recognized on the National Register of Historic Places due to their architectural significance and historical value.

Detailed Overview of Notable Historic Properties in La Plata Historic District

1. The Exchange (circa 1778)

The Exchange is a modest, yet historically significant, residential building representing late 18th-century vernacular architecture. It is a narrow, one-story frame house with a gambrel roof, designed in a practical and economical style suitable for a family of moderate means during that period. The interior features woodwork that exemplifies craftsmanship of the era. The property includes a late-18th-century tobacco house, which is indicative of the importance of tobacco agriculture in Maryland’s economy at that time. In addition, the site features a 20th-century garage, a well house, and a swimming pool, showing how the property evolved over centuries while maintaining its historic core. The Exchange reflects the agrarian lifestyle that dominated the region before industrialization and urbanization. It was officially recognized by its inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

2. The Hermitage (circa 1847)

This Federal-style house is a more elaborate example of mid-19th-century architecture in La Plata. It is a two-story, three-bay frame building topped with a dormered gable roof, which adds both functional space and aesthetic appeal. The most striking feature is its deep wraparound veranda supported by Tuscan columns, reflecting a blend of classical influences and Southern architectural traditions. The Hermitage was built by Major George W. Matthews, a significant local figure who was both a farmer and an attorney. Matthews played an instrumental role in the development of La Plata, particularly in lobbying for relocating the Charles County seat from Port Tobacco to La Plata in the 1890s. The home’s size and architectural detailing illustrate the growing prosperity and civic pride of La Plata during that era. The Hermitage was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998, highlighting its importance in local history.

3. Locust Grove (also known as Beech Neck)

Locust Grove is a historic plantation-style home situated near La Plata. The earliest portion of this house dates back to before 1750, making it one of the older surviving structures in the area. Around 1825, the house underwent significant expansion, adopting the Federal style popular in early 19th-century America. It is a two-story, three-bay frame house characterized by symmetrical design and refined architectural details typical of the Federal period. The house commands an impressive view of the Port Tobacco Valley, which was historically vital for trade and agriculture. Locust Grove was not only a residence but also a working farmstead, reflecting the rural plantation economy of southern Maryland. Its preservation offers valuable insight into early colonial and post-colonial life. This property also earned placement on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998.

4. Cedar Grove (circa 1854)

Cedar Grove stands out as an example of late Federal style architecture with an unusual three-part layout. The main portion is a two-story brick block built in common bond brickwork, a typical masonry technique of the time. Attached to this is a two-part east wing that complements the main structure while serving practical household functions. The house was constructed by Francis Boucher Franklin Burgess, a prominent local figure, whose family was influential in the area’s social and economic development. The property encompasses several outbuildings, including two large barns that were likely used for agricultural storage and livestock, a smaller cattle barn, and various sheds for equipment and supplies. Cedar Grove embodies the agricultural prosperity of mid-19th-century Charles County and the lifestyle of its landed gentry. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

Architectural and Historical Significance of La Plata Historic District

The La Plata Historic District reflects a spectrum of architectural styles and historical periods, from modest colonial farmhouses to elegant Federal and Victorian homes. It serves as a physical chronicle of La Plata’s transformation from a rural agricultural hub to a center of county government and commerce. The district’s structures reveal evolving building techniques, stylistic preferences, and socioeconomic changes in southern Maryland over nearly two centuries.

The relocation of the Charles County seat to La Plata in 1895 was a pivotal event that spurred growth and development. Many homes and public buildings within the historic district date from this period of expansion. The preservation of these buildings provides critical insights into the lives of the town’s early residents, including farmers, merchants, and civic leaders.

The district's blend of residential, agricultural, and public architecture creates a cohesive historical environment, making it a valuable resource for understanding Maryland’s heritage. Preservation efforts continue to maintain the character and integrity of the area, ensuring that La Plata’s story remains tangible for future generations.