Did the walls of Montpelier Mansion whisper secrets? I find myself wondering as we stand before this grand Georgian estate. Montpelier Mansion, also known as the Snowden-Long House, stands as a testament to a bygone era. It was built between 1781 and 1785 by Major Thomas Snowden and his wife, Anne Ridgely. Major Snowden, a veteran of the American Revolution, chose this picturesque location south of Laurel, Maryland, for their magnificent home. Originally part of a vast 9,000-acre plantation, Montpelier Mansion now sits on a more modest, but still impressive, 70 acres. The Snowdens, a prominent Maryland family, spared no expense in creating their five-part Georgian masterpiece.
Montpelier Mansion isn’t just bricks and mortar. It’s a story. A story of wealth and prestige, intertwined with the darker realities of plantation life. The Snowdens, like many wealthy families of their time, relied on the labor of enslaved people. As many as 169 individuals were enslaved on the Snowden plantation. Their forced labor fueled the family’s prosperity and enabled the construction of this very mansion. As you explore the house, consider the lives of those who toiled here. They built the walls, tended the gardens, and served the Snowden family. Their stories are an integral part of Montpelier’s history, a history that the museum strives to present fully and honestly.
The mansion welcomed many distinguished guests in its heyday. George Washington himself visited Montpelier at least twice in 1787, on his way to and from the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. Abigail Adams, wife of future President John Adams, also graced Montpelier with her presence. Can you imagine these historical figures strolling through these very halls, engaging in lively conversations within these rooms?
Montpelier’s architectural details are captivating. Notice the hipped roof with its prominent chimneys and the elegant five-bay elevation. The front and rear doors, framed by pilasters and open pediments, exude a sense of grandeur. Inside, admire the intricate carved woodwork and the paneling in the drawing room. This paneling conceals a secret doorway, a hidden passage leading to a set of stairs. Imagine the secrets shared, the clandestine meetings held behind that concealed door.
The grounds of Montpelier Mansion once boasted elaborate formal gardens. Terraces outlined by boxwood hedges and a 200-year-old boxwood maze graced the landscape. While most of the boxwood hedges are gone, a charming hexagonal summerhouse from the 18th century still stands. It invites you to step back in time and imagine the Snowden family enjoying the summer air. Montpelier Mansion offers a glimpse into the complexities of Maryland’s past. It’s a place where architectural beauty, historical significance, and the poignant stories of those who lived and worked here intertwine. As you leave Montpelier, carry with you not only the image of this grand mansion, but also the stories it holds within its walls.