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Home My WebLink About20110907y4ti�GTON °°G WASHINGTON COUNTY HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION Washington County Administrative Annex 80 West Baltimore Street r ° Hagerstown, Maryland 21740-6003 Telephone: 240-313-2430 • FAX: 240-313-2431 49RYLA�9 Deaf and Hard of Hearing call 7-1-1 for Maryland Relay AGENDA HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY, MARYLAND CONFERENCE ROOM IA & B WASHINGTON COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE ANNEX 80 WEST BALTIMORE STREET September 7, 2011 7:00PM M REGULAR MEETING AGENDA - 7:00 PM A. Call to Order & Roll Call B. Minutes — August 3, 2011* C. Communications & Bills D. Unfinished Business E. Budget F. New Business 1. Local Review of National Register application, Plumb Grove, 12654 Broadfording Road, Clear Spring , MD * 2. Southern Blvd — adverse effect determination on 1240 Frederick St. 3. Structure replacement, MD 68 over St James Run * 4. Devil's Backbone Dam plaque. * G. Other Business H. Closed Session I. Adjournment * = written material enclosed \HDC\asept20ll.DOC NOTICE IS GIVEN THAT THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION MAY MEET IN CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO SECTION 10.508, STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE, ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND. INDIVIDUALS REQUIRING SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS ARE REQUESTED TO CONTACT THE WASHINGTON COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT. CONTACT PLANNING DEPARTMENT AT (240) 313.2430 VOICEITDD TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS NO LATER THAN TEN (10) WORKING DAYS PRIOR TO THE MEETING. www. washco-md.net ® RECYCLED PAPER ''''N .r Martin OMalley Governor Anthony G. Brown Lt. Governor August 10, 2011 Mr. Stephen T. Goodrich Washington County Historic District Commission Dept. of Planning 80 W. Baltimore St. Hagerstown, MD 21740 Maryland Department of Planning Maryland Historical Trust Re: Plumb Grove Dear Mr. Goodrich: Richard Eberhart Hall Vn ;it',N... _See etmy MatthewJ. Power Deputy Secretory Enclosed is a CD with draft documentation to nominate the above -referenced property to the National Register of Historic Places, for your processing as Washington County's designated historic preservation commission under the Certified Local Government program. When the County's review is complete, please forward to us the recommendations of the Commission and the County Executive. We have scheduled the nomination for consideration by the GCC at their next meeting, on October 4, 2011. As you know, according to CLG procedures, the State Review Board (GCC) may consider nominations prior to completion of local review, but no further action may be taken until the recommendations of the Commission and the County Executive are received. Please call Peter Kurtze at (410) 514-7649, or me at (410) 514-7648, with any questions. Once again, we appreciate your collaboration in the Certified Local Government process. Very truly yours, ms Nancy Kure National Register Coordinator Maryland Historical Trust Enclosure: CD of Plumb Grove draft National Register Nomination information 100 Community Place ° Crownsville, Maryland 21032-2023 Telephone: 410.514.7600 0 Fax: 410.987.4071 ^ Toll Free: 1.800.75601190 TTY Users: Maryland Relay Internet: www matylandhistoricaltrust net CRITERION DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION Properties may be eligible for the National Register if they embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or that represent the work of a master, or that possess high artistic values, or that represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction. Richland Plantation, East Feliciana Parish, Louisiana. Properties can qualify under Criterion C as examples of high style architecture, Built in the 1830s, Richland is a fine example of a Federal style residence with a Greek Revival style portico. (Photo by Dave Gleason). UNDERSTANDING CRITERION C: DESIGN/ CONSTRUCTION This criterion applies to properties significant for their physical design or construction, including such elements as architecture, landscape architec- ture, engineering, and artwork. To be eligible under Criterion C, a property must meet at least one of the following reciuiremen`ts: • Embody distinctive characteris- tics of a type, period, or method of construction. • Represent the work of a master. • Possess high artistic value. • Represent a significant and dis- tinguishable entity whose com- ponents may lack individual dis- tinction. The first requirement, that proper- ties "embody the distinctive charac- teristics of a type, period, or method of construction," refers to the way in which a property was conceived, designed, or fabricated by a people or culture.in past periods of history. "The work of a master" refers to the technical or aesthetic achievements of an architect or craftsman. "I-ligh artistic values" concerns the expres- sion of aesthetic ideals or preferences and applies to aesthetic achievement. Resources "that represent a signifi- cant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual dis- tinction" are called "districts" In the Criteria for Evaluation (as published in the Code of Federal Regulations and reprinted here in Part Ii), districts are defined within the context of Crite- rion C. Districts, however, can be con- sidered for eligibility under all the Crite- ria, individually or in any combina- tion, as is appropriate. For this rea- son, the full discussion of districts is contained in Part IV: How to Define Categories of Historic Properties. Throughout the bulletin, however, districts are mentioned within the context of a specific subject, such as an individual Criterion. Grant Family House, Saco vicinity, York County, Maine. Properties possessing high artistic value meet Criterion C through the expression of aesthetic ideals or preferences. The Grant Family House, a modest Federal style residence, is significant for its remarkably well-preserved stenciled wall decorative treatment in the entry hall and parlor. Painted by an unknown artist ca. 1825, this is a fine example of 19th century New England regional artistic expression. (Photo by Kirk F. Mohney). 17 EXAMPLES OF PROPERTIES ASSOCIATED WITH DESIGN/ CONSTRUCTION Properties associated with design and construction: • A house or commercial building rep- resenting a significant style of archi- tecture. • A designed park or garden associated with a particular landscape design philosophy. • A it theater embodying high ar- tistic value in its decorative features. • A bridge or dani representing techno- logical advances. APPLYING CRITERION C: DESIGN/ CONSTRUCTION DISTINCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF TYPE, PERIOD, AND METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION This is the portion of Criterion C under which most properties are eligible, for it encompasses all archi- tectural styles and construction practices. To be eligible under this portion of the Criterion, a property must clearly illustrate, through "distinctive characteristics," the following: • The pattern of features common to a particular class of resources, • The individuality or variation of features that occurs within the class, • The evolution of that class, or • The transition between classes of resources. Distinctive Characteristics: "Dis- tinctive characteristics" are the physi- cal features or traits that commonly recur in individual types, periods, or methods of construction. To be eligible, a property must clearly contain enough of those characteristics to be considered a true representative of a particular type, period, or method of construction. Characteristics can be expressed in terms such as form, proportion, struc- ture, plan, style, or materials. They can be general, referring to ideas of design and construction such as basic plan or form, or they can be specific, referring to precise ways of combining particular kinds of materials. Eligible • A building eligible under the theme of Gothic Revival archi- tecture must have the distinc- tive characteristics that make up the vertical and picturesque qualities of the style, such as pointed gables, steep roof pitch, board and batten siding, and ornamental bargeboard and veranda trim. • A late Mississippian village that illustrates the important concepts in prehistoric community design and plan- ning will qualify. • A designed historic landscape will qualify if it reflects a his- toric trend or school of theory and practice, such as the City Beautiful Movement, evidenc- ingdistinguished design, lay- out, and the work of skilled craftsmanship. Not Eligible • A commercial building with some Art Deco detailing is not eligible under Criterion C if the detailing was added merely as an afterthought, rather than fully integrated with overall lines and massing typical of the Art Deco style or the transition between that and another style. • A designed landscape that has had major changes to its his- toric design, vegetation, origi- nal boundary, topography/ grading, architectural features, and circulation system will not qualify. Type, Period, and Method of Construction: "Type, period, or method of construction" refers to the way certain properties are related to one another by cultural tradition or function, by dates of construction or style, or by choice or availability of materials and technology. A structure is eligible as a speci- men of its type or period of construc- tion if it is an important example (within its context) of building practices of a particular time in history. For properties that represent the variation, evolution, or transition of construction types, it must be demonstrated that the variation, etc., was an important phase of the archi- tectural development of the area or community in that it had an impact as evidenced by later buildings. A property is not eligible, however, simply because it has been identified as the only such property ever fabri- cated; it must be demonstrated to be significant as well. Eligible • A building that has some char- acteristics of the Romanesque Revival style and some charac- teristics of the Commercial style can qualify if it illustrates the transition of architectural design and the transition itself is considered an important ar- chitectural development. • A Hopewellian mound, if it is an important example of mound building construction techniques, would qualify as a method or type of construc- tion. • A building which illustrates the early or the developing technology of particular structural systems, such as skeletal steel framing, is eli- gible as an example of a particular method of construc- tion. 18 �� L y e ii N lV n �' .s, i �'j�A S� � Swan Falls Dann and Power Plant, Murphy vicinity, Ada County, Idaho. Significant works of engineering can qualify under Criterion C. Built between 1900- 1907 the Swan Falls Darn and Power Plant across the Snake River is one of the early hydroelectric plants in the State of Idaho. (Photo by H.L. Hough). Looney House, Asheville vicinity, St. Clair County, Alabama. Examples of vernacular styles of architecture can qualify under Criterion C. Built ca. 1818, the Looney House is significant as possibly the State's oldest extant two-story dogtrot type of dwelling. The defining open center passage of the dogtrot was a regional building response to the southern climate. (Photo by Carolyn Scott). HISTORIC ADAPTATION OF THE ORIGINAL PROPERTY A property can be significant not only for the way it was originally constructed or crafted, but also for the way it was adapted at a later period, or for the way it illustrates changing tastes, attitudes, and uses over a period of time. A district is eligible under this guideline if it illustrates the evolution of historic character of a place over a particular span of time. Eligible • A Native American irrigation system modified for use by Europeans could be eligible if it illustrates the technology of either or both periods of con- struction. • An early 19th century farm- house modified in the 1880s with Queen Anne style orna- mentation could be significant for the modification itself, if it represented a local variation or significant trend in building construction or remodelling, was the work of a local master (see Works of a Master on page 20), or reflected the tastes of an important person associated with the property at the time of its alteration. • A district encompassing the commercial development of a town between 1820 and 1910, characterized by buildings of various styles and eras, can be eligible. 