The Clifton Mansion was originally built as a two-story Federal style farmhouse, between 1790 and 1801, by Baltimore merchant Henry Thompson, who served as captain of the Flying Artillery, 3rd Maryland Brigade in the War of 1812. The building was later purchased by famed philanthropist Johns Hopkins and expanded between 1841 and 1853 into a Victorian era Italianate villa that served as his summer estate. Clifton Mansion features an eighty-foot tower with a commanding view of Baltimore, an extensive arcade which spans the entire length of the South side and wraps around the East and West ends, a massive black walnut Grand Staircase with marble floor in its entrance hall, ornate hand painted walls and ceilings, and intricate plasterwork and woodwork. The City of Baltimore purchased Clifton Mansion and its grounds in 1895 from Johns Hopkins University. It has been put to many uses ever since, including a headquarters for the Department of Recreation and Parks, and the clubhouse for the golf course. Although the Clifton Mansion fell into considerable disrepair during its years of transition, the building is in being carefully restored by Civic Works and the Friends of Clifton Mansion. The building that once housed Baltimore’s famed philanthropist and was the intended location of Johns Hopkins University is once again host to a driving force in the City’s improvement. Clifton Mansion serves as the headquarters for Civic Works’ community service programs and an important resource for the neighborhoods surrounding Clifton Park. Its main hall now holds an exhibit celebrating the role Baltimore’s wealthiest citizens played in creating the City’s most celebrated institutions. The Clifton Mansion stands as a testament to Baltimore’s long history of philanthropy and a reminder of the need for future generosity.
Posted on: Sat, 08 Mar 2014 05:12:23 +0000
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