Hammond-Harwood House, ca. 1774
Architect William Buckland's Maryland masterpiece, the Hammond-Harwood House was built for the 25-year-old tobacco planter Matthias Hammond of Anne Arundel County, Maryland. The young Hammond had inherited not only a great deal of money but also a keen business sense. Indeed, Hammond managed to accrue more and more real estate while still successfully managing his various tobacco plantations. In April of 1773, Matthias Hammond was selected as a member of the vestry of St. Anne’s Parish and in May of the same year he was elected to represent the City of Annapolis as a delegate to the Maryland General Assembly.
Matthias Hammond began building the house in the spring of 1774. At that time, Annapolis was the prosperous hub of political power in the Province of Maryland. Wealth from tobacco provided a steady market for the imported luxury goods stocked by local merchants. The years 1763 to 1774 have been referred to as the Golden Age of Annapolis because political power acted as a magnet for the wealthy planters who came to town bringing a profound desire for sophisticated society, stylish architecture and a ravenous appetite for imported luxury goods.
The main entrance door of the Hammond-Harwood House has been called "the most beautiful door in America."
Location(s)
