Star Spangled Banner National Historic Trail

—A Workplace of Many Generations —

Although never part of an extensive agricultural plantation, the Bostwick House property was the workplace of many people over the centuries. The earliest residents, the Piscataway Indians, left some evidence that the area was used for hunting and fishing along the Anacostia River. During the 18th century, Bostwick was home to both enslaved and indentured workers who built the house and outbuildings, tended the gardens and livestock, and performed domestic duties; some of these workers may have also worked in Lowndes' shipbuilding and mercantile enterprises.

In the 1820s, the Stephen Family owned the Bostwick property along with 17 enslaved workers ranging in age from a newborn to a man of 75 years, these workers tended to the small gardens and orchard, and provided the labor to run the household. By the 20 century, the property had become a rural retreat amid the growing metropolis of Washington, D.C., and served as a private residence with a small kitchen garden, horses, and a few cattle tended by family members and some hired hands.

Ran away...As described in the Maryland Gazette (right), Christopher Lowndes, a major importer of enslaved Africans, supplied slave labor to industries like his rope walk in Bladensburg as well as plantations across Maryland. Maryland Gazette, September 13, 1764. Ran away from
the Subscriber at Bladensburg, on the first of this instant September, a Negro Man named Joe, about 35 Years old, of a low Stature, and has a very wide Walk. His Breeches are red; but the other Part of his Dress is not certainly known. His is by Trade a Ship Carpenter or Caulker, and when he lived with some former Mafter, he was allowed to look for Work in different Rivers. Whoever will bring him to his Mafter, shall have Twenty Shillings more than the Law allows. All Mafters of Veffels and Others are defired not to employ or entertain him. He is very artful, and probably may endeavour to pass as a Freeman. Should he be brought any confiderable Diftance, Satisfaction will be made in Proportion. It will be neceffary to tie him frecurely. Christopher Lowndes.

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