William Hepburn Buckler

William Hepburn Buckler (1867-1952), Didy’s youngest son, had notable careers in both diplomacy and archaeology. He served briefly as Secretary to the American Legation in Madrid in 1906-07 and later as a Special Agent at the U.S. Embassy in London during World War I, in which capacity he escorted Samuel Gompers, then head of the American Federation of Labor, on the latter’s tour of post-war Europe. "Willie", as he was known in the family, eventually joined his half-brother, Henry White, working with the American Commission to Negotiate Peace as a specialist in the political and economic affairs of the Mediterranean countries. As an archaeologist, Willie participated in excavations at Sardis and Anatolia, and eventually joined the faculty at Oxford College. He and his half-brother, Julian, played a significant role in acquiring the land for the Homewood campus of the Johns Hopkins University.

Individuals

Eliza Ridgely White Buckler

Known as "Didy," Eliza was an influential force in Hampton's history.
Henry White

One of the most influential diplomats in American history.
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People of Hampton

Hundreds of people lived, worked, and were enslaved at Hampton coinciding America's development as a nation. Explore more of their stories.

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The Ridgely Family

The Ridgely Family owned and managed the Hampton Estate for almost 200 years. Explore their impact on history!
The Ridgelys of Hampton

Learn about the history of the Ridgely family at Hampton.
Free Black Laborers

Free Black Laborers worked at Hampton for various reasons. A good amount did to eventually purchase their family members.
Slavery at Hampton

From the colonial period through 1864, the Ridgelys enslaved over 500 people. Enslaved persons, from young children to the elderly
Indentured Servants at Hampton

Indentured servants were not willing laborers and the working conditions at Northampton Furnace was grueling.
Ridgelys as Entertainers

Learn about the Ridgelys events and how in order to maintain such a lavish social lifestyle, a large labor force made up mostly of enslaved.
Horse Racing and the Ridgelys

Learn about the importance of horses and racing for the Ridgelys.
Travels of the Ridgelys

The wealth of the Ridgely family allowed for many extensive world travels.