19 WORKS OF A MASTER A master is a figure of generally recognized greatness in a field, a known craftsman of consummate skill, or an anonymous craftsman whose work is distinguishable from others by its characteristic style and quality. The property must express a particular phase in the development of the master's career, an aspect of his or her work, or a particular idea or theme in his or her craft. A property is not eligible as the work of a master, however, simply because it was designed by a promi- nent architect. For example, not every building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright is eligible under this portion of Criterion C, although it might meet other portions of the Criterion, for instance as a representative of the Prairie style. The work of an unidentified craftsman is eligible if it rises above the level of workmanship of the other properties encompassed by the historic context. PROPERTIES POSSESSING HIGH ARTISTIC VALUES High artistic values may be ex- pressed in many ways, including areas as diverse as community design or planning, engineering, and sculp- ture. A property is eligible for its high artistic values if it so fully articulates a particular concept of design that it expresses an aesthetic ideal. A property is not eligible, however, if it does not express aesthetic ideals or design concepts more fully than other properties of its type. Eligible • A sculpture in a town square that epitomizes the design principles of the Art Deco style is eligible. • A building that is a classic ex- pression of the design theories of the Craftsman Style, such as carefully detailed handwork, is eligible. • A landscaped park that syn- thesizes early 20th century principles of landscape archi- tecture and expresses an aes- thetic ideal of environment can be eligible. • Properties that are important representatives of the aesthetic values of a cultural group, such as petroglyphs and ground drawings by Native Americans, are eligible. Not Eligible • A sculpture in a town square that is a typical example of sculpture design during its pe- riod would not qualify for high artistic value, although it might be eligible if it were sig- nificant for other reasons. • A- building that is a modest ex- ample (within its historic con- text) of the Craftsman Style of architecture, or a landscaped park that is characteristic of turn of the century landscape design would not qualify for high artistic value. A Significant and Distinguishable Entity Whose Components May Lack Individual Distinction. This portion of Criterion C refers to districts. For detailed information on districts, refer to Part IV of this bulletin. 20 ., • a U 1 • •Y UNDERSTANDING HISTORIC CONTEXTS To qualify for the National Regis- ter, a property must be significant; that is, it must represent a significant part of the history, architecture, archeology, engineering, or culture of an area, and it must have the charac- teristics that make it a good represen- tative of properties associated with that aspect of the past. This section explains how to evaluate a property within its historic context' The significance of a historic property can be judged and explained only when it is evaluated within its historic context. Historic contexts are those patterns or trends in history by which a specific occurrence, property, or site is understood and its meaning (and ultimately its significance) within history or prehistory is made clear. Historians, architectural historians, folklorists, archeologists, and anthropologists use different words to describe this phenomena such as trend, pattern,.theme, or cultural affiliation, but ultimately the concept is the same. The concept of historic context is not a new one; it has been fundamen- tal to the study of history since the 18th century and, arguably, earlier than that. Its core premise is that resources, properties, or happenings in history, do not occur in vacuum hu rather are parlarge-r rt ends or patterns In order to decide whether a hropric is t t, tican� within its historic context, the following the things tusm e determined: • The facet of prehistory or history of the local area, State, or the na- tion that the pert represents; • Whether that facet of prehistory or history is si mg 'ficant; • Whether it is a of property that has relevance and impor- tance in it ustrating the historic context; • How the property illustrates that tiisFory; and finally • Whether the property possesses the physical features necessary to conveye aspect of preFiisiory or"litstory with which it is associ- ated. These five steps are discussed in detail below. If the property being evaluated does represent an impor- tant aspect of the area's history or prehistory and possesses the requisite quality of integrity, then it qualifies for the National Register. HOW TO EVALUATE A PROPERTY WITHIN ITS HISTORIC CONTEXT Identify what the property repre- sents: the theme(s), geographical limits, and chronological period that provide a perspective from which to evaluate the property's significance. Historic contexts are historical patterns that can be identified through consideration of the history of the property and the history of the sur- rounding area. Historic contexts may have already been defined in your area by the State historic preservation office, Federal agencies, or local governments. In accordance with the National Regis- ter Criteria, the historic context may relate to one of the following: • An event, a series of events or ac- tivities, or patterns of an area's de- velopment (Criterion A); • Association with the life of an im- portant person (CriterionB); • A building form, architectural style, engineering technique, or artistic values, based on a stage of physical development, or the use of a mate- rial or method of construction that shaped the historic identity of an area (Criterion C); or • A research topic (Criterion D). ' For a complete discussion of historic contexts, see National Register Bulletin: Guidelines for Conipleting National Register of Historic Places Registration Forms, Determine how the theme of the context is significant in the history of the local area, the State, or the nation. A theme is a means of organizing properties into coherent patterns based on elements such as environ- ment, social/ethnic groups, transpor- tation networks, technology, or political developments that have influenced the development of an area during one or more periods of prehis- tory or history. A theme is considered significant if it can be demonstrated, through scholarly research, to be important in American history. Many significant themes can be found in the following list of Areas of Significance used by the National Register. AREAS OF SIGNIFICANCE Agriculture Architecture Archeology Prehistoric Historic—Abor iginal Historic —Non -Aboriginal Art Conunerce Communications Community Planning and Development Conservation Economics Education Engineering Entertainment/Recreation Ethnic Heritage Asian Black European Hispanic Native American Pacific Islander Other Exploration/Settlement Health/Medicine Industry Invention Landscape Architecture Law Literature Maritime History Military Performing Arts Philosophy Politics/Government Religion Science Social History Transportation Other Determine what the property type is and whether it is important in illustrating the historic context. A context may be represented by a variety of important property types.. For example, the context of "Civil War Military Activity in Northern Virginia" might be represented by such properties as; a group of mid - 19th century fortification structures; an open field where a battle occurred; a knoll from which a general directed troop movements; a sunken transport ship; the residences or public build- ings that served as company head- quarters; a railroad bridge that served as a focal point for a battle; and earthworks exhibiting particular construction techniques. Because a historic context for a community can be based on a distinct period of development, it might include numerous property types. For example, the context "Era of Industrialization in Grand Bay, Michigan, 1875 -1900" could be represented by important property types as diverse as sawmills, paper • mill sites, salt refining plants, flour mills, grain elevators, furniture factories, workers housing, commer- cial buildings, social halls, schools, churches, and transportation facilities. A historic context can also be based on a single important type of prop- erty. The context "Development of County Government in Georgia, 1777- 1861" might be represented solely by courthouses. Similarly, "Bridge Construction in Pittsburgh, 1870 -1920" would probably only have one property type. Determine how the property represents the context through specific historic associations, archi- tectural or engineering values, or information potential (the Criteria for Evaluation). For example, the context of county government expansion is represented under Criterion A by historic districts or buildings that reflect population growth, development patterns, the role of government in that society, and political events in the history of the State, as well as the impact of county government on the physical development of county seats. Under Criterion C, the context is represented by properties whose architectural treatments reflect their governmental functions, both practically and symbolically. (See Part VI: Hozo to Identify the Type of Significance of a Property.) Determine what physical features the property must possess in order for it to reflect the significance of the historic context, These physical features can be determined after identifying the following: • Which types of properties are as- sociated with the historic context, • The ways in which properties can represent the theme, and • The applicable aspects of integ- rity. Properties that have the defined characteristics are eligible for listing. (See Part VIII: How to Evaluate the Integrity of a Property.) PROPERTIES SIGNIFICANT WITHIN MORE THAN ONE HISTORIC CONTEXT A specific property can be signifi- cant within one or more historic contexts, and, if possible, all of these should be identified. For example, a public building constructed in the 1830s that is related to the historic context of Civil War campaigns in the area might also be related to the theme of political developments in the community during the 1880s. A property is only required, however, to be documented as significant in one context. COMPARING RELATED PROPERTIES Properties listed in the National Register must possess significance when evaluated in the perspective of their historic context. Once the historic context is established and the property type is determined, it is not necessary to evaluate the property in question against other properties if: • It is the sole example of a prop- erty type that is important in il- lustrating the historic context or • It clearly possesses the defined characteristics required to strongly represent the context. If these two conditions do not apply, then the property will have to be evaluated against other examples of the property type to determine its eligibility. The geographic level (local, State, or national) at which this evaluation is made is the same as the level of the historic context. (See Part V: How to Evaluate a Property Within Its Historic Context.) LOCAL, STATE, AND NATIONAL HISTORIC CONTEXTS Historic contexts are found at a variety of geographical levels or scales. The geographic scale selected may relate to a pattern of historical development, a political division, or a cultural area. Regardless of the scale, the historic context establishes the framework from which decisions about the significance of related properties can be made. LOCAL HISTORIC CONTEXTS A local historic context represents an aspect of the history of a town, city, county, cultural area, or region, or any portions thereof. It is defined by the importance of the property, not necessarily the physical location of the property. For instance, if a property is of a type found throughout a State, or its boundaries extend over two States, but its importance relates only to a particular county, the property would be considered of local signifi- cance. The level of context of archeologi- cal sites significant for their informa- tion potential depends on the scope of the applicable research design. For example, a Late Mississippian village site may yield information in a research design concerning one settlement system on a regional scale, while in another research design it may reveal information of local importance concerning a single group's stone tool manufacturing techniques or house forms. It is a question of how the available infor- mation potential is likely to be used. STATE HISTORIC CONTEXTS Properties are evaluated in a State context when they represent an aspect of the history of the State as a whole (or American Samoa, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands). These properties do not necessarily have to belong to property types found throughout the entire State: they can be located in only a portion of the State's present political bound- ary. It is the property's historic context that must be important statewide. For example, the "cotton belt" extends through only a portion of Georgia, yet its historical develop- ment in the antebellum period af- fected the entire State. These State historic contexts may have associated properties that are statewide or locally significant representations. A cotton gin in a small town might be a locally significant representation of this context, while one of the largest cotton producing plantations might be of State significance. A property whose historic associa- tions or information potential appears to extend beyond a single local area might be significant at the State level. A property can be significant to more than one community or local area, however, without having achieved State significance. A property that overlaps several State boundaries can possibly be significant to the State or local history of each of the States. Such a property is not necessarily of national signifi- cance, however, nor is it necessarily significant to all of the States in which it is located. Prehistoric sites are not often considered to have "State" signifi- cance, per se, largely because States are relatively recent political entities and usually do not correspond closely to