Bladensburg in Prince George's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
A Workplace of Many Generations
Bostwick
Star Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
Photographed by Don Morfe, July 16, 2016
1. Bostwick Marker
Inscription.
A Workplace of Many Generations. Bostwick. Although never part of an extensive agricultural plantation, the Bostwick House property was the workplace of many people over the centuries. The earliest residents, the Piscataway Indians, left some evidence that the area was used for hunting and fishing along the Anacostia River. During the 18th century, Bostwick was home to both enslaved and indentured workers who built the house and outbuildings, tended the gardens and livestock, and performed domestic duties; some of these workers may have also worked in Lowndes shipbuilding and mercantile enterprises.
In the 1820s, the Stephen Family owned the Bostwick property along with 17 enslaved workers ranging in age from a newborn to a man of 75 years, these workers tended to the small gardens and orchard, and provided the labor to run the household. By the 20 century, the property had become a rural retreat amid the growing metropolis of Washington, D.C., and served as a private residence with a small kitchen garden, horses, and a few cattle tended by family members and some hired hands.
Ran away , As described in the Maryland Gazette (right), Christopher Lowndes, a major importer of enslaved Africans, supplied slave labor to industries like his rope walk in Bladensburg as well as plantations across Maryland. , Maryland Gazette, September 13, 1764.
Ran away from the Subscriber at Bladensburg, on the first of this instant September, a Negro Man named Joe, about 35 Years old, of a low Stature, and has a very wide Walk. His Breeches are red; but the other Part of his Dress is not certainly known. His is by Trade a Ship Carpenter or Caulker, and when he lived with some former Mafter, he was allowed to look for Work in different Rivers. Whoever will bring him to his Mafter, shall have Twenty Shillings more than the Law allows. All Mafters of Veffels and Others are defired not to employ or entertain him. He is very artful, and probably may endeavour to pass as a Freeman. Should he be brought any confiderable Diftance, Satisfaction will be made in Proportion. It will be neceffary to tie him frecurely. Christopher Lowndes.
Although never part of an extensive agricultural plantation, the Bostwick House property was the workplace of many people over the centuries. The earliest residents, the Piscataway Indians, left some evidence that the area was used for hunting and fishing along the Anacostia River. During the 18th century, Bostwick was home to both enslaved and indentured workers who built the house and outbuildings, tended the gardens and livestock, and performed domestic duties; some of these workers may have also worked in Lowndes shipbuilding and mercantile enterprises.
In the 1820s, the Stephen Family owned the Bostwick property along with 17 enslaved workers ranging in age from a newborn to a man of 75 years, these workers tended to the small gardens and orchard, and provided the labor to run the household. By the 20 century, the property had become a rural retreat amid the growing metropolis of Washington, D.C., and served as a private residence with a small kitchen garden, horses, and a few cattle tended by family members and some hired hands.
Ran away As described in the Maryland Gazette (right), Christopher Lowndes, a major importer of enslaved Africans, supplied slave labor to industries like his rope walk in Bladensburg as well as plantations across Maryland. Maryland Gazette, September 13, 1764.
Ran away from the Subscriber at Bladensburg, on the first of this instant September, a Negro Man named Joe, about 35 Years old, of a low Stature, and has a very wide Walk. His Breeches are red; but the other Part of his Dress is not certainly known. His is by Trade a Ship Carpenter or Caulker, and when he lived with some former Mafter, he was allowed to look for Work in different Rivers. Whoever will bring him to his Mafter, shall have Twenty Shillings more than the Law allows. All Mafters of Veffels and Others are defired not to employ or entertain him. He is very artful, and probably may endeavour to pass as a Freeman. Should he be brought any confiderable Diftance, Satisfaction will be made in Proportion. It will be neceffary to tie him frecurely. Christopher Lowndes.
Location. 38° 56.254′ N, 76° 56.084′ W. Marker is in Bladensburg, Maryland, in Prince George's County. It is on 48th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3901 48th Street, Bladensburg MD 20710, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in the Mid-Atlantic, and on the Eastern Seaboard. 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: British Stopover (here,
Credits. This page was last revised on June 12, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 21, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 728 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 21, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
