Greenfields is a historic plantation house and estate located near Cecilton in Cecil County, Maryland, United States. It is notable for its well-preserved 18th-century architecture and its historical significance as a representative example of a large colonial-era plantation in the region.
Location
Greenfields is situated in a rural area of Cecil County, approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) south of Cecilton, Maryland, on a tract of land that historically bordered the Bohemia River.
History
The land on which Greenfields stands was originally part of a larger patent surveyed in 1675 for George Oldfield. The current dwelling house, a substantial brick structure, was constructed around 1772 by George Oldham, a prominent local planter. Oldham's daughter, Mary, married Thomas Blackiston, and the property remained in the Blackiston family for several generations, evolving through various inheritances and sales.
The estate operated as a working plantation, relying on enslaved labor for its agricultural production throughout the colonial period and into the 19th century. Over its long history, the property has seen changes in ownership and modifications to its grounds, but the main house largely retains its original character.
Architecture
The Greenfields house is a two-and-a-half-story, five-bay brick dwelling built in a transitional style, blending late Georgian and early Federal architectural elements. Its design reflects the wealth and status of its original owner. Key architectural features include:
- Construction: Flemish bond brickwork on the main facade, with common bond on the sides and rear.
- Roof: A steep gable roof, characteristic of the period, often with dormer windows.
- Interior: The interior features a central hall plan with well-preserved original woodwork, including elaborate Georgian-style paneling, cornices, and mantelpieces in the principal rooms. The stairs are also a notable feature, typically with turned balusters and a polished handrail.
- Dependencies: Historically, the estate included various outbuildings and dependencies necessary for plantation operations, though many of these may no longer exist or have been significantly altered. These would have included kitchens, slave quarters, barns, and other farm structures.
Significance
Greenfields was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. Its designation recognizes its importance for several reasons:
- Architectural Integrity: It is an excellent example of a large, well-preserved 18th-century plantation house in Maryland, showcasing high-quality craftsmanship and design of the period.
- Historical Context: The property provides insight into the agricultural economy, social structures, and domestic life of colonial and early American Maryland, particularly regarding the institution of slavery and the planter class.
- Regional Heritage: Greenfields contributes significantly to the understanding of the historical development and architectural landscape of Cecil County and the broader Eastern Shore region of Maryland.
Today, Greenfields remains a private residence and is not generally open to the public.