Edmonston in Prince George's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Remarkable Plummer Family
From Riversdale to Mount Rose
— Anacostia Trails Heritage Area —
Despite being born into slavery, the Plummers overcame many obstacles, seeing Henry Vinton become the first Black chaplain [and therefore an officer] in the regular U.S. Army. Robert Francis was a professional pharmacist, and daughter Nellie Arnold was a school teacher. Through their efforts, and in praise to God for the deliverance of their family, the Plummers started the St. Paul Baptist Church, originally located in Bladensburg. The church, now in Capitol Heights, is still thriving and stands as a testament to the faith of the family.
Adam Francis Plummer's diary was the inspiration for daughter Nellie's self-financed book, Out of the Depths or Triumph of the Cross, originally published in 1927, that chronicles the family history. This book is testament to the empowerment and success of an African American family in spite of the institution of slavery.
Erected 2008 by Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1870.
Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 38° 56.98′ N, 76° 56.106′ W. Marker was in Edmonston, Maryland, in Prince George's County. Marker was at the intersection of Decatur Street and Taylor Road, on the right when traveling west on Decatur Street. Marker is located adjacent to the west bank levee of the Anacostia River, Northeast Branch, on the East Coast Greenway Trail (Riverside Drive Park hiker/biker trail) in the Edmonston Veterans Park. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Hyattsville MD 20781, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Adam F. Plummer (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); The City of Hyattsville (approx. 0.3 miles away); Route One, Our Hometown Main Street (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Hyattsville National Historic District (approx. half a mile away); Rhode Island Ave Trolley Trail (approx. 0.6 miles away); Suffrage Motorcade (approx. 0.7 miles away); Indian Queen Tavern (approx. 0.7 miles away); George Washington House (approx. 0.7 miles away).
More about this marker. The marker includes pictures with the following captions
Two pictures in the upper left: "Adam F. Plummer's original home (above) was later replaced by this larger structure (right)."
Pictures of three homes on the left of the marker:
"Robert Francis Plummer's home."
"Nicholas Saunders Plummer's home."
"Henry Vinton Plummer's home."
"Family portrait on the upper right of the marker: "Patriarch Adam Francis Plummer surrounded by his family outside Mount Rose. Standing, left to right: Robert Francis, Nellie Arnold, Margaret Jane, Nicholas Saunders. Sitting, Sara Miranda, Robert Francis, Henry Vinton. Front, Margaret's daughter Nellie."
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study each marker in the order shown.
Also see . . . Adam Francis Plummer: the story of a remarkable man and his family [brochure]. Internet Archive website entry (Submitted on March 17, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Additional keywords. Reconstruction, freedman, emancipation; Emily Saunders Plummer.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 18, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 18, 2008, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 2,486 times since then and 105 times this year. Last updated on August 26, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 20, 2008, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.