Prettyman House
Location: 104 West Jefferson Street
| | Rockville's African American Heritage Walking Tour | |
For many African-Americans, emancipation from slavery meant transitioning from being a household slave to a paid domestic servant.
The Johnston-Prettyman family lived in this 1841 house for five generations. During their ownership they transitioned from owning slaves to employing domestic servants. This circa-1890 photograph of the Prettyman house shows an African-American domestic servant holding this family's baby.
Often these servants lived with their employers or walked from their residences in Haiti or Middle Lane.
The meager but steady income of domestic servitude started many African-American families on the long road to home ownership, financial self-sufficiency and access to education.
Erected by City of Rockville, Historic District Commission, Department of Community Planning and Development Services. (Marker Number 6.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Maryland, Rockville's African American Heritage Walking Tour series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1841.
Location. 39° 4.982′ N, 77° 9.365′ W. Marker is in Rockville, Maryland,
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Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Prettyman House (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Prettyman House (here, next to this marker); Rockville Baptist Church and Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); Rockville Academy (within shouting distance of this marker); The Bell Tower Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Dr. Stonestreet's Office (about 600 feet away); Stonestreet Medical Museum (about 700 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Beall-Dawson House and Park (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rockville.
Other markers no longer nearby. The Prettyman House (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Prettyman House (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Prettyman House (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced the linked marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 21, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 6, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 335 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 21, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on June 6, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on May 26, 2025, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia.