Native American political territo- ries or cultural areas. Numerous sites, however, may be of significance to a large region that might geographi- cally encompass parts of one, or usually several, States. Prehistoric resources that might be of State significance include regional sites that provide a diagnostic assemblage of artifacts for a particular cultural group or time period or that provide chronological control (specific dates or relative order in time) for a series of cultural groups. NATIONAL HISTORIC CONTEXTS Properties are evaluated in a national context when they represent an aspect of the history of the United States and its territories as a whole. These national historic contexts may have associated properties that are locally or statewide significant representations, as well as those of national significance. Properties designated as nationally significant and listed in the National Register are the prehistoric and historic units of the National Park System and those properties that have been designated National Historic Landmarks. The National Historic Landmark criteria are the standards for nationally significant properties; they are found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 36, Part 65 and are summarized in this bulletin in Part IX: Summary of National Historic Land- marks Criteria for Evaluation. A property with national signifi- cance helps us understand the history of the nation by illustrating the nationwide impact of events or persons associated with the property, its architectural type or style, or information potential. It must be of exceptional value in representing or illustrating an important theme in the history of the nation. Nationally significant properties do not necessarily have to belong to a property type found throughout the entire country, they can be located in only a portion of the present political boundaries.. It is their historic context that must be important nationwide. For example, the American Civil War was fought in only a portion of the United States, yet its impact was nationwide. The site of a small military skirmish might be a locally significant representation of this national context, while the capture of the State's largest city might be a statewide significant representation of the national context. When evaluating properties at the national level for designation as a National Historic Landmark, please refer to the National Historic Land- marks outline, History and Prehistory in the National Park System and the National Historic Landmarks Program 1987. (For more information about the National Historic Landmarks program, please write to the Depart- ment of the Interior, National Park Service, National Historic Land- marks, 1849 C Street, NW, NC400, Washington, DC 20240.) 10 NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 10024-0018 (expires 5/31/2012) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Registration Form This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations for individual properties and districts. See instructions in How to Complete the National Register of Historic Places Registration Form (National Register Bulletin 16A). Complete each item by marking "C in the appropriate box or by entering the information requested. If any item does not apply to the property being documented, enter "N/A" for "not applicable." For functions, architectural classification, materials, and areas of significance, enter only categories and subcategories from the instructions. Place additional entries and narrative Items on continuation sheets (NPS Form 10-900a). 1. Name of historic name other names Nesbitt -Warner' Farmhouse; MIHP #WA -V-015 2. Location street & number 12654 Broadfording Road ❑ not for publication city or town Clear Spring ® vicinity state Maryland code MD county Washington code 43 zip code 21722 3, State/Federal Aoencv Certification As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, I hereby certify that this El nomination El request for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the National Register of Historic Places and meets the procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60. in my opinion, the property El meets El does not meet the National Register criteria. I recommend that this property be considered significant ❑ nationally ❑ statewide El locally. (❑ See continuation sheet for additional comments). Signature of certifying official/Title State or Federal agency and bureau my opinion, the property LJ meets Signature of certifying official/Title State or Federal agency and bureau 4. National Park Service Certification I hereby, certify that this property Is: ❑ entered in the National Register. ❑ See continuation sheet. El determined eligible for the National Register. ❑ See continuation sheet. ❑ Determined not eligible for the National Register. ❑ removed from the National Register. El other (explain): Signature of the Keeper Date of Action Plumb Grove Washington County, Maryland Name of Property County and State 5. Classification Ownership of Property Category of Property Number of Resources within Property (Check as many boxes as apply) (Check only one box) (Do not include previously listed resources in the count) ® private ® building(s) Contributing Noncontributing ❑ public -local ❑ district 1 3 buildings ❑ public -State ❑ site sites ❑ public -Federal ❑ structure structures ❑ object objects 1 3 Total Name of related multiple property listing number of contributing resources previously (Enter "N/A" if property is not part of a multiple property listing) listed in the National Register N/A 0 6. Function or Use Historic Functions Current Functions (Enter categories from instructions) (Enter categories from instructions) DOMESTIC/single dwelling RECREATION AND CULTURE/museum 7. Description Architectural Classification Materials (Enter categories from Instructions) (Enter categories from instructions) MID 19TH CENTURY/Greek Revival - foundation Stone walls Brick roof Wood/shingle other Wood Narrative Description (Describe the historic and current condition of the property on one or more continuation sheets) NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 01/2009) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OMB No. 1024-0018 National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section 7 Page 1 Description Summary: (Expires 5/31/2012) Plumb Grove Name of Property Washington County, Maryland County and State Plumb Grove, a ca. 1831 Greek Revival style farmhouse of brick construction, occupies an approximately 1 -acre tract within what was once a large farm belonging to Jonathan Nesbitt. The surrounding lands belong to the Washington County Board of Education, but aside from a school complex to the south of the house, the land is still farmed and the setting retains its agricultural character. In addition to the house and its fenced lot, the nominated property contains three support buildings constructed recently. The L-shaped house has five bays with a central entrance sheltered with a temple form porch. The interior plan consists of a central stair and entrance hall, with two rooms on each side, and a kitchen in the rear wing. Exuberant Greek Revival style woodwork characterizes the interior. General Description: Plumb Grove, a ca. 1831 Greek Revival style brick farmhouse sits on a .95 -acre plot of land parceled from a farm belonging to the Washington County Board of Education. The farmland now contains the Clear Spring School Complex, athletic fields, barns and agricultural land. The Plumb Grove house property is enclosed on three sides with a white picket fence and on the fourth side by a post and rail fence. The entire property, including the school's land was once part of the Plumb Grove (Nesbitt) farm. Aside from the school buildings and playing fields, the landscape retains its agricultural character. Plumb Grove faces southeast toward Broadfording Road. (For the purposes of this nomination, the front elevation will be referred to as "east".) A gravel lane leads approximately 1/4 mile from Broadfording Road to the Plumb Grove house. The lane parallels Draper Road, just to its northwest. The house stands on a fairly level plot of land with Fairview Mountain behind to the west and the rolling floor of the Cumberland/Hagerstown Valley extending to the east. The Town of Clear Spring is approximately '/2 mile to the southeast. Plumb Grove is one of three Nesbitt Farms that stand in close proximity to each other. The Otho Nesbitt Farm (WA -V-013) is about'/4 mile to the east, and the Nesbitt Farm (WA -V-012) is about'/4 mile to the northeast. Plumb Grove is a two story L-shaped brick dwelling resting on limestone foundations. The front elevation is formal with five bays and a central entrance. Bricks are arranged in Flemish bond at the front elevation, with splayed brick jack arches over the openings. Sawtooth brickwork and corbelling finish the cornice at the front elevation. Side and rear walls are laid in common bond with five stretcher courses to each row of headers. Double inside end chimneys joined with a parapet complete the masonry work. The rear L -extension continues seamlessly from the south end wall of the front section. On the north side a recessed double porch. spans the length of the NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. OV2009) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OM8 No. 1024-0018 National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section 7 Page 2 (Expires 513112012) Plumb Grove Name of Property Washington County, Maryland County and State L. The porch side of the L has two bays, a door and a window at the first story, and an upper level with three bays, two windows and a central door. Doors also open onto the lower and upper porches from the front section of the house. All of these doors have six panels. The absence of a window at the west end of the L's north elevation is the result of an interior boxed stair in that corner. The porch has square posts and is enclosed with a balustrade. - A Greek Revival style entrance porch dominates the front elevation. It has a low hipped roof with a plain entablature below and four large Doric columns, two pair, one pair each placed on either side of the three steps leading to the porch deck. A balustrade links each pair of columns. Plumb Grove has a trabeated entrance with a broad transom and sidelights. These surround an eight -panel door with a vertical molding suggesting that the door is bi-fold, but no evidence is present to suggest that the door was ever hinged in the middle. Attached columns flank the door. Windows have six over six light sash within narrow rounded frames with mitered corners. At the front elevation replacement paneled shutters have been added to the windows. Windows in the rear extension are smaller than those in the front section, but all have six -pane sash. The wide south gable end of the main section of the house has three windows at each level, one at the forward side of the chimneys and two to the west of the chimneys. This arrangement allowed two windows in the southwest rooms of the front section of the house. The north gable end is arranged more symmetrically with one window on each side of the chimneys at each level. The west elevation of the front section, within the angle created by the extension has one window at each level. Thus the northwest and southwest rooms each have two windows and the northeast and southeast rooms each have three. The roofing material is wood shingles, a relatively recent replacement covering. Interior: The front entrance opens into a formal stair and entrance hall with two rooms on either side. The floor plan layout has large rooms diagonally opposed in the northeast, a parlor, and in the southwest, the dining room. The northwest and southeast rooms are significantly smaller. The same is true of the second floor. At the first floor, wide doorways separate the front and rear rooms. The staircase rises against the north wall of the entrance hall and appears strangely out of character with the other woodwork in the house. While the mantelpieces, door and window trim are very bulky and heavily molded, the staircase has a graceful, delicate round railing that sweeps in a single curving form from the top to the base of the steps where it bends in a scroll to NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 01/2009) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OMB No. 1024-0018 National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section 7 Page 3 (Expires 5/31/2012) Plumb Grove Name of Property Washington County, Maryland County and State alight on top of a narrow turned newel. Balusters, two per step, are turned and tapered. Scroll carvings decorate the spandrel along the edge of the stairs. Contrasting with the staircase is the robust and massive door and window trim and mantels. Architraves have large symmetrical moldings and decorated corner blocks. Each mantelpiece is different, but the two most prominent are very elaborate. The northeast parlor mantel has Doric colonnettes, a frieze with central projecting tablet, protruding semi -elliptical bolection moldings and a three part projecting mantel shelf. The dining room mantel has fluted Doric colonnettes, and a frieze with large Greek Key molding running its length. The mantels in the smaller rooms are much simpler, with architraves around the fireboxes and narrow shelves. The building also includes a cellar with a cooking fireplace. The wing to the rear (backbuilding) contains the kitchen with a