The Riversdale Dependency

The Riversdale Dependency. . , Large estates, such as Riversdale, had a number of outbuildings. These support structures, or dependencies, were essential to the operation of a large property. Historians and archaeologists have documented that a kitchen, servant quarters, wash house, smokehouse, privy, and garden wall formerly occupied the yard east (this side) of the mansion. , This dependency is the last surviving outbuilding from the Riversdale estate. Structural investigations indicate that it was likely built in the mid-nineteenth century, probably during the occupancy of Charles Benedict Calvert. however archaeological investigation of the dirt and clay floor revealed an earlier foundation, suggesting that there may have been a similar building on this site during the lifetimes of Rosalie and George Calvert. , This structure, approximately 30 feet east of the main house, is a simple two-story building with two entrances. Like the main house, it is constructed of brick and covered with stucco. A central chimney served a fireplace in each of the two side-by-side units and a stair ladder provided access to the second story. , Over the years this building had many different uses. An 1849 fire insurance policy refers to it as a "Servants House of Brick," while a later document suggests it was used as a kitchen. A listing in the 1860 census indicates that a family was occupying the structure at that time. With the restoration of the building, the south half (right side) of the structure has been interpreted as a working replica kitchen and the north half (left side) will be used for a variety of exhibits.