This park just outside of Baltimore Md. preserves the plantation home and central estate grounds of the the Ridgelys, a prominent Maryland family from Revolutionary times. The photo shows Hampton Hall, the elegant Georgian mansion completed in 1790 in which the family lived. The family started freeing their slaves in 1829 but full emancipation did not occur until November 1, 1864. Until that time a vary sized enslaved work force helped maintain the home, grounds, and gardens to the Ridgely's benefit.
