May 15, 2005

Haverford Homes to reconstruct first slave/tenant structure in Prince George's County

While studying the land for an estate community in Southern Prince George’s County, Maryland in 2004, Haverford Homes discovered a structure that served as a 19th century slave/tenant house. The structure has surpassed in duration most houses of this era built in the "Virginia House Style" by one hundred and fifty years. Houses built in such fashion, first utilized by Chesapeake colonists in the 1660s, typically lasted only 20 to 30 years due to the direct contact of wood structural members with moist soil.

Previous investigation into the history of this particular parcel of land suggests that former owners in the 19th century employed slave labor, as indicated by the 1840 sale of the estate. The presently rundown structure lacks architectural details, adding to the probability that is was designed to be secondary housing or a functional structure - most likely slave quarters.

If further archeological investigation by Haverford Homes of the structure determines its construction to predate the Civil War, the site may be eligible to be entered into the National Register of Historic Places, the Maryland Register, or the Prince George’s County Inventory of Historic Resources. It would be the only presently existing slave residence in Prince George’s County.

Haverford Homes recognizes the significance of the property to regional and national history and will oversee the restoration of this property for public viewing, following archival of significant artifacts. According to Mr. Michael Taylor, Executive Vice President of Haverford Homes, "the structure will be a testament to present and future generations of the onerous living conditions of our great grandparents. As an African-American, I am proud that my team at Haverford Homes will bring to fruition such an important historical gift to the residents of the Greater Washington Metropolitan area."