large service fireplace in the west end wall and an enclosed winder stair adjacent to the fireplace in the northwest corner. The upper story room reportedly housed the Nesbitt slaves/servants. Additional buildings: In addition to the house there are three service buildings in the rear yard, all of fairly recent construction. A brick summer kitchen/wash house was added to the landscape just behind the house and in the traditional work yard. A frame, board and batten covered restroom and storage building with an attached shed stands immediately behind the house's kitchen wing. Behind that is a small frame shed, also covered with board and batten. All of these accessory buildings have been constructed since the 1980s. Resource Count: I contributing building 3 non-contributing buildings. Evaluation of Integrity: Plumb Grove is an excellent example of a Greek Revival style farmhouse from west central Maryland. It remains highly intact with key components — design, layout and woodwork — all present. Although the setting has been altered by the addition of non -historic support buildings, these newer constructions are compatible in materials, scale and, design to the 1830s period of the house. The .95 -acre plot of land is part of the original Nesbitt land, and aside from the school development to the south of Plumb Grove, the surrounding land remains in agricultural use, NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 0112009) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OMB No. 1024-0018 National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section 7 Page 4 (Expires 5/31/2012) Plumb Grove Name of Property Washington County, Maryland County and State preserving the setting. Therefore, Plumb Grove retains a high level of integrity of location, setting, materials, design, workmanship, feeling and association. The Maryland Historical Trust holds an easement on the property. Plumb Grove Name of Property Washington County, Maryland County and State 8. Statement of Significance Applicable National Register Criteria Area of Significance (Mark "Z' in one or more boxes for the criteria qualifying the property for (Enter categories from instructions) National Register listing) ❑ A Property is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad pattern of our history. ❑ B Property associated with the lives of persons significant in our past. C Property embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components lack individual distinction. ❑ D Property has yielded, or is likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history. Criteria Considerations (Mark 'f in all the boxes that apply) Property is: ❑ A owned by a religious institution or used for religious purposes. ❑ B removed from its original location. ❑ C a birthplace or grave. ❑ D a cemetery. ❑ E a reconstructed building, object, or structure. ❑ F a commemorative property. ❑ G less than 50 years of age or achieved significance within the past 50 years. Narrative Statement of Significance (Explain the significance of the property on one or more continuation sheets) Period of Significance Ca. 1831 Significant Dates Ca. 1831 Significant Person (Complete if Criterion B is marked above) N/A Cultural Affiliation N/A Architect/Builder N/A 9. Major Bibliographical References Bibliography (Cite the books, articles, and other sources used in preparing this form on one or more continuation sheets) Previous documentation on files (NPS): Primary location of additional data: ❑ preliminary determination of individual listing (36 ® State Historic Preservation Office CFR 67) has been requested ❑ Other State agency ❑ previously listed in the National Register ❑ Federal agency ❑ previously determined eligible by the National Register ❑ Local government ❑ designated a National Historic Landmark ❑ University ❑ recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey ❑ Other # Name of repository: O recorded by Historic American Engineering Record NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 01/2009) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OMB No. 1024-0018 National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section 8 Page 1 Summary Statement of Significance: (Expires 5/3112012) Plumb Grove Name of Property Washington County, Maryland County and State Plumb Grove (Nesbitt -Warner Farmhouse, MI-IP #WA -V-015) is locally significant under National Register Criterion C as a particularly fine example of a vernacular adaptation of the Greek Revival architectural style. Built ca. 1831 at the marriage of Jonathan and Ann (Meixsell) Nesbitt, the large five -bay house with its elegant Greek temple -form porch and soaring paired chimneys gracefully represented the status of the successful Nesbitt family in its rural setting. Though Plumb Grove was located on the edge of the western Maryland mountains, the nearby town of Clear Spring was a booming National Pike town active with artisans and regular deliveries of merchandise from the port at Baltimore. The Nesbitts had ready access to the state- of-the-art Greek Revival moldings and mantelpieces found throughout the interior of Plumb Grove. The period of significance is ca. 1831 representing the date of construction of Plumb Grove. Resource History and Historic Context: Historic Context Plumb Grove represents an important slice of regional history rooted in the rich soil cultivated and developed into prosperous farms by German husbandmen. A few pioneering farmers and far traders initially settled the area in the 1730s and 1740s. At that time Lord Baltimore had just opened Maryland's frontier or "back country" for settlement, and Germans were migrating through the area to create settlements in Virginia. Seeking to develop the back portions of Maryland, Lord Baltimore began to encourage settlement on his colony's frontier. Speculators from eastern Maryland responded by acquiring large tracts for subdivision and resale to German farmers. As settlement progressed, political divisions of the frontier occurred. Until 1748, the land was part of Prince George's County. Afterward it was Frederick County until 1776 when Washington County was formed. Settlement was sparse until the close of the French and Indian War in 1763 and the end of Pontiac's rebellion the following year. Thereafter, settlement progressed rapidly as transportation routes improved and word of the rich farmland in the Cumberland and Shenandoah valleys spread. The land was made fertile by numerous limestone outcrops, which give special visual character to the landscape as well as providing material for buildings and fences. The English speculators who had acquired large grants of land as investments began to subdivide and sell into smaller lots of 100-300 acres which were ideal for a profitable family farm. These farms were divided into fields of 20-40 acres and planted with small grains and corn or clover. Other lands were left in pasture and woodlots, as the process of clearing the land was NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 01/2009) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OMB No. 1024-0018 National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section 8 Page 2 (Expires 5/31/2012) Plumb Grove Name of Property Washington County, Maryland County and State slow. Woodlot and pasture functions were often combined in areas where rock outcrops made cultivation difficult. Allowing cattle and hogs to forage through woodlands helped to keep them open and clear. While the valley lands of Washington County were easily converted to the general/grain farming traditions carried on by German and Pennsylvania -German immigrants, the mountains bordering the valleys on the east and west provided different opportunities for development. Covered with old growth trees and laden with iron ore, the mountains were soon home to several iron furnace operations. The Green Spring Furnace, nestled within the North Mountain ranges to the west, was established in 1765 by Lancelot Jacques and Thomas Johnson.' The insatiable need for wood to provide charcoal for the furnaces ensured that previously forested mountain land was eventually cleared. Through the first half of the 19`h century, the west -central region of Maryland became known for grain production. Grain was sold in bulk, or processed into flour and meal, or distilled into whiskey. These commodities were shipped to markets in Baltimore or Philadelphia. Shipping from western Maryland was a problem, and hindered the growth and prosperity associated with grain production. There was no reliable inland water route to the farming areas, although navigation of the Potomac River was seasonally available from the 1790s through 1828. Road transportation served as the primary artery for the freight hauling needs of the region. Maryland, therefore promoted turnpike development, although most of these toll routes were privately funded. The output and growth in population in the western areas of Maryland encouraged construction and improvement of roads. In ,1806 the Federal government began the construction of a highway that would lead to the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase lands comprising much of the central portion of the United States. The "National Road" began in Cumberland, Maryland partly following the old Braddock Road, a rough wagon track established by explorers and traders, and led to Wheeling in Virginia (West Virginia) and later on to Terre Haute, Indiana. The main wagon road from Baltimore to Cumberland, a collection of privately owned and operated turnpike segments that ran through the heart of Washington County was eventually upgraded and consolidated to become part of the National Road system. The National Pike, as it became known, was one of the most heavily traveled east -west routes in America with traffic passing all hours of the day and night. Construction of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal along the Potomac River as an alternative transportation system began in 1828 and reached the western districts of Washington County by 1839. Not only did the canal open a new avenue of transportation for agricultural products but it also became a source of employment for many who lived nearby. The "canal towns" of ' Scharf, p. 1295. NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 01/2009) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OMB No. 1024-0018 National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section 8 Page 3 Plumb Grove Name of Property Washington County, Mai County and State (Expires 513112012) Washington County, as well as throughout the adjoining rural areas, were full of men whose occupation listed on the census as "boating on the canal" or "boatman." Other common occupations in rural Washington County included farmer, farm laborer, and — in areas around the several active iron works — miner, collier, and "works at furnace." The Clear Spring Districts in Washington County benefited from both the National Pike and the C&O Canal in close proximity. Although highway transportation waned as the canal and railroad peaked through the second half of the 191h century, the district ranked among the higher rural district populations in 1880.2 Still, the west -central Maryland "bread basket" saw a slow decline in the dominance of grain production and milling, largely due to the advances in steam powered mills and the railroad. As mid -western farms began to concentrate on wheat, the farms of Washington County developed a more diversified product list, eventually shifting to dairy products, fruit, and vegetable production. By 1900, the "General Farm" designation was commonly found on the census in Washington County. The advent of the automobile in the first decades of the 201h century briefly revived the aging National Turnpike. However, the urbanization and industrialization process of the late 191h century gradually transformed the economy of Maryland. While agricultural pursuits continued in the rural parts of the state, their relative importance as the driving force of the economy declined.3 In 1920, Maryland had become 60% urban with slightly over half the state's population in Baltimore.4 Meanwhile suburban residential districts and recreational areas spread outward from Washington D.C. and Baltimore into Montgomery and Baltimore Counties, a trend that has continued to the present. The conversion of farmland use to dairy and orchards led to the decrease of traditional agricultural industries particularly milling and attendant businesses and industries. After World War II with the advent of the post war booming manufacturing economy and the emerging Cold War, population began to shift once again. This time with the encouragement of the government's new interstate highway system, the defense highways developed in the Eisenhower administration, upwardly mobile and automobile owning city dwellers left the urban environments of Washington DC and Baltimore to create suburban neighborhoods on the edges of the cities. Since the late 1940s, suburban development has sprawled outward into and throughout mid -Maryland substantially reducing agriculture and profoundly altering the rural scene. 2 Scharf, p. 974. s 13ruchey in Walsh and Fox, p. 483, 484. 