The Oldest House in Maryland Is More than 350 Years Old

Maryland is one of the oldest territories in the United States. The state has a rich history and many of the homes, churches, and government buildings from centuries ago still stand to this day. In fact, the oldest house in Maryland, known as Brooke Place Manor, is over 350 years old!

History of Maryland

As any history buff knows, Maryland was a part of the Thirteen Colonies — a group of colonies founded by British settlers in the 17th and 18th centuries. Long before the United States of America gained its independence, homes and settlements were built in Maryland.

The state has a rich history dating back to 1632. In that year, King Charles I granted a charter to George Calvert, granting him property rights to a region east of the Potomac River, writes the History Channel. The land was named Maryland to honor Henrietta Maria, the French Catholic wife of King Charles I. Calvert’s son Cecilius succeeded his father in settling the land. Cecilius hoped that Maryland would be a safe haven for Roman Catholics fleeing persecution in England.

Origin of Brooke Place Manor

In 1652, Governor Robert Brooke Sr. built Brooke Place Manor, a one-and-a-half-story brick house with a steep A-roof. A wealthy immigrant, Brooke is said to have amassed thousands of acres of land by the time of his death in 1655. The first of his estates, known as De La Brooke Manor, is no longer standing.

However, Brooke Place Manor survives, though according to the Maryland Historical Trust, the residence was extensively altered in the 1840s. The archives write that the roof was “raised to two full stories and heavy, bracketed cornice introduced.” Brooke Place Manor also received an all-new interior, leaving the exterior walls as one of the few things that are unchanged to this day.

What Is a Manor House?

You might be wondering exactly what it means to call historical homes like Brooke Place a “manor house.” In the 17th century, manor houses were an outward symbol of wealth and power. They were also typically the primary residence of the lord of the manor. Robert Brooke Sr. was certainly an important man in 1600s Maryland. He was even made governor in 1652.

Location

Today, Brooke Place Manor remains on 100 acres of the land granted to Robert Brooke by Cecil Calvert in 1649. The historical residence remains in St. Leonard, MD, a census-designated place (CDP) in Calvert County.

A historical marker in St. Leonard also denotes De La Brooke Manor, a house near the Patuxent River which was originally built in 1650. However, the house that stands today is not the same as the original manor house, which was destroyed in 1835.

Other Points of Interest in St. Leonard, MD

If you’re passing through St. Leonard, MD, there are a few other fascinating places to check out. One of these locations is the Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum, a 560-acre state park and museum located along the Patuxent River.

The state park is home to more than 65 identified archaeological sites, as well as hiking and biking trails, according to Maryland.gov. Visitors can also launch kayaks and canoes into the Patuxent River or explore the Visitor Center’s interactive exhibits.

Where Is St. Leonard Located on a Map?

St. Leonard is located in southeastern Calvert County, Maryland, near Calvert Beach and Long Beach. The town is 43 miles due south of Annapolis and 52 miles southeast of Washington, D.C. It is on a peninsula separated from the rest of southern Maryland by the Potomac River.