Cambridge in Dorchester County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
LaGrange Plantation
History of the Property
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones, June 13, 2026
1. LaGrange Plantation Marker
This property has been called many unique names over the years, but it seems LaGrange Plantation was a title that lasted. Originally part of an area deemed Shallow Creek by the local Choptank tribe of Native Americans, the property first changed ownership when it was purchased by an early settler: John Kirk. Then acquired for forty-two matchcoats (cloaks made from either wools or furs), it evolved to become known as Ricarton, Phillips Discover, and later, Woolford's Regulation.
Around 1760, the Meredith House (its current name) was built by John Woolford. that is the large brick home standing on the property today. The name LaGrange, however, came about by some of the later homeowners in the mid-1800s.
Meaning "barn," "country home," or perhaps, to serve as a fancy term for "gentleman's farm," LaGrange Plantation once consisted of over four hundred acres, but by the mid-1800s, it had decreased to roughly forty. Throughout its history, its fields were recorded to have grown tobacco and tomatoes.
Erected by Dorchester County Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1760.
Location. 38° 33.988′
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on the Eastern Shore. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic, on the Delmarva Peninsula, in the Tidewater, and in the Chesapeake Bay Region. 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 Goldsborough Stable (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Meredith House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Stronghouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Plantation Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Meredith House (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Robbin's Heritage Center (about 300 feet away); Turning Numbers into Names (approx. 0.3 miles away); Shoal Creek (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cambridge.
Other markers no longer nearby. Goldsborough Stable (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Meredith House (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Neild Museum (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Smokehouse / Strong House; Helen C. Barber Herb Garden
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 13, 2026
2. LaGrange Plantation Marker with the Meredith House visible in the background
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 13, 2026
3. Dedication plaque on the Meredith House
Built 1760
Dedicated 1960
in memoroy of
Thomas M. Meredith
and
Joseph Bestpitch Meredith
by
Thomas Steele Nichols
Grandson of
Joseph Bestpitch Meredith
Credits. This page was last revised on June 14, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 14, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 14, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