4 Crooks in Walsh and Fox, p. 590. NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 01/2009) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OMB No. 1024-0018 National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section 8 Page 4 Architectural Context (Expires 5/31/2012) Plumb Grove Name of Property Washington County, Maryland County and State Farmhouses from the 18th century through the mid -20th century exhibit great variety in mid - Maryland, yet all are readily identifiable to the region. Little housing remains from the settlement period. Dwellings that do survive represent the more durable buildings and not the general population of houses. Log was the preferred building material, although probably a disproportionate number of early period survivors are of stone construction. These very early stone houses use the type of stone found in the nearby landscape, often limestone in the Cumberland Valley section of Washington County. Later farmhouse builders introduced brick and light weight framing systems with various milled sidings or shingles. Brick houses were much less common on mid -Maryland's farms in the 18th century than they were in urbanized areas. When 18th century brick farmhouses do occur they are distinguished by the presence of water tables, Flemish bond facades and common bond secondary walls with three or four courses of stretcher rows to each header row. Much more common among mid -Maryland brick farmhouses are those from the 1820-1900 period. Those constructed before approximately 1850 display Flemish bond facades and thereafter, common bond or all -stretcher facades. Farmhouse form followed several traditional paths. Among the earliest buildings were Germanic central chimney dwellings with one or two stories and three or four rooms clustered around a massive group of fireplaces. British settlers more frequently constructed one or one and a half story buildings with a hall and parlor plan, one room deep with inside or exterior end fireplaces. Generally farmhouses spanned three to five bays, sat on cellars and had side gables. By the second quarter of the 19th century typical floor plans consisted of center passages with one or two rooms on either side, or a two or four room plan where the main entrance opened directly into a room. A common arrangement attributed to Germanic traditions exhibits two central front doors, side by side, which open directly into two front rooms. Porches began to appear with frequency, either across the entire front or recessed in an inset containing two or three bays along the front elevation at the kitchen wall. Another variation is an L -extension to the rear of the main part of the house, almost always with a recessed double porch along one side. This L configuration accommodates a kitchen wing, and these rear wings were consistently referenced in 18th and 19th century records as "back buildings," even though they were attached to the main part of the dwelling. Houses were almost universally roofed with wooden shingles, often long and double -lapped, top to bottom and side to side. This shingle type seems to be associated with German traditions. Otherwise, top -lapped thin wooden shingles prevailed with staggered joints and there is evidence NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 01/2009) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OMB No. 1024-0018 National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section 8 Page 5 (Expires 5/31/2012) Plumb Grove Name of Property Washington County, Maryland County and State that thatch was used, along with "cabbin" or clapboard roofs. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries roofs of slate or standing seam metal appear.5 Resource History Nathaniel Nesbitt was among the earliest settlers in the west -central mountain and valley region of Washington County, then still part of Frederick County, when he acquired several land patents in the 1750s. By 1776, when Washington County was formed, Nesbitt owned over 1,400 acres on the eastern edge of Fairview Mountain. His land was located in an area known for its iron ore deposits and plentiful supply of wood for charcoal production. His valley land was underlain with limestone bedrock, the soil known for its fertility and well -suited to grain production. By the late 18th century, wheat production on Washington County farms, then part of the "bread basket" of the young United States, placed some area farmers among the wealthiest property - owners. By 1790, Nathaniel Nesbitt had nine children, including five sons. His eldest son John was already living in his own household in 1790. Perhaps in preparation for his sons' inheritance, in 1791 Nesbitt had his land resurveyed as Nesbitt's Inheritance, by then down to 708 acres.6 By 1800, two sons, John and Jacob, had separate households while Nesbitt and his remaining three sons worked the land along with three slaves. Up to the turn of the 19th century, the Nesbitt plantation was served by several early transportation routes that proved seasonally unreliable. The Potomac River, just to the south of the Nesbitt land, was used to move farm produce from as early as the middle of the 18th century. In the 1790s, George Washington's Potomac Navigation Company opened channels through the rapids along much of the upper Potomac and began skirting canals around the Great Falls and Little Falls above the port at Georgetown. The river was unreliable however, as winter ice, spring floods, and summer droughts all negatively affected boating. The east -west road, today's Broadfording Road, which ran between Elizabethtown (Hagerstown) and Jacque's Green Spring Furnace where it joined the road to Hancock and beyond (today's Rt. 56), remained a crude and rutted wagon road impassible in bad weather. But with the construction of the National Road, beginning at Cumberland in 1806, sections of road leading from the port at Baltimore to Cumberland were improved as turnpike roads, including a section west from Hagerstown, becoming part of the National Turnpike system, better known as the National Pike. The National s Paula S. Reed & Assoc., "Mid -Maryland: An Agricultural History and Historic Context," draft, Frederick, MD: Catoctin Center for Regional Studies, 2006, Chapter 5. 6 Washington Co. Patented Certificate #647, MSA S1208-697, Maryland State Archives. The tract was surveyed in May 1791. Neighbors Samuel and Harry Prather contested the survey in September but then withdrew their caveat in October 1791 and the patent was issued in 1794. NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 0112009) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OMB No. 1024-0018 National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section 8 Page 6 (Expires 5/31/2012) Plumb Grove Name of Property Washington County, Maryland County and State Pike was an invaluable improvement in transportation through western Maryland and brought dramatic changes to the rural landscape. Nathaniel Nesbitt died in 1807 knowing that his lands would soon be more valuable by their proximity to the National Pike. According to his will, the land was divided among his five sons —Peter, Jonathan, Nathaniel, John, and Jacob? Peter Nesbitt died in 1809 and by 1820 all the remaining brothers except Jonathan had removed to Ohio, Indiana, or western Pennsylvania.8 Jonathan Nesbitt, who inherited Lot 2 of Nesbitt's Inheritance including the homeplace, was the only Nebitt listed in the 1820 census. His household included four sons, one daughter, three slaves, and three free blacks. The National Pike section west from Hagerstown was completed in 1823, passing through the recently platted town of Clear Spring (platted in 1821, recorded in 1825).9 Located 11 miles west of Hagerstown, Clear Spring was a natural stopping place for travelers on the Pike to rest themselves and their horses, buy provisions, or repair wagons. The small town of 74 lots stood on part of Nathaniel Nesbitt's Resurvey on Locust Thicket, just a short distance southwest of the Nesbitt homeplace by then occupied by Jonathan Nesbitt [I] (Otho Nesbitt House, WA -V-013). By 1825, Clear Spring included five tavern -keepers, four stores, fifteen carpenters, shoemakers, tailors, wagonmakers and other craftsmen, and a school: The number of tradesmen related to building crafts indicates the demand for such skills in the growing town. In addition, the number of tradesmen related to the business of travel (wheelwrights, wagonmakers, tavern keepers, etc.) provides some indication of the economic importance of the National Pike to the town. The road continued in this important role, as seen by the steady increase in the number of establishments serving travelers — by 1836, Clear Spring had seven hotels.!° The building boom was not limited to just the town as nearby farmers embarked on their own improvements. In 1826, the young widow of Jacob Meixsell of Frederick, Mrs. Frances Meixsell, moved her family to the new town of Clear Spring — the occasion noted by Jacob Engelbrecht in his Frederick diary.11 By 1831, Mrs. Meixsell's daughter Ann was preparing to marry into the Nesbitt family, among the most prominent families in the area. The marriage of Jonathan Nesbitt, Jr. to Ann R. Meixsell took place on March 23, 1831.12 The newlyweds moved into a Washington Co. (WC) Will Book B, page 142. s "Dennis Family Genealogy Pages," Nesbitt/Witmer Group, http://pIdennis.com/fami1ygm!Q. 9 WC DB HH, p. 741. 10 "Town of Clear Spring," WA -V-414, MI HP documentation, 1992. "The Diary of Jacob Engelbrecht," CD-ROM, Historical Society of Frederick County, 2001, p. 232 12 WC Marriage Records 1799-1860, p. 148. NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 01/2009) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OMB No. 1024-0018 National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section 8 Page 7 (Expires 5/31/2012) Plumb Grove Name of Property Washington County, Maryland County and State new brick farmhouse on a 157 -acre section of the Nesbitt plantation, built using distinctive features from the lately popular Greek Revival style. By 1840, the household included three young children and two free -black laborers. The Nesbitt's named their farm "Plumb Grove," as noted in the Clear Spring Academy ledger of the 1840s where the Nesbitt children attended school.13 Several of the farms located on the Lots that made up the former Nesbitt's Inheritance had undergone similar transformations. The log Nesbitt homeplace, located on Lot 2 and still occupied by Jonathan Nesbitt Sr., appears to have been significantly enlarged, first with a stone addition and later, probably after about 1825, with a brick addition. One of the additions is said to have included a ballroom.14 The neighboring house located on Nesbitt's Inheritance Lot 3, was probably built by Daniel Gehr ca. 1830. Gehr purchased the tract from Nathaniel Nesbitt (Jr.) in 1813 for $5,000, indicating there was likely an earlier house on the property. Gehr's new house combined elements of the outgoing popular Federal style with Greek Revival features strikingly similar to those found at Nesbitt's Plumb Grove. In 1837 Gehr sold his house and land to Tobias Johnson.15 (see 1859 Taggert map) The elegant Greek Revival styling of Jonathan Nesbitt Jr's Plumb Grove reflected the social standing of Nesbitt who, in addition to his successful farm operation, represented Washington County in the Maryland House of Delegates in 1842. This house too appears to have replaced an earlier dwelling. Located on Lot 4 of Nesbitt's Inheritance devised to John Nesbitt in 1807, Jonathan Nesbitt Sr. purchased the 137 -acre tract from his brother John in 1816 for $6,000.16 In May 1855, one year before his death, Jonathan Nesbitt Sr. conveyed the Lot 4 farm to Jonathan Nesbitt Jr., in exchange for "the support, maintenance and comfort, of the said Jonathan Nesbitt Sr. for and during the term of his natural life."17 The tract included 20 additional acres, for a total of 157 acres. Jonathan Nesbitt Jr's Plumb Grove farm was valued at $10,000 on the 1860 census, while the Nesbitt homplace, occupied by his brother Otho Nesbitt, was valued at $12,650. (see 1859 Taggart Map). Jonathan Nesbitt Jr. died in 1877, followed by his wife Ann in 1885. Of their five children, three had moved to Missouri. Allen Nesbitt bought out his siblings' interest in the farm and remained "David Wiles, President Clear Spring District Historical Association, personal communication, March 2011. ' David Wiles, President Clear Spring District Historical Association, personal communication, March 2011. See also "Otho Nesbitt House," WA -V-013, DOE and MIHP documentation. 1s WC DB Y, p. 830 (1813, Nesbitt to Gehr) and DB SS, p.675(1837, (1837, Gehr to Johnson). This house, known locally as "Poplar Hall," was recorded as the "Nesbitt Farm," WA -V-012, MIHP documentation, 1978. Local lore states that the house was built by John Nesbitt, brother of Jonathan Nesbitt, Jr., and sold to Tobias Johnson. No deeds from Nesbitt to Johnson were found to confirm this. 1e WC DB BB, p. 487. n WC DB 10, p. 455. NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 0112009) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OMB No. 1024-0018 National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section 8 Page 8 (Expires 5/3112012) Plumb Grove Name of Property Washington County, Maryland County and State until 1893 when he sold it to Rosa Warner.)$ Rosa Warner was the wife of Clear Spring hotel owner Fred Warner, who used the farm to produce food for his hotel while the house was tenanted. The Warner family retained Plumb Grove until it was sold in 1967 to the Washington County Board of Education.19 The Plumb Grove house remained vacant from 1967 through 1981 when it was sold, along with just under one -acre of land, to the Clear Spring District Historical Association 20 The house was in deteriorated condition and the Association embarked on a restoration of the building using Maryland Historical Trust Capital Grant funds. 