NPS Louise Roman Humrichouse Ridgely (1883-1934), John, Jr.'s first wife, was born and raised in Hagerstown, Maryland. She and John Ridgely, Jr. met while he was a student at St. James School for Boys in Hagerstown. They married in 1909. Though never actually a mistress of Hampton, Louise raised her three children, including John Ridgely III in the large white clapboard house her husband built on estate property in the shadow of the Mansion. She participated with her husband in foxhunting and the equestrian life on the estate. Sadly, she died young, following a long illness, when her daughter and namesake Louise was still a teenager. Individuals
Learn about the people Hampton
PeopleHampton is the story of the many different people that came through the site. Learn their stories here! Learn More
The Ridgely FamilyThe Ridgely Family owned and managed the Hampton Estate for almost 200 years. Explore their impact on history! 
Free Black LaborersFree Black Laborers worked at Hampton for various reasons. A good amount did to eventually purchase their family members. 
Revealing the Lives of the EnslavedA recent Ethnographic Study uncovered major information on the lives of those enslaved at Hampton and their descendants. Read about it here. 
Slavery at HamptonFrom the colonial period through 1864, the Ridgelys enslaved over 500 people. Enslaved persons, from young children to the elderly 
History & Culture
History & CultureHampton National Historic Site today preserves the core of what was once a vast commercial, industrial, and agricultural plantation. |
Last updated: April 12, 2024