Montpelier Mansion | Prince Georges County

Montpelier Mansion is a historic Georgian-style plantation house located in Laurel, Maryland, built between 1781 and 1785 by Major Thomas Snowden and his wife Anne Dorsey Ridgely. It stands as a well-preserved example of late 18th-century architecture and offers deep insights into Maryland’s colonial and early American history, including the lives of the Snowden family and the enslaved people who lived and worked on the estate.

Architectural Features

Montpelier Mansion is a five-part Georgian house, characterized by a central two-story main block flanked by smaller, one-and-a-half-story end pavilions connected by narrow hyphens. The symmetrical façade features a five-bay front with a projecting three-bay pavilion topped by a pediment. The roof is hipped, with prominent chimneys rising midway, adding to the balanced and stately appearance.

The front and rear entrances are similarly styled with flanking pilasters and open pediments. Inside, the mansion showcases exquisite carved woodwork, including detailed paneling in rooms such as the drawing room, where a hidden door conceals a staircase-an intriguing architectural feature indicative of the era’s craftsmanship. The house reflects classical Georgian design principles of proportion, symmetry, and elegance.

Historical Context and Enslaved People

Montpelier was the center of a larger plantation complex owned by the Snowden family, who were prominent landowners and industrialists involved in ironworks in Maryland. The estate relied heavily on enslaved labor for its agricultural and domestic operations.

Historical records identify enslaved individuals such as Catte Creek and Ben, the latter a skilled blacksmith, highlighting the presence and essential contributions of enslaved people to the estate’s functioning. The mansion’s history offers a complex and important narrative that reflects both the wealth and power of the Snowden family and the human cost of slavery in Maryland’s colonial society.

Museum and Educational Programs

Today, Montpelier Mansion operates as a museum under the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. It offers visitors a comprehensive experience through:

Guided Tours: Regular and themed tours delve into the architecture, daily life of the mansion’s inhabitants, and the stories of enslaved people. Tours provide an immersive understanding of 18th-century plantation life and the social dynamics of the time.

Exhibits: The museum houses exhibits that showcase original artifacts, period furnishings, and interpretive displays about the Snowden family, slavery, and preservation efforts. These exhibits enrich visitors’ understanding of the mansion’s historical significance.

Educational Programs: The mansion hosts school programs, workshops, and lectures aimed at educating the public about Maryland’s colonial history, architecture, and the African American experience connected to the estate.

Annual Events: Special events such as the Festival of Herbs, Tea, and the Arts provide cultural enrichment and community engagement, featuring gardening demonstrations, music, and historical reenactments.

Grounds and Gardens

The mansion is surrounded by well-maintained gardens reflecting 18th-century landscape design. A flower and herb garden complements the historic ambiance, with paths lined by boxwood shrubs leading to an original summer house (belvedere), situated on its authentic foundation. These grounds offer visitors a peaceful setting for reflection and photography while illustrating the lifestyle and tastes of the colonial elite.

Visitor Information

Location: 9650 Muirkirk Road, Laurel, Maryland.

Operating Hours: Open Thursday through Monday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Admission: Adults $5; seniors $4; children ages 5 to 18 $2; children under 5 free.

Accessibility: The mansion and grounds offer accessibility accommodations, though some areas may have limitations due to the historic nature of the building.

Facilities: The site includes a visitor center, restrooms, and a gift shop featuring books, souvenirs, and local crafts.

Montpelier Arts Center

Adjacent to the mansion is the Montpelier Arts Center, which enriches the cultural experience with rotating exhibitions, artist studios, and classrooms. The center offers programs in visual arts, literature, and performing arts, engaging local artists and community members.

Summary

Montpelier Mansion stands as a remarkable preservation of Maryland’s colonial heritage, blending architectural grandeur with profound historical narratives, including the complex legacy of slavery. Visitors gain a comprehensive understanding of 18th-century plantation life, the Snowden family’s influence, and the vital contributions of enslaved individuals. The mansion, its gardens, and the nearby arts center together create a rich cultural and educational destination, making it a significant site for both history enthusiasts and the general public.