18 WC DB 87, P. 425 (1885, Nesbitts to Allen Nesbitt) and DB 99, P. 517 (1893, Nesbitt to Warner). '9 WC DB 456, P. 785. 20 WC DB 712, p. 583. NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 01/2009) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OMB No. 1024-0010 National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section 9 Page I Major Bibliographical References: (Expires 5/31/2012) Plumb Grove Name of Property Washington County, Maryland County and State "Nesbitt Farm." WA -V-012, MIHP documentation, 1978, www.mht.maryland.gov. "Nesbitt -Warner Farmhouse." WA -V-015, MIHP documentation, 1978, www.mht.maryland.gov. "Otho Nesbitt House." WA -V-013, DOE, 2003, and MIHP documentation, 1978, www.mht.maryland.gov. Reed, Paula S. & Assoc. "Mid -Maryland: An Agricultural History and Historic Context." Draft manuscript, Catoctin Center for Regional Studies, Frederick, MD, 2006. Scharf, J. Thomas. History of Western Maryland. (Baltimore: 1882), reprint Regional Publishing Co., 1969. "The Diary of Jacob Engelbrecht." CD-ROM, Historical Society of Frederick County, Frederick, MD, 2001. "Town of Clear Spring." WA -V-414, M1HP documentation, 1992, www.mht.maryland.gov. Walsh, Richard and William Lloyd Fox, eds. Maryland, A History. Baltimore: Maryland Historical Society, 1974. Washington County Estate and Marriage Records, Washington County Courthouse, Hagerstown, MD. Washington County Land Records, http://mdlandrec.net. Plumb Grove Name of Property 10. Geographical Data Acreage of Property .95 acres UTM References (Place additional UTM references on a continuation sheet) 111 81 1214 810 4 01 14 319 410 6 01 Zone Fasting Northing 21 111 1 11 1 1 Verbal Boundary Description (Describe the boundaries of the property on a continuation sheet) Boundary Justification (Explain why the boundaries were selected on a continuation sheet) 11. Form Prepared By Washington County, Maryland County and State 31 111 1 11 1 1 1 Zone Easting Northing 41 111 1 11 1 1 1 ❑ See continuation sheet name/title Paula S. Reed, Ph.D., Architectural Historian; Edie Wallace, M.A., Historian Organization Paula S. Reed & Associates, Inc. date June 2011 street & number 1 W. Franklin St., Suite 300 telephone 301-739-2070 city or town I-Iagerstown state Maryland zip code 21 Additional Documentation Submit the following items with the completed form: Continuation Sheets Maps A USGS map (7.5 or 15 minute series) indicating the property's location. A Sketch map for historic districts and properties having large acreage or numerous resources. Photographs Representative black and white photographs of the property. Additional Items (Check with the SHPO or FPO for any additional Items) Property Owner (Complete this item at the request of SHPO or FPO) name Clear Spring District Historical Association street & number P. O. Box 2l 1 telephone city or town Clear state Maryland zip code 21722 Paperwork Reduction Statement: This information is being collected for applications to the National Register of Historic Places to nominate properties for listing or determine eligibility for listing, to list properties, and to amend existing listings. Response to this request is required to obtain a benefit In accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. 470 et. seq.). Estimated Burden Statement: Public reporting burden for this form is estimated to average 18.1 hours per response including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining data, and completing and reviewing the form. Direct comments regarding this burden estimate or any aspect of this form to the Chief, Administrative Services Division, National Park Service, P.O. Box 37127, Washington, DC 20013-7127; and the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reductions Project (1024-0018), Washington, DC 20503. NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 0112009) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OMB No. 1024-0018 National. Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section 10 Page I Verbal Boundary Description: (Expires 5/3112012) Plumb Grove Name of Property Washington County, Maryland County and State The Plumb Grove boundary is defined by the outlines of Parcel 242, Washington County Tax Map 34 (see attached), encompassing .95 acres. Boundary Justification: The nominated Plumb Grove boundary represents the acreage owned by the Clear Spring District Historical Association and includes the historic Plumb Grove house and domestic yard, and is the entire area under easement with the Maryland Historical Trust. N rbOZ aunr aW ` Auo t WA -V-015 Plumb Grove 12654 Broadfording Road, Clear Spring Washington Co., MD Digital Photo Log Page! of 2 HP 100 Gray Photo Cartridge HP Premium Plus Photo Paper WA-V-015_2011-03-22Iv- 01 tif: West view, east and north elevations WA -V-015 2011-03-22_02.tif: NW view, east (front) elevation ✓ WA-V-015_2011-03-22_03.tif: SW view, north (side) elevation ✓ tW WA-V-015_2011-03-22_04.tif: SE view, west (rear) elevation WA-V-015_2011-03-22_05.tif: E view, west and south elevations ✓ WA-V-015_2011-03-22_06.tif: NE view, south (side) elevation ✓WA-V-015_2011-03-22_07.tif: N view, south and east elevations WA-V-015_2011-03-22_08.tif: Window detail, east elevation WA -V-015 2011-03-22 09.tif: Front door detail, east elevation WA -V-015 2011-03-22_10.tif: Backbuilding, SW view, north elevation .1\YA-V-015_2011-03-22 11.tif: Kitchen/wash house (foreground) and restroom/storage building, SW view ✓WA-V-015_2011-03-22_12.tif: Setting, view E toward Otho Nesbitt House (WA -V-013) ✓WA -V-015 2011-03-22 13.tif: First floor, stair and entrance hall, view NW WA-V-015_2011-03-22_14.tif: First floor, dining (southwest) room, view E toward stair and entrance hall WA-V-015_2011-03-22_15.tif: First floor, dining (southwest) room, south wall, mantel WA-V-015_2011-03-2216.tif: First floor, view SE from dining (southwest) room into southeast room WA -V-015 Plumb Grove 12654 Broadfording Road, Clear Spring Washington Co., AID Digital Photo Log Page 2 of 2 WA -V-015_2011-03-22 17.tif: First floor, kitchen, view N showing service fireplace in north end wall WA-V-015_2011-03-22_18.tif: First floor, parlor (northeast room), view S toward entrance hall WA-V-015_2011-03-22_I9.tif: First floor, parlor (northeast room), view N showing north wall mantel and west wall doors WA-V-015_2011-03-22_20.tif: First floor, northwest room, view E showing north wall mantel and recessed cupboard WA -V-0152011-03-22 21.tif: Second floor, northeast chamber, view N showing north wall mantel ✓WA -V-0152011-03-22 22.tif Second floor, northwest chamber, view E showing north wall mantel ✓WA -V-0152011-03-22 23.ti£ Second floor, southwest chamber, view SW showing south wall mantel WA-V-015_2011-03-22_24.tif: Second floor, southeast chamber, view SW showing south wall mantel F i % Tr ≤- a ° • v � 1 8 �. � a 1 TI •j ` ;.f i��JJi l 'i �. 4`{{}�I `l l�I�(f ��I� �li ti `�i�I �I F�'F� tit ti Iflrl t�I1 f!I}lii ji'��.� dpi �� '.. at _ �aII tkt7.. _ Iti'l: i �1, wIr 111 '\ H. r .d��°i1 t Od4'1!) rUn ;pt itrr�wlfi�\W i� { V y ✓v 'V aD ypaq r i�i 1f0 v�avaiha6�b�11�`�I;��V�+ 7+, ,s.. fi ly G / s y�+'qF4 i4 v1 , ;:Nt®R$ v r � ill eYF'� l,Y`9evi.•pym r e t ^`. 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TA'"z3°" r i t tt Y $� alt ,' ,' Maryland Department of Planning Martin O5Llallry �� t ll..��... S '° idrard Eberhart Hal[ Governor Maryland Historical Trust k D�^^ { # Secreta rY Anthony G. Brown MatthewJ. Power Lt. Governor AUG L�, Deputy Secretary August 8, 2011 1lFt tilNGf0)J COUNTY Ms. Kamala Dulichan Development Facilitators, Inc. 1127 Benfield Boulevard, Suite K Millersville, MD 21108 Re: Southern Boulevard Phase I Washington County, Maryland S I -IA Project No. I 0 -AP -WA -006 Washington County Project No. 10-177 Dear Ms. Dulichan: Thank you for providing the Maryland Historical Trust (Trust) with additional information regarding the construction of Southern Boulevard Phase I in Washington County, Maryland. Since the project requires an Engineering Access Permit from the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA), we are continuing our review of the proposed undertaking in accordance with the Maryland Historical Trust Act of 1985, as amended, State Finance and Procurement Article §§ 5A-325 and 5A-326 of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The Trust previously commented on the proposed undertaking on 5 January 2011 and 6 June 2011. We are writing to provide our comments on the alternatives analysis and to discuss the effect of the undertaking on historic properties. The Washington County Division of Public Works (County) proposes to construct the first phase of a minor arterial roadway to connect East Oak Ridge Drive with Frederick Street (US 40 Alt.) near Funkstown, Maryland. Future extension of Southern Boulevard will continue east from Frederick Street, cross over Antietam Creek, and intersect with US 40 south of Hagerstown. Informally known as the Funkstown Bypass, this project will alleviate traffic congestion in Funkstown that is currently constrained by the 1833 single -lane stone arch bridge on East Oak Ridge Drive over Antietam Creek. Historic properties in the vicinity of the proposed roadway include the Ravenswood Heights Historic District (MIHP No. WA -I-887) and Garden Hill/Robert Cushen House (MIHP No. WA -I-454). The Ravenswood Heights Historic District is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places as an early twentieth- century residential development featuring bungalows, some built using local limestone, as well as examples of Colonial Revival and Spanish Revival architectural styles. Garden Hill is a remarkably intact example of a mid - 19th century Greek Revival rural farmhouse that was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. Several alignments were evaluated for Southern Boulevard Phase I. Although the preferred alignment will bisect the Ravenswood Heights Historic District, it has the fewest impacts on environmental resources as well as residential and commercial structures. An alignment to the north of Ravenswood Heights is not possible due to a high density of residential and commercial development. An alignment to the south of Ravenswood Heights is not practical due to the proximity of Antietam Creek and potential impacts to Garden Hill. We acknowledge that the County has investigated alternatives and has selected the preferred alternative as the only viable and least impactful location for Southern Boulevard Phase I. 100 Community Place - Crownsville, Maryland 21032-2023 Telephone: 410,514.7600 Fax: 410.987.4071 Toll Free: 1.800.756.0119 - TTY Users: Maryland Relay Internet: http://Mht.marylandgot' Ms. Kamala Dulichan Southern Boulevard Phase I Washington County, Maryland Garden Hill is located south of the proposed intersection between Southern Boulevard and Frederick Street, Residential properties and existing vegetation provide a buffer between Garden Hill and the preferred alignment for Southern Boulevard. Although there will be no direct impacts to this property from the construction of the roadway, the new road may be visible from the property. We agree with the recommendations made by the Washington County Historic District Commission on 8 April 2011 to retain and enhance the vegetative buffer along the south side of Southern Boulevard. Provided that the vegetative buffer along the south side of Southern Boulevard is maintained and enhanced, the project will have no adverse effect on Garden Hill. Construction of Southern Boulevard will necessitate the demolition of a residence located at 1240 Frederick Street within the Ravenswood Heights Historic District. The residence at 1240 Frederick Street contributes to the significance of the historic district. Considering the compact size and linear nature of the historic district, we have determined that the demolition this residence impacts the cohesiveness of the historic district and constitutes an adverse effect on historic properties. In order to facilitate resolution of the project's adverse effect on the Ravenswood Heights Historic District, we request that the county identify mitigation measures in consultation with the Trust, Washington County Historic District Commission and other interested parties. At a minimum, the mitigation measures should include the recordation of the property located at 1240 Frederick Street and the incorporation of SHA's suggested context - sensitive design treatments into the County's plans for the proposed roundabout on Frederick Street. We request that the County continue to identify and coordinate with interested parties regarding this undertaking. These parties can include local and county historical societies, planning departments, and other groups with an interest in the cultural resources of the project area. Please allow adequate time for these parties to express any potential concerns about historic properties and the project's effect, as well as participate in the resolution of adverse effects. Once all parties have had a reasonable opportunity to offer and consider potential mitigation measures, the Trust will draft a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for review. Once the terms of the MOA have been agreed upon by all parties, the document will be circulated for signatures. Implementation of the MOA's terms by the County will complete the historic preservation review process for this