Jane Rodney Ridgely

John Ridgely, Jr. married his second wife, Jane Rodney Ridgely (1902-1978), in 1940. As mistress of Hampton, Jane became involved in the Women’s Auxiliary of Towson Episcopal Church, the Hardy Garden Club, and the English Speaking Union. However, she also watched her husband struggle to maintain his family estate, the strain of which badly affected his health, and eventually, make the painful decision to sell Hampton.

After leaving the mansion, Jane and John Ridgely moved to the Hampton Lower House and continued working with the National Park Service over next ten years as additional collections, buildings and acreage were transferred to the federal government. After John’s death in 1959, Jane remained active as a volunteer at the mansion. She lived at the Lower House until her death in 1978, after which that property was sold to the government by John Ridgely, Jr.’s heirs.

Individuals

John Ridgely, Jr.

The final owner of the Hampton Estate.
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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.
Revealing the Lives of the Enslaved

A recent Ethnographic Study uncovered major information on the lives of those enslaved at Hampton and their descendants. Read about it here.
On overview of the farm side
Farm Side

The places that can be found on the farm side of Hampton NHS
History & Culture
History & Culture

Hampton National Historic Site today preserves the core of what was once a vast commercial, industrial, and agricultural plantation.