BC Visitors Guide

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American History
Hampton National Historic Site
The Hampton National Historic Site, part
of the National Park Service, features a
Georgian mansion, historic farm, and
beautifully landscaped grounds. The
mansion, when completed in 1790, was
one of the largest homes in the United
States and owned for more than 150
years by the Ridgelys, a prominent Mary-
land family. Today, some 20 buildings
and 40,000 artifacts remain to tell the
stories of the lives and culture of the di-
verse people of Hampton – hired indus-
trial and farm workers, enslaved African
Americans, and the estate’s owners.
nps.gov/hamp
Benjamin Banneker Historical
Park and Museum
The Benjamin Banneker Historical
Park and Museum preserves the leg-
acy of the first African American man
of science. Benjamin Banneker (1731-
1806) was a self-taught mathematician
and astronomer who helped survey
the boundary for Washington, DC. This
national landmark site was the farm-
stead of the Banneker family and dates
back to the 17th century. Today you’ll
find a museum, gift shop, patio gar-
den, nature trails, and a restored 19th-
century replica of Banneker’s log cabin.
A trip to the Smithsonian isn’t necessary to experience
American history or travel back to the early days of
aviation. You can explore fascinating museums and
historic sites right here in Baltimore County.
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