undertaking. If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact either Tim Tamburrino at ttaurburrino( mdp state and us / 410-514-7637 or Beth Cole at bcole@mdp.state.md.us / 410-514-7631. We thank you for your cooperation. Sincerely, J. Rodney Little Director/State Historic Preservation Officer JRL/rJT 201103001 Cc: Stephen T. Goodrich (Washington County HDC) Steven Slotelmyer (Washington County DPW) Julie Schablitsky (SHA) Steven Foster (SHA) Terry Maxwell (SHA) SMA Martin O'Malley, Governor ( SLU,LpW0q I Beverley IC. Swaim Staley Secretaryelnthmry Lt G. Brown . Govrrar bll�� Darrell B. Mobley,Administrh a n } MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AUG 1;i :uil July 28, 2011 Re: Project No. WA415A21 MD 68 over St. James Run Replacement of SHA Structure No. 115200, Washington County, Maryland USGS Williamsport 7.5" Quadrangle PIJ iifly.!C' Mr. J. Rodney Little State Historic Preservation Officer Maryland Historical Trust 100 Community Place Crownsville MD 21032-2023 Dear Mr. Little: Introduction and Project Description This letter serves to inform the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) of the Maryland State Highway Administration's (SHA) finding that there will, be no historic properties affected by the proposed Project No. WA415A21. The project involves the removal of SHA Structure No. 2115200, and replacement with a twenty -foot, single span concrete slab bridge to alleviate flooding. Minor approach roadway reconstruction and stormwater management facilities are also proposed. A location map is included as Attachment 1. Funding Federal funds are anticipated for this project. Area of Potential Effects In determining the APE for this project, SHA considered possible visual, audible, atmospheric or physical impacts to historic properties, including standing structures and archeological sites. The project will be constructed within existing right-of-way, and additional right-of-way, as well as permanent and temporary easements will also be required for the project. The APE for historic standing structures includes standing My telephone number/toll-free number is Maryland Relay Service for Impaired Hearing or Speech 1.800.735.2258 Statewide 7bi Free Street Address; 707 North Calvert Street • Baltimore, Maryland 21202 • Phone 410.545.0300 • wwwroads.maryland.gov Mr. J. Rodney Little MD 68 over St. James Run Page Two structures adjacent to the bridge or near the bridge where SHA will require right-of-way or easements to complete construction, as indicated on the attached USGS quadrangle map for Williamsport (Attachment 2). The archeological survey area is defined by the worst case limits of disturbance (LOD). Identification Methods and Results Potentially significant architectural and archeological resources were both researched as part of the historic investigation instigated by the proposed bridge replacement project. Architecture: SHA Architectural Historian Anne E. Bruder consulted the SHA-GIS Cultural Resources Database, Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties (MIHP) forms, county histories and photographs at the SHA library, and made field visits on February 18 and March 11, 2011. SHA investigated the Myron L. Bloom General Store and Post Office (MIHP No. WA -II -435), Lydia Manor (MIHP No. WA -II -1175), 17268 Lappans Road (MIHP No. WA -II -1176), and the Norfolk & Western Railway St. James Station (MIHP No. WA -II -1177) within the project's APE. On July 13, 2011, your office concurred with SHA's finding that there are no historic standing structures eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) within the APE. Archeology: SHA Archeologist Carol A. Ebright assessed the potential of the archeological survey area through consultation of the SHA-GIS Cultural Resources Database, aerial photographs, historic and environmental maps, as -built plans, project plans, prior regional surveys, and published secondary and internet resources. A field visit was made on February 24, 2011. The project was determined to have high prehistoric and historic archeological potential and Phase I survey was recommended. SHA contracted with PB World/EAC Archaeology, Inc. to conduct the Phase I investigation. Enclosed for your review and comment is one copy of the draft report Phase I Archeological Survey for: the Proposed Replacement of Structure•21185X0, MD Route 60 over St. James Run; Washington County, Maryland, prepared by Tery Harris and Elizabeth Comer of EAC Archaeology, Inc. (Attachment 3). The Phase I survey area was based on the worst case LOD as shown in Figure 3 in the report. Since the Phase I was completed, the LOD have been'revised to incorporate a smaller area (Attachment 4). SHA's comments on the report are enclosed (Attachment 5). Because of the small size of the project area and high archeological potential, shovel test pits (STPS) were excavated at 10. meter intervals, Areas with extensive artifact -rich fill lacking meaningful context were encountered in some areas, including a filled -in, and otherwise disturbed, mill race (1 8WA592). The portion of the mill race within the LOD lacks integrity and has little information potential; more intact portions of the race are located to the south outside the project limits. Although the significance of Mr. J. Rodney Little MD 68 over St. James Run Page Three the mill site as a whole has not been evaluated,the portion of the race within project limits is considered not eligible for NRHP listing. Historic materials from in other parts of the survey area are from disturbed contexts. These materials have been assigned isolated find number 18WAX120. Agricultural soils over marls, thought to represent Early Holocene pond locations, were located in the northwest quadrant. Two STPs in this area yielded one prehistoric chert flake each in the plowzone. Although backhoe testing was considered for this quadrant, the low artifact density from close interval STPs, combined with unstable, poorly consolidated, soils with a high water table, made deep testing impractical. This decision was informally discussed between Ms. Carol Ebright and Ms. Beth Cole on June 22, 2011. Another prehistoric rhyolite flake was recovered from subsoil at the extreme southern end of the southeast quadrant, adjacent to James Run. Although apparently derived from intact subsoil, this area isoutside the current LOD. Four additional pieces of debitage were found mixed with historic materials in an STP along the edge of the current LOD, near the filled -in mill race. The prehistoric materials from both the northwest and southeast quadrants are included in 18WAX120. In sum, Phase I archeological survey resulted in the recordation of one archeological site, 18WA592, a mill race. The portion of this resource within the project limits is considered not eligible for listing in the NRHP. Other portions of this site are unevaluated. No further archeological work is recommended. Review Request Please examine the attached maps, plans, archeological report and Eligibility and Effects Table (Attachment 6). We request your concurrence by Aug. 30, 2011 that the portion of site 18WA592 within the project limits is not eligible for listing in the NRHP, and that there will be no properties affected by SHA Project No. WA415A2, By carbon copy, we invite the Washington County Historic District Commission and the Washington County Historical Trust, Inc. to provide comments and participate in the consultation process. Pursuant to the requirements of the implementing regulations found at 36 CFR Part 800, SHA seeks their assistance in identifying historic preservation issues as they relate to this specific project (see 36 CFR §800.2(c)(3) and (5), and §800.3(1) for information regarding the identification and participation of consulting parties, and §800.4, and §800.5 regarding the identification of historic properties and assessment of effects). For additional information regarding the Section 106 regulations, see the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's website, www.achp.gov, or contact the Maryland State Highway Administration or the Maryland Historical Trust. If no response is received by August 30, 2011, we will assume that these offices decline to participate. Mr. J. Rodney Little MD 68 over St. James Run Page Four Please call Ms. Anne E. Bruder at 410-545-8559 (or via email at abruder@sha.state.md.us) with questions regarding standing structures for this project. Ms. Carol A. Ebright maybe reached at 410-545-2879 (or via email at cebright@sha.state.md.us) with concerns regarding archeology. Very truly yours, Julie M. Schablitsky // Zi Assistant Division Chief Environmental Planning Division Attachments: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) Project Location Map APE Map Draft Phase I Archeological Report Current Project LOD SHA Comments on the Draft Report Eligibility and Effects Table cc: Ms. Anne E. Bruder, SHA-EPLD Ms. Carol A. Ebright, SHA-EPLD (w/Attachments 1,2,4,5,6) Mr. Steven Goodrich, Washington County Historic District Commission (w/Attachments 1,2,4,5,6) Mr. John Narer, SHA-OOS Ms. Pat Schooley, Washington County Historical Trust, Inc. (w/ Attachments 1,2,4,5,6) Dr. Julie Schablitsky, SHA-EPLD Ms. Alexis Zimmerman, SHA-EPLD El a 0 .2 4- rn V 0 J v 0) 0 L 0 C 0) E Co ■ 4- U, 0) 0 Go Co 0 2 Williamsport USGS 7.5' Quadrangle -- MD 68 over St. James Run, Replacement-of_3tructure 2118500 -APE Map (0.0ZE05 0.1 Mlles Iii I Attachment 5. SHA comments on the revised draft Phase IMD 68 over St. James Run report (Reviewed by Carol A. Ebright) 1. Please spell -check and grammar -check the entire report. 2. Figure 1 shows the project areato be misplaced relative to the stream, and to extend too far to the east. We believe the two quads illustrated are Williamsport and Funkstown. Please include the quadrangle dates in the caption. 3. To improve legibility, please reproduce Fig. 3 as an 11x17 foldout. Many of the graphics using this base map are fuzzy and require better reproduction. Fig. 9 is also unacceptably fuzzy. 4. The most relevant source for this research, Stewart's 1997 article, is neither discussed nor cited. 5. pp. 11-12. We wonder if the M/DOT surveys noted are not actually the transects 19-022 and 19-026, which are described, albeit sketchily, in Vol. 4 of Wesler et al. (1981) report on the MDOT surveys. This report should be cited. 6. p. 15. The Maryland Great Valley was occupied by the Seneca at the time of Contact? Really? 7. Figures 12, 13, and 17 should appear much earlier in the text, when the grids and test unit locations are discussed in the methodology section. Given the disconnect between the two grids, it would be useful if more of the S and E gridlines were labeled. For instance, it is very hard to locate Grid 2 S60E20, discussed in the text, on your figures. 8. We are enclosing the results of two additional soil borings taken for stormwater management that SHA recently received. Please incorporate these results in your stratigraphy section. 9. In the final chapter, please address site 18WA592 in term of potential NRHP significance and eligibility for listing. Please specifically address the portion of the race that would be impacted by this project. 10. The copies of the revised draft do not contain any appendices. We have copied the appendices from the earlier draft to include in MHT's review copy. Per MHT guidelines, investigators' qualifications should be confined to no more than one double -sided page per person. I � i F z TL_JJ 0 "F --- rte-- o yQQ, yF LLg iJ(1 M- • gizn \ F , fN01SW0 JO 3Nl ,. [ 1 �o OE. j. ayN3 �.