Perched on a ridge in Georgetown Tudor Place stands tall. A grand estate it boasts wide lawns formal gardens and lush woods. This National Historic Landmark is more than just a pretty face. Tudor Place whispers tales of America’s past. From its Federal and Regency architecture to its connection to prominent families its history is rich and deep.
The story begins long before Georgetown existed. Native Americans the Nacotchtank lived in a village called Tohoga. Then English traders arrived. Disease and displacement sadly followed. The land became part of Maryland. Later Scottish Colonel Ninian Beall owned much of the land where Tudor Place now sits. He named it Rock of Dumbarton.
Georgetown’s founding included land donated by George Beall Jr. This land included the site of Tudor Place. In 1794 merchant Francis Lowndes bought it. He started building but then sold the unfinished house. Thomas Peter and Martha Parke Custis Peter bought it in 1805.
The Peters were incredibly well-connected. Thomas was the son of Georgetown’s first mayor. Martha was a descendant of Martha Washington herself. Their connections extended to many figures. The Marquis de Lafayette President Andrew Jackson and General Robert E Lee all visited Tudor Place. Dr William Thornton designed the home. He also designed the US Capitol Building and the Octagon House.
Tragedy struck the family. Britannia Wellington Peter’s husband Commodore Beverly Kennon died in the USS Princeton explosion. This accident also killed other prominent figures. President John Tyler was aboard but survived. Britannia lived at Tudor Place until her death in 1911. Her descendants continued to live there. Armistead Peter III eventually donated it to a foundation. Tudor Place opened to the public in 1988.
Tudor Place reflects the complexities of American history. The Peters owned slaves. Martha inherited slaves from Martha Washington. The lives of these enslaved people are now being studied and their stories told. Barbara Twine Cole was a slave who worked at Tudor Place. She was a nanny and later a lady’s maid. Sadly she was assaulted and had a daughter Hannah who was sold. Will Johnson was another slave. He was a coachman and managed the smokehouse. Other slaves like Patty Allen and Will Twine worked at Tudor Place and lived off the property.
The architecture of Tudor Place is exquisite. It blends Federal and Regency styles. The north facade is plain while the south is elaborate. A stunning temple portico dominates the south. Inside ornate plasterwork and detailed fireplaces are highlights. Even the original Thomas and Martha Peter’s bedroom is still visible today.
During the War of 1812 Martha Peter and Dr Thornton’s wife witnessed the burning of Washington DC from Tudor Place. They watched as the Capitol and the White House burned. It was a night of profound historical significance.
Tudor Place has been exceptionally well-preserved. Six generations of the Peter family lived there. They maintained the home and its collection. It became a National Historic Landmark in 1960. Armistead Peter III ensured its future by giving a scenic easement to the US government. Today Tudor Place stands as a testament to American history. It is a treasure for all to experience.