Historic London Town and Gardens is a 23-acre historic County park that has a significant African American history. As one of the early ports for the slave trade, Londontown is a “Site of Memory” associated with the UNESCO Slave Route Project. Enslaved Africans that came to Londontown are to be commemorated as a part of the Middle Passage Ceremonies and Port Markers project. Additionally, here archaeologists found in 2002 one of the earliest burials of an enslaved African in Colonial America, a child of 6 years old. From 1830-1965, the property was also used as an Almshouse for African American residents of Anne Arundel County, many of whom were buried in the Londontown cemetery.
Child Burial at Historic London Town
One of the most significant discoveries made at Historic London Town happened during archaeological excavations in 2002, when a African child's burial was uncovered at the threshold of a foundation undergoing investigation by the Lost Towns Project. This discovery provided a glimpse into lives and custom of the earliest captured Africans.
The Almshouse at London Town: An Abode of Misery
The Almshouse was originally the site of the William Brown House, constructed in the mid 18th century. However, from the 1830s – 1965, it became the county’s almshouse for people who were unable to live on their own. Enslaved people were not allowed to live at the Almshouse. However, free African Americans did live there, either because of mental illness, illiteracy, or an inability to market their skills (It was difficult to make a living cultivating tobacco when so many thousands were forced to do so without pay). These African American “paupers” occupied a special dormitory called the “negro quarters.” This was constructed at the request of a physician who recommended segregating the Almshouse in the 1830’s.
London Town, "Site of Memory," the UNESCO Slave Route Project
This program recognizes and honors the two million captive Africans who perished during the Middle Passage by placing markers at Ports of Entry and holding remembrance ceremonies. London Town was recognized by this UNESCO supported project in 2018 as a Site of Remembrance. The London Town Foundation looks forward to holding a ceremony and will install a historic marker in the coming year.