Beallsville in Dickerson in Montgomery County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Seneca Stone Barn
Restoring History
This circa 1800 stable was built either by the Young family or the Fisher family of Seneca sandstone most likely quarried nearby on the Potomac River. Seneca stone was prized for its ruddy variegated color, local abundance, and durability. A stable built of stone was truly exceptional because the vast majority of agricultural buildings in Montgomery County were made of wood.
Today, this restored facility stands as the centerpiece of the 418 acre parcel Mr. Herman Greenberg donated to the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission in 1999 for equestrian pursuits.
Sheltering Horses
Maintenance of horses requires a special shelter: a barn or stable. The term "stable" became associated with horses in the 18th century. Stables were built for racing and hunting clubs, the military, commercial enterprises, urban residences and farms.
Of all common livestock, horses seemed to be most susceptible to disease, so their health was the first consideration in stable design. Horses had long been kept in dark and damp quarters, but in the early 1800s owners came to recognize the importance of proper drainage and a balance of light and air with shelter from cold winds. Other considerations included the height of the horses, the number of animals to be sheltered, and the local climate.
Whether built of wood, masonry, or brick, the expense of construction a horse barn or stable demonstrated a considerable investment. This Seneca Stone Barn is a rare example of a traditional British-style horse barn — one of a very few still standing in the mid-Atlantic region.
Erected by Montgomery Parks.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Animals • Architecture. A significant historical year for this entry is 1800.
Location. 39° 11.205′ N, 77° 26.614′ W. Marker is in Dickerson, Maryland, in Montgomery County. It is in Beallsville. Marker can be reached from Wasche Road, 0.3 miles north of Farm Road Trail, on the right when traveling north. Along the Stone Barn Loop trail off the Farm Road Trail, an unpaved road that begins at 20101 Wasche Road. An identical marker can be found at the parking lot of the Moritz Greenberg Equestrian Center at 20207 Darnestown Road. (GPS: 39.194798, -77.427412). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 20101 Wasche Rd, Beallsville MD 20839, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Linden Farm (approx. 0.8 miles away); Washington's Farm (approx. 1.1 miles away); Brewer Farmstead (approx. 1.3 miles away); Equestrian Heritage (approx. 1.3 miles away); African American Soldiers from Montgomery County (approx. 1.4 miles away); White's Ford (approx. 1˝ miles away); a different marker also named White's Ford (approx. 1.6 miles away); In Loving Memory (approx. 1.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dickerson.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 21, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 28, 2015, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 710 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. submitted on July 28, 2015, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.