Columbia in Howard County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Oakland Manor
Home of the Howard Dragoons
Oakland was the family home of George R. Gaither, a successful Baltimore merchant who purchased the property in 1838. His son, George R. Gaither, Jr., served as captain of a local militia unit, the Howard Dragoons (mounted infrantrymen). Most of the Dragoons were landed gentry from throughout the county, many of them slave owners. Here they drilled, learning the intricate movements of mounted combat. On special occasions, such as Independence Day, the Dragoons staged parades for the residents of Ellicott's Mills.
After the Baltimore Riot of April 19, 1861, the Howard Dragoons assisted in keeping the peace there. Most of the men, however, refused to take the oath of allegiance to the United States. Armed with cavalry sabers and Colt's revolvers, in May they rode to Leesburg, Virginia, and joined the Confederate army. The unit served variously as Company K, 1st Virginia Cavalry, Company M, 1st Maryland Calvary, and finally Company K, 2nd Maryland Cavalry. Gaither was captured at Manassas Junction on August 27, 1862, and later exchanged. He sailed to Europe the next year on a mission for the Confederate government. After the war, he became a cotton trader.
Oakland Manor's Slaves
About 200,000 African Americans served in the U.S. Army and Navy during the Civil War, including dozens of men from Howard County. Mason, William, and Joseph Shipley were slaves who labored here and on neighboring farms when the Civil War began. In 1863, they enlisted in the 9th U.S. Colored Troops (USCT). William Shipley was killed in Deep Bottom near Richmond, Virginia, in August 1864.
Erected by Civil War Trails.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Maryland Civil War Trails series list. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1791.
Location. 39° 13.38′ N, 76° 51.257′ W. Marker is in Columbia, Maryland, in Howard County. Marker can be reached from Vantage Point Road, 0.2 miles Little Patuxent Parkway, on the right when traveling south. Marker is on the left side of drive to Oakland Manor, about one tenth of a mile from Vantage Point Road where you see the Oakland sign. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Columbia MD 21044, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. James W. Rouse (approx. 0.3 miles away); Wilde Lake (approx. 0.3 miles away); Adam the First (approx. 2.8 miles away); Christ Episcopal Church (approx. 3 miles away); MacAlpine (approx. 3.6 miles away); St. John’s Episcopal Church (approx. 3.7 miles away); Koreatown (approx. 3.9 miles away); Decatur Dorsey (approx. 4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbia.
Also see . . . Historic Oakland. Venue website homepage (Submitted on February 10, 2008, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland.)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 10, 2008, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 4,300 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 10, 2008, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland.