Northampton Slave Quarters (01-17)

Historical narrative

This is one of two slave quarters on Mitchellville's Northampton Plantation (1673–1860), located between Enterprise Road and Largo off what is now Central Avenue. The 1,000-acre plantation was founded by Thomas Sprigg on land granted by Charles Calvert, 3rd Baron Baltimore. The plantation was a large-scale agricultural operation, primarily known for cultivating tobacco, but also supporting food crops, orchards, and livestock. Enslaved people had their own garden plots for raising food. After slavery was abolished, the agricultural labor system transitioned to tenant farming.

Watercolor

© Stephen B. Hales — All Rights Reserved