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Hampton National Historical Site was established as a unit of the National Park Service in 1948 because “outstanding merit as an architectural monument.” The result was the romanticization of the Hampton Plantation and the exclusion of the stories of the people enslaved at Hampton from the history. Individuals
Franklin JohnsonFrom Hampton, he paid the ultimate sacrifice in fighting for his country, his family, and his rights in the American Civil War. 
Who cooked Hampton's elaborate meals
Hampton's cooksWho were the people behind the elaborate meals for the Ridgelys and their guests? 
Harriet HawkinsLearn about the story of Hampton's head dressmaker and how the story goes deeper than other enslaved people. 
From enslaved man to free laborer
Jim PrattJim Pratt was and enslaved man who returned to Hampton as a free laborer. 
Nelson HawkinsFrom Chattel Slavery at Hampton to a new life in freedom as a successful cook and "Famous Caterer" 
Families
How a father freed his daughter
Daniel and Mary HarrisHow a father worked to free his daughter from enslavement 
How freedom seeking changed a family
The Posey FamilyHow families were separated due to success and failures of freedom seeking. 
Three families purchased at once
Three FamiliesThree families were the last major purchase of human beings at Hampton, their stories are highlighted here. 
Toogood FamilyLearn about the Toogood family, their life after emancipation, and the impression they left on the Ridgely family. 
Two Families, Different PathsThe story of Davis sisters Caroline and Ellen is an example of how the formerly enslaved took different paths once Emancipation came to MD 
Reunited in Freedom
The Wicks FamilyLearn how the Wicks family reunited in freedom and built a community. Learn More
Chattel Slavery at HamptonFrom the colonial period through 1864, the Ridgelys enslaved over 500 people. Enslaved people, from young children to the elderly 
Religion and the EnslavedAfrican Americans hosted their own religious services in the woods at Hampton. Click to learn more. 
Free Black LaborersFree Black Laborers worked at Hampton for various reasons. A good amount did to eventually purchase their family members. 
Forms of ControlFrom physical to mental abuse for the youngest ages to the oldest. Learn about the harsh truths and forms of control. 
Hampton During the Civil WarThe Ridgely's passed their lives without worry until it became apparent that a civil war was about to impact their lives. 
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. 
Descendants of the EnslavedLearn about the amazing things the descendants of the enslaved would go on to do. 
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Last updated: July 11, 2026