Behind the Scenes: Enslaved and Free Staffs in Washington Great Houses
Date/Time
3/19/2025 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM Eastern
Sponsors
Event Type(s)
DACOR Bacon House Bicentennial
Event Description
Join us at this bicentennial celebration luncheon and program that will look into the management of great houses in nineteenth century Washington. Panelists will include Terry Walz, Historian, DACOR Bacon House; Matthew Costello, Historian, White House Historical Association; and Robert DeHart, Curator, Tudor Place.
The early great houses in the Washington area – with the exception of the White House – were built by prominent families with nearby connections. The Ringgolds and Carrolls, both from the wealthy Maryland plantocracy, were accustomed to living in houses worked by large enslaved staffs. The Ringgold family owned a vast estate in western Maryland; the Carroll and Sprigg family (Mrs. Carroll was a Sprigg) were tied to plantations in Washington and Prince George’s Counties. The enslaved workers who worked in their new urban housing and made their lives comfortable originated from those areas. Ringgold hosted John Marshall and five justices of the Supreme Court during two terms 1832-33; President Monroe and his wife were frequent guests at his home.
Later, the Carrolls brought their enslaved staff when they moved in, and it was they who managed the household for over several decades. By mid-century the Carrolls began hiring Irish women to replace their enslaved staff, a shift mirrored throughout the city. When the Fullers moved in, they hired Black maids and nurses. Throughout its history, workers have made the house on 18th and F Streets function smoothly for its inhabitants.
To mark their labor and contribution to the success and well-being of the house’s inhabitants with a special focus on the 19th century, we will hold a panel discussion moderated by Terence Walz, Historian, with contributions by historians and curators from the White House (Decatur House), Tudor Place, and other historic homes in Washington, DC.
Location
Setting: Hybrid DACOR Bacon House OR Online 1801 F Street, NW Washington, DC 20006 UNITED STATES
