Bladensburg in Prince George's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Market Square & Stone House
Bladensburg Archaeology
— Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail —
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 2, 2014
1. The Market Square & Stone House Marker
Christopher Lowndes, a prominent English merchant, constructed a small stone building here around 1760. Although he lived at Bostwick on the hill to the east, this property stayed in the Lowndes family until 1883. Over the past 250 years, Lowndes's stone building appears to have served as a post stop, a general store, and a domestic residence. During the 18th century people would have met in the space in front of the house, known as the "market square" to trade goods and visit with their neighbors.
Although free and enslaved people of African descent were part of the Bladensburg community, there is no evidence of them being bought and sold here. Indentured servants from Great Britain disembarked at the Port of Bladensburg, but slave ships from Africa were unloaded at Georgetown and Annapolis.
Erected 2014 by Maryland State Highway Administration.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Anthropology & Archaeology • Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Star Spangled Banner National Historic Trail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1760.
Location. 38° 56.351′ N, 76° 56.209′ W. Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Hilleary-Magruder House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Casualties of War (about 300 feet away); Bostwick (about 600 feet away); British Stopover (approx. 0.2 miles away); A Workplace of Many Generations (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Bostwick (approx. 0.2 miles away); Preserving the Past (approx. 0.2 miles away); An Evolving Landscape (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bladensburg.
Also see . . .
1. The Market Master's House and Square: An Introductory History. Bladensburg Archeology Project, Friday May 29, 2009. (Submitted on August 3, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.)
2. An Artist's View. Les Barker's discussion of his painting of the Market Master's House. (Submitted on August 3, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.)
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 2, 2014
2. The Market Square & Stone House Marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 2, 2014
3. The Market Square & Stone House Marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 2, 2014
4. Open For Business
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 2, 2014
5. Archaeology
While digging here in 2009 and 2010, Maryland State Highway Administration archaeologists found fancy plates and expensive tea wares. The presence of such upscale artifacts in yard of this humble building was curious. Further research revealed this house may have served as a store in the 18th century. To learn more about archaeology of Bladensburg, visit www.bladensburgarchaeology.com.
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, June 9, 2013
6. The Market Master's House
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, June 9, 2013
7. The Market Master's House
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 2, 2014
8. The Market Master's House
Bladensburg, Maryland
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, June 9, 2013
9. Market Master's House
Built by
Christopher Lowdes
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, June 9, 2013
10. Front Door
Credits. This page was last revised on May 6, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 3, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 689 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 3, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 3. submitted on August 4, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. submitted on August 3, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
