Montpelier Mansion - Maryland
William Buckland: The addition of the architectural hyphens and the refined interior detailing of Montpelier is credited as the work of William Buckland. Buckland came to Annapolis in 1771, where he is credited for the finish work or joinery of Chase-Lloyd and Hammond-Harwood houses. Buckland's distinctive styling and specific knowledge of the latest English styles (Georgian, Palladian-influenced, Adamesque) identify his work. This is why, although formal documentation has not been found, Buckland has been credited with Montpelier's hyphenated wings and interior detailing, equaled only in residences such as the Hammond-Harwood house.
Further connecting the dots of the design and the creative influence of the former indentured craftsman, William Buckland, who studied in England and first brought his training and vision in Virginia via Gunston Hall for George Mason, where he completed his indentured program (1756 - 1759). Buckland worked as an architect for twenty years in Virginia. Then, attracted to its robust building, Buckland migrated to Annapolis, MD, during their political and commercial renaissance. Buckland contributed substantially to a new turn of American architecture in the Chesapeak area just as the colonies turned the page as a republic.
Snowden-Long House: Officially known as the Snowden-Long House, the mansion was constructed for a family whose wealth came from the iron forging industry and remained in that family's ownership until 1890. It's notable not just for its age and historical value but for the many detailed architectural elements that are part of the exterior and interior of Montpelier.
Another home in Maryland his talent would touch on with his design, even though he had passed by the time it was built, is Montpelier Mansion. The central block of Montpelier Mansion is considered one of the finest examples of classic Georgian architecture in Maryland. The hyphenated wings were added later, in 1794-1795, and show a Palladian influence. This addition and the refined interior detailing of Montpelier are credited as the influence of William Buckland. Buckland came to Annapolis in 1771, where he is credited for the interior work of the Chase-Lloyd and architect of the Hammond-Harwood houses and work on the William Paca House.
The south lawn of Montpelier features the "Belvedere" or "Summer House" at the end of the boxwood maze. Legend has it George Washington took clippings to start the boxwood gardens at Mount Vernon. George Washington visited at least twice (May and September 1787) on his way to and from Philadelphia as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention. Martha Washington was on the way to her husband's first presidential inauguration in 1789. Abigail Adams stayed here in 1800 to join President Adams in Washington..
Montpelier Orientation: Situated on a high knoll, Montpelier faces east, as did most other 18th-century homes of that type. The front and rear elevations are almost identical. Both have an equal number of 12-pane double-hung windows and central eave pediments.
Montpelier Architectural Details: The central portals are of similar design, with deeply recessed eight-panel doors framed by fluted Doric pilasters and a triglyph frieze under the pediment. The garden-front doorway has an additional fanlight in its pediment.
Montpelier Mansion: The centerpiece of Montpelier is a large, two-and-a-half-story, Flemish bond brick structure measuring 46 x 40 feet and resting on a raised basement. Hyphenated wings flank it with polygonal bays on the garden-front facade. The Hammond-Harwood House likely inspired the latter features in Annapolis (1774–1780), believed to have been the first use of polygonal bays in the design of a five-part American house.
William Buckland designed the Hammond-Hammond House, Annapolis, Maryland 1774 and introduced the area to Paladian architectural design just coming from London.
Snowden Family Coat of Arms: Brought to Maryland in 1658 when Richard Snowden originally migrated to America from Birmingham, England.
Located south of Laurel in Prince George's County, Maryland, Montpelier Mansion is a five-part, Georgian-style plantation house most likely constructed between 1781 and 1785. It is also known as the Snowden-Long House, built by Major Thomas Snowden and his wife, Anne. The home and 70 acres remain of what was once about 9,000 acres, operated as a National Historical Landmark (1970), and serves as a house and museum. The plantation house was home to four generations of Snowdens - The Snowden family would build their wealth through ironworks along the Patuxent River. The historic home is now reflecting its ownership by Nicholas Snowden (Thomas and Anne's son) in 1830.
Monpelier Colonial Revival Garden: Today, Montpelier features a picket-fenced colonial revival herb and flower garden with pathways covered in oyster shells and brick-lined edging detail.
The Summer House: A boxwood-lined pathway at Montpelier runs through the garden to the original 18th-century summer house. The Summer House is a rare existing hexagonal structure with a shingle roof, shiplap siding, and a cupola. The original structure was built in c. 1793.
The interior of Montpelier Mansion (the 1780s) features carved woodwork and detailing on the formal first floor. These rooms were flexible and multifunctional for the Snowdens. Major Thomas (so-called because of his service with the "Maryland Line" during the revolution) is also credited with enhancing the somewhat austere interior by adding the beautiful interior woodwork we see today. The carving may have been done by an indentured woodcarver sent to Snowden by George Washington. The Passageway doubles for dancing, is an extension for dining and could be used as a sleeping area in hot weather due to the cross ventilation.
Today, Montpelier features a picket-fenced colonial revival herb and flower garden with pathways covered in oyster shells. The large brick Coach House would have included a blacksmith that would service a large animal population and plantation needs. Exploring the property, you understand Montpelier was virtually self-sufficient. The mansion's last private owner, Christine Long Wilcox of the Long family, donated the property to the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission in 1961. The historic home was opened as a public tourist attraction in 1985, reflecting the Snowden family in 1830.
The center hall runs from front to back and is unobstructed by the stairway. The hall is adorned with a plaster entablature similar to that found at Mount Vernon.
Major Thomas Snowden promoted the beautiful interior woodwork we see today. The carving may have been done by an indentured woodcarver sent to Snowden by George Washington.
Photos of Montpelier from extensive 1936 and 1937 survey of the property highlight some of its remarkable architectural details. The plaster entablature similar to that found at Mount Vernon is quite evident in these photos. The rooms located on the carriage front are far plainer, containing a paneled fireplace wall (TOP LEFT), simpler cornice, and chair rail. Perhaps because these rooms were intended for family use rather than formal entertaining, they are more in keeping with the simplicity called for by Quaker tenets. (TOP RIGHT) The Dining Room is the most elaborate room for entertainment with a corner cabinet for china and crystal. It also features wall-to-wall carpet that would arrive in 27-inch strips and sewn together in place to match the pattern..
The southeast drawing room at one time it served as the dining room, hence the corner cupboard with its recessed serving tray and beautifully executed Corinthian columns.
"General Washington with his staff made many calls at Montpelier and was always welcomed whether they were hurried day calls or for night accommodations."
George Washington stopped on his way to and after returning from the Constitutional Convention in 1787. Here, Abigail Adams rested on a journey between Baltimore and Washington, DC.
Many interesting anecdotes are treasured in the family connected with this old house - Hospitality was a prevailing characteristic of the legacy of Montpelier. Family stories post-revolution "witnessed the house filled to its utmost capacity for a week at a time, numbering with their servants 20 or 30 persons, carriage horses, and servants and horses in proportion."
