Bowie in Prince George's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Belair Stable
Photographed by F. Robby, November 26, 2004
1. Belair Stable Marker
In 1747 Maryland's Provincial Governor Samuel Ogle (1692-1752) brought to Belair the first documented breeding pair of thoroughbred horses, Spark and Queen Mab. Hailed as the Cradle of American Thoroughbred Racing, Belair's legacy continued with Ogle's brother-in-law, Colonel Benjamin Tasker, Jr. (1720-1760), importer of Othello and Selima, two of the most noted horses of colonial turf.
During the ownership of William Woodward (1876-1953), the Belair stud flourished again. From the first victory at the track in 1909, Woodward established the Belair name as preeminent in the racing field. Gallant Fox claimed all three of the Triple Crown races in 1930, only the second horse ever to do so. His son, Omaha, would follow suit in 1935. Nashua, Horse of the Year in 1955, was the last great Belair racehorse.
This stable, built in 1907, housed the thoroughbreds, as well as the carriage and riding horses, and contained stalls, tack rooms, a carriage house, and the apartment for the stable master. It now serves as part of the City of Bowie Museums System.
Erected by The City of Bowie.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Industry & Commerce • Notable Places • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1747.
Location.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the 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 Belair Stable (within shouting distance of this marker); The Stable Courtyard (within shouting distance of this marker); The Belair Stud Farm (within shouting distance of this marker); Andrew Jackson (within shouting distance of this marker); Developing a Garden Plan (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Archaeological Research of the Belair Garden (about 800 feet away); Belair (approx. 0.2 miles away); Belair on the Home Front (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bowie.
Additional keywords. jockeys; "Belair's expert horseman, Andrew Jackson"
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, April 20, 2013
2. Belair Stable Marker
"Courtesy of the City of Bowie Museum"
3. "Belair's expert horseman, Andrew Jackson"
Photographed by F. Robby, November 26, 2004
4. Belair Stable
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, April 21, 2013
5. Belair Stable Archway
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, April 21, 2013
6. Belair Stable
Photographed by Allen C. Browne
7. Belair Stable Patch
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, April 21, 2013
8. Belair Silks
On the tack room wall.
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, April 20, 2013
9. 1951 Calendar
On the tack room wall.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 2, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 16, 2007, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 3,704 times since then and 62 times this year. Last updated on July 2, 2013, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. Photos: 1. submitted on November 16, 2007, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland. 2. submitted on April 26, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 3. submitted on July 2, 2013, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 4. submitted on November 16, 2007, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on April 26, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
