Best Farm Secondary House

Built in two distinct phases, the Secondary House is the oldest existing structure on the Best Farm.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Frederick, Maryland

Significance:

L'Hermitage and Battle of Monocacy

Designation:

National Battlefield, National Register of Historic Places, National Historic Landmark

OPEN TO PUBLIC:

No

Amenities

5 listed

Audio Description, Cellular Signal, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Trailhead

Smaller and less grand than the neighboring main house, the Secondary House on is probably the oldest existing structure on the Best Farm. Architectural evidence indicates that the structure was built in two parts in the 18^th century. First was a one-story stone dwelling that faced east towards the Georgetown Pike. A log second story was added in the 1790s. Similarities between wood trim in the secondary and main houses and the placement of the the second-story doors on the west-side of the building facing the main house suggest that the Vincendieres added the second floor.

Use of the secondary house has changed over its more than two centuries of existence, but it appears to have primarily served as a tenant house. In the colonial period, most of the land in the area was claimed by land speculators who leased it to tenant farmers. Standard leasing language required tenants to build and maintain a house and plant 100 apple trees. Daniel Dulaney, who owned the property until he sold it to James Marshall in 1791, frequently used pre-printed lease agreements with his tenants.

When the Vincendiere family moved to the property in 1794, they probably used the stone building as a residence while they constructed and expanded the main house. The secondary house may also have served as an overseer's residence. Archeological studies revealed that a series of six wood cabins existed five hundred feet to the west of the secondary house during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. According to the 1800 census, the Vincendieres enslaved 90 people here.

After the Vincendieres sold the property in 1828, the land was once again a rental property. The Best family began leasing the farm known as the South Hermitage in 1852. When David Best retired from farming in 1864, he may have turned the main house over to his son and daughter-in-law and moved into the secondary house. While the 1870 census does not provide addresses, it does list John T. Best and David Best next to each other and as heads of households, indicating that they were neighbors.

In the 20^th century, changes in farming practices and increased mechanization reduced the need for farmers to maintain a large labor force. The secondary house fell into disuse and disrepair throughout most of the century. In 2005, the National Park Service stabilized and repaired the building. The Secondary House is not open to the public; however, the grounds of the Best Farm are open.