Ready to step back in time? Welcome to Historic London Town and Gardens. It is a place where the past and present meet.
Historic London Town and Gardens is a twenty-three-acre park. It features history and horticulture on the South River. You’ll find it in Edgewater, Maryland. This fascinating site combines history and archaeology.
Let’s dive into the story of this special place. Historic London Town was established in 1683. It was a 100-acre town. London Town became an important Chesapeake tobacco port. It was a key player in the transatlantic trade network. The town was located on the major north-south route. It became a central transportation hub. The ferry landings made it a bustling commercial center.
But by the early nineteenth century, London Town was almost a memory. Anne Arundel County bought the William Brown House in the 1820s. It became the County Almshouse. It housed and fed the poor and homeless. Because the house was being used, it survived. It became a relic of the once vibrant community.
In 1965, the National Welfare Act caused the county to close the Almshouse. The site started its current life. It became a history, horticulture, and archaeology museum.
Now, let’s talk about the William Brown House. It was built around 1760. This iconic building might be the most visually impressive thing here. It’s a beautiful red-brick structure. William Brown was an ambitious carpenter, tavern-keeper, and ferry master. This impressive Georgian structure sits against the water. It is an ideal backdrop for events.
There are also reconstructed buildings here at Historic London Town and Gardens. See the Lord Mayor’s Tenement. Explore the carpenter’s shop. These were built on their archaeological footprints.
Make sure you visit the visitor center. Tucked away in the basement is an impressive museum. See items found on or near the property. These items cover thousands of years of history.
Don’t miss the gardens. They cover more than half the area. Many different kinds of flowers bloom here during the spring. Fall brings its own display of colors.
Historic London Town and Gardens offers great views of the South River.
Today, you can take a tour of the Historic Area and William Brown House. Thousands of school children enjoy programs here. Wedding parties and businesses use the gardens and pavilion. They love it as the setting for their special day.
Historic London Town and Gardens hopes to complete its reconstruction projects. They include the Carpenter Shop and Rumney-West Tavern. The gardens wants to sustain London Town-grown plants. It will continue its archaeological and historical research.
So come explore Historic London Town and Gardens. It is a place where history comes alive. Enjoy the beautiful gardens. Discover the stories of the past. Take a leisurely stroll. Absorb the scenery and the history.