Ridgely Family Members

The Ridgely Family had a dramatic impact on the history of not only the Hampton estate, but also the state and nation. Impacts were felt early on with ironworks that supplied the Continental Armies and a family member serving as Governor of Maryland. Other family members made their impact on the world through philanthropy and education. The impact that the Ridgely family had culminated with handing over the Hampton mansion, grounds, and collections to the Avelon Foundation and eventually the National Park Service. This historic donation helped lead to the creating of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Learn more about famous members of the Ridgely family and their impacts on history.

Learn more about the history of the Ridgely family.

Individuals

Colonel Charles Ridgely

The purchaser of most of the Hampton Estate lands
Captain Charles Ridgely

The owner who commissioned the building of the Hampton mansion.
Charles Carnan Ridgely

Second owner of the Hampton mansion and at one time the governor of Maryland.
Sophia Gough Ridgely Howard

According to several historical accounts, she helped influence her father, Charles Carnan Ridgely, to free many of those he enslaved.
John Carnan Ridgely

Third owner of the Hampton Estate.
Eliza Eichelberger Ridgely

Eliza Eichelberger Ridgely was one of the most influential women to come through Hampton.
Charles Ridgely

Charles Ridgely was the fourth owner of the Hampton Estate.
Margaretta Sophia Howard Ridgely

Following the death of her husband, Margaretta ran the Hampton estate for decades
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.
Margaretta Sophia “Margie” Ridgely

Margie went against her family's norms and would go on to make a difference in many people lives.
John Ridgely

Fifth owner of the Hampton Estate.
Helen Ridgely Online Exhibit

A Modern Woman: The Many Roles & Achievements of Helen West Stewart Ridgley
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 Ridgelys of Hampton

Learn about the history of the Ridgely family at Hampton.
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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.
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.
Forms of Control

From physical to mental abuse for the youngest ages to the oldest. Learn about the harsh truths and forms of control.
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.
Hampton During the Civil War

The Ridgely's passed their lives without worry until it became apparent that a civil war was about to impact their lives.
The Cemetery

An overview of the Ridgely Family Cemetery
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.
History & Culture
History & Culture

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