John Ridgely, III

John Ridgely, III (1911-1990), was the oldest son of sixth owner, John Ridgely, Jr. John Ridgely, III's mom was Louise. John III grew up in his father’s house on Hampton Lane, spending his childhood between that home and Hampton Mansion. He and his wife,Lillian, a native of Connecticut, settled in Baltimore after their 1935 marriage, where John began working in the printing industry. The following year, they moved into the mansion with John III’s father and grandfather, where they lived for several years while they renovated the Overseer’s (Lower) House on the Hampton Farm Property, eventually becoming the first members of the Ridgely family to occupy that house in several generations.

Both John and Lillian joined the armed forces in 1942 to serve in the war effort. John served in the Pacific Theatre (New Guinea Campaign) as a Technical Sergeant in the Army Air Corps; he was awarded battle honors for his participation in that campaign. After the war, John III and Lillian built a house, “Spring Hollow,” at 710 Hampton Lane on a portion of the Hampton Farm Property. John resumed his work for Arthur Thompson and Company, from which he retired about 1980. The couple strongly supported the efforts of the Society for the Preservation of the Maryland Antiquities and the National Park Service preserve Hampton and tell its story, advising the organizations on all facets of life at the Mansion and donating many Ridgely Family artifacts and records to the site.

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.
Slavery at Hampton

From the colonial period through 1864, the Ridgelys enslaved over 500 people. Enslaved persons, from young children to the elderly
History & Culture
History & Culture

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