��LL T : tf��-� � O' t+f 4 I Fes' F:' 6 O }rf4 f'5 t 2 fl w� a / r-1 iiL ° 1 is .. a. - - ♦ . zW W om 22 o gg w Ito o �, fltna Q�Q 30� Na b � � w N "W oyLQ6 o - Li a" q M d U N q v y o m M d Nr. ti i; �srY �in 0!, I y Iy-0 y�Yi i fa 00 z z y0 z 0 z >C d F`§a w 3� V] y', } -C') U ;ifldndiil Page 1 of 1 Goodrich, Steve From: Eshleman, Andrew Sent: Monday, August 29, 2011 3:48 PM To: Goodrich, Steve Cc: Plummer, James P. Subject: Devil's Backbone Dam Historical Interpretive Sign Attachments: Historic Plaque Frame.pdf; WJE Engineers Report for Dam - Color.pdf Steve, Please forward this to the appropriate local Historical Agency that may be interested in assisting with this request. Washington County Engineering and Construction is currently rehabilitating Devil's Backbone Dam. As part of the contract there will be an interpretive panel sign placed near the dam. We would like to extend the opportunity to a local historical group to prepare the written and photographic content for the sign. The interpretative sign will be 24" x 36". The sign should describe the history of the dam/mill, its importance to the region with significant historical milestone dates including the current rehabilitation and historical photos (if available). The written narrative should be approximately 150-300 words and we are looking for 2-4 photos to aid with the layout. The graphical design and layout will be performed by the sign manufacturer once the information is provided. We would like to have the information by the middle of October. Persons may contact me with any questions. Thank you, Andrew Eshleman Structural Engineer Engineering and Construction Washington County Division of Public Works 80 West Baltimore Street Hagerstown, MD 21740 ph: 240-313-2421 fax: 240-313-2401 nn/ni /nni I ,vtcrlrrl-c rs MAILItIA1.S SCIP.NI ISIS II November 2002 Mr. Robert Slocum Washington County Department of Engineering 80 West Baltimore Street Hagerstown, Maryland Re: Devil's Backbone Dam Historic Review WJE No. 2002.1828 Dear Mr, Slocum: Wlss, Janney, Elsiner Associates, Inc, 2721 Prosperity Avenue, Stole 300 68dax, Virginia 22031 703.611.4601 let 1 703.611.0022 (ax wvnv,vwje,coat REVISED As requested, Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates Inc. (WJE) has completed the historic review of the Dam located within Devil's Backbone Park in Washington County, Maryland. The primary objective of this survey was to evaluate the existing condition of the dam, offer an opinion as to its possible historic significance and complete a "Determination of Eligibility Form" for the Maryland Historical Trust, A chronology of the property and the Determination of Eligibility Form are included in Appendix A. PROJECT BACKGROUND The Dam Safety Division of the Maryland Department of the Environment periodically inspects all dams in the State of Maryland, Based upon records in the Washington County Engineering Department files, this structure was inspected in 1990, 5 May 1994 and 11 April 1996. This dam is listed as No, 271 in the State Inventory and is classified as a low hazard structure meaning that if breached, it would not likely result in a loss of life or cause extensive property damage.' During the 1994 and 1996 inspections, the Dam Safety Division classified this dam as being in fair condition. They noted several stones missing from the spillway crest in both the 1994 and 1996 reports, It was determined that a more thorough investigation should be undertaken to better assess its condition, Brudis and Associates was contracted to perform an in-depth inspection of the dam, including a HEC-2 analysis, on 20-22 August r Letter from Gene Gopenko, Data Safety Division, Maryland Department of the Environment, to Terry McGee, Washington County Engineering Department, 15 May 1996. Ileadgaarlcrs & Lab oratories- Not lhbmok, Illinois Atlanta I Austin I Boston I Chicago i Cleveland I Dallas I Denver I Detroit I Honolulu i llouston I Memphis Minneapolis i New Haven I New York I Princeton I San Francisco i Seattle I Vlashincton, DC Wj' RCI I I Ff lt) A RCFifrC('. i'\ iMKIMIAIS SCI Ii iMII M'S OWNERSHIP OF LAND Mr. Robert Slocum Washington County Department of Engineering II November 2002 Page 2 2001. A full topographic survey of the dam and surrounding areas was conducted by Bennett, Brewer & Associates, Inc. at that time. Brudis & Associates' report, dated April 2002, indicates that the "forces produced during a 100 -year flood" would result in a breach of the dam. They also indicate that "the foundation appears to be constructed on solid, massive bedrock" and that little evidence of scour exists, Their recommendations include construction of a new concrete section on the downstream side of the dam in order to stabilize the structure. As part of the ongoing planning for repairs to this structure, it was recommended by the Maryland Historical Trust that a determination of eligibility be conducted for inclusion on the Maryland Register of Historic Places. The results of WJE's findings regarding the historic significance of the dam follows. In order to assist in determining the history of the dam, a title search of the parcel of land currently associated with the dam was conducted at the Washington County Courthouse to determine all of the previous owners. Table I shows the listed owner and transfer date. Historical research indicates that this parcel was used as: • A flour and grist mill (<1783-1898) • A small electric generation station (circa 1909-1964) • A county park (1966 -present) The parcel was traced to the original formation of Washington County in 1776 and was sold as part of a larger tract (1,100+ acre parcel) which the Reverend Bartholomew Booth renamed Delemere. Delemere is a noted historical site and where the Reverend Booth located his school for boys (1780-1785). E Nam I N EL ICS Mr. Robert Slocum ARCEI II I C IS Washington County Department of Engineering ,MAF E W Ais Sam ENTI I S IS Cl November 2002 Page 3 Table 1. Chain of Title, Devil's Backbone Park, Map 67, Parcel 173 Owner Transfer Date Book and Page James Smith Pre 1776 Ann Bardsley I? June 1779 B— 19 Bartholomew Booth 23 August 1780 B —364 John Booth December 1788 ** Geor e Kennet 7 June 1832 NN — 663 WAE Kemp 30 July 1871 McKK3- 785 Andrew II. Mara 3 January 1902 115 — 375 John Nihiser 29 July 1908 124-70 Clarence E. Easterday 24 February 1909 128-474 Antietam Electric Light & Power Company 14 October 1916 131 —213 Maryland Light and Power 5 April 1930 185-360 The Potomac Edison Company 28 June 1934 197— 13 Washington County 10 June 1964 409-296 * James Sndt/r's• otvners/rip of the land predates the formation of Washington County ht 1776. These records ore likely located in the Frederick County archives. ** Bartholomew Booth died in September of 1785, willing his land to his eldest son William. William and brother Robert were presumed lost at sea traveling to Europe to visit then' younger brother John and notif}' hint of their father's death and his inheritance. John Booth petitioned for and was granted title in the land named Delamer by the Maryland Assembly as an "Act for the relief of John Booth and for confirming Ins title in certain lands therein named" in Decenther 1788. HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE Extensive research was conducted in order to determine the construction date of the dam itself as well as its use over time. The Maryland Dam Safety Division notes the year of construction for Devil's Backbone Dam to be 19102. In addition, an article in a local newspaper indicates that "an electric power plant was built in 1924 along with a lengthy man-made dam to produce the power."3 However, there exists substantial credible evidence that this dam is much older than the early 1900s. This assertion is evidenced by the materials and construction methodology of the dam as well as the evidence of the use of the parcel of land as discussed in the following sections. Inventory of Maryland Damns and Assessment ofHydropower Resources, prepared by Martin Marietta Environmental Systems for the Dam Safety Division, June 1985. ' "Devil's Backbone, Once a Power Station, Now a Park"; The Morning Herald, Hagerstown, Maryland, 4 August 1966. Wi ENGI NI: Eit Mr. Robert Slocum ,�Itta Ill [CS Washington County Department of Engineering aINE[RIM S SD I:NTITS II November 2002 Page 4 Materials and Construction The dam in question is a stone masonry gravity dam, approximately 190 feet long and 8 feet high. It consists of individual natural stone units, tied together in multiple wythe. The stone units vary in size but generally appear to be between I and 3 feet in length. Brudis and Associates' inspection included the use of temporary sandbags to divert water and allow for unobstructed, close range visual observations and physical measurements. Their observations of the size of the original capstones (6 to 8 inches thick, 2 feet wide and 7 feet deep) and individual masonry units indicate that this dam would likely have been constructed with local manpower and limited machinery and equipment, Its construction type and materials are simple and readily available. The visible individual stones do not appear to be large enough to exceed the capacity of a small (two to four) man team for installation. The installation of a 2 foot high concrete cap over the original crest stones was retrofitted at an undetermined later date. A review of the existing dams of Washington County surveyed in 1985' revealed that several dams were constructed with similar styles, material and size. These references also support the ability of local developers to build masonry gravity dams of this style prior to the Civil War. Table 2— Washington County Masonry Gravity Dams surveyed in 1985 Dam Name 'Type Use Date of Construction Hcad ft Devil's Backbone Masonry Gravity_ Retired Mill <1779*** 8 Trovinger Road Masonry with Concrete Likely a Retired Dam Cap Mill 1860 6 Kem s Mill Gravity Retired Mill 1746 13 Charles Mill Masonry Gravity Retired Mill 1800 16 Doubs Mill Masonr Gravit Retired Mill 1815 10 —* The 1985 Inventory lists the date of construction as 1910. The practice of building jointed masonry dams was common in early dam construction, however this practice is largely obsolete today. Monolithic concrete dams became more prominent by the early 1900s. Engineering advances allowed for the better understanding of forces associated with these structures and thereby more efficient designs. This coupled with the growing popularity of concrete as a suitable and inexpensive material made the construction of concrete dams prevalent, Although Devil's Backbone Dam is relatively small and may have been constructed with unit "V(/J EI tNGI N F. E IF5 .vwcI I I rrcrS ,MKI FIIIAI S .SCI EN I'IS I S Mr. Robert Slocum Washington County Department of Engineering II November 2002 Page 5 masonry if built in the early 1900s, it is much more likely that concrete would have been the material of choice for the construction of a dam in conjunction with the power generation plant. This is further supported by a photo of the remains of "two concrete pillars" of the electric power plant taken in 1966. Although these pillars are no longer standing, the developers of the power plant selected concrete for use in the pillars, indicating the availability and use of concrete at this site during this time period. Land Use The history of the land associated with the Park and Devil's Backbone Dam is also of interest, The most notable and famous owner is the Reverend Bartholomew Booth. His school was one of the first in Washington County and was evidently prestigious as he taught the sons of Benedict Arnold and Robert Morris. His school and activities are noted in several historical papers and his biography outlines the formation of his school and the relocation of it from Frederick County to Washington County in the late 1770s4. It appears as though any milling operations undertaken between 1779 and 1785 under Bartholomew Booth's direction were of minimal production and likely supported his home and school. It was following the death of Reverend Booth, as well as his eldest sons William and Robert, that his youngest son and sole remaining heir, John Booth, emigrated from England, arriving in Baltimore in August of 1786, and took control of the plot of land termed Delemere. John did not continue the school for boys; instead he turned his attention to the milling operation. Census records indicate that Booth's mill was a large commercial operation between 1820 and 1880 and that in 1880 the grain production was the greatest of the mills along the Antietam drainage. As reference, in 1880 Booth's mill produced 62,000 bushels; the next largest, Clagget Mill registered 50,000 bushels; and the third, Pry Mill, produced 30,000 bushelss, Flour and grist mills were common in the 1800s and at least 42 such flour mills existed between 1820 and 1880 along Antietam Creek and its tributaries while a total of 47 were enumerated in the 1850 census of Washington County6. The Illustrated Atlas of Washington County, Ma,yland of 1877 depicts Mr. Kemp's operation, "Proprietor of Delemere Mills," and advertises "the highest cash price paid for Wheat at all times, Wholesale and Retail Dealer in the best grades of Family Flour." Mills required power, which was supplied by water until the late 1880s and thus a need for a dam to harness and control the flow of water. Therefore, a dam must have existed during the use of the land as a commercial milling operation. Of interest is a clause in the land transfer record between John Smith and Ann Bardsley in 1779 and the same verbiage in the land transfer record between Ms. Bardsley and the Reverend Booth. The deed provides for "all and Singular Houses Edifices Building Cabbins mills mill Seats Tobacco houses barns stables Orchards Gardens Lands M. Whitehead, The Academies of the Reverend Bartholomew Booth in Georgian England and Revolutionay America, 1996. s S.W. Frye, Evolution of Mill Settlement Patterns in the Ant/clam Drainage, Washington County, Mayland, a Thesis presented to the Faculty of the Department of Anthropology, the College of William and Mary in Virginia; 1984. 6 Berger Burkavage, Inc„ A Phase (Archaeological Reconnaissance ofAlternates 2 and 3— Option B, Mayland Route 68, Bridges at Antietann and Seaver Creeks, Washington County Maryland, November 1987. LNG INPCRs Mr. Robert Slocum A I]]IT LCTS Washington County Department of Engineering nIATURIAIS u:IrNTISts l I November 2002 Page 6 Meadows common Pastures Feedings Treeswoods underwoods ways Paths Passages water courses mill Danuns mill pools." This is the earliest written and one of the few specific references recorded that a darn existed on this property as early as 1779. Following the demise of Booth's mill in 1898 due to fire, the land was sold by then owner Rebecca Kemp, widow of W.H.E. Kemp, and transferred hands two more times. It is in the deed transfer of 1909 to Mr. Clarence Easterday that power machinery references are noted and is likely that at this time, some type of power generation station was being or had been initiated, This is 15 years earlier than the 1924 reference of The Morning Herald article in 1966, and 7 years before Antietam Electric Light and Power Company purchased the land in 1916. Antietam Electric Light and Power, Maryland Light and Power and finally Potomac Edison Company appear to all have used this parcel of land as a small electric power generation station and likely harnessed the existing dam with some modifications for their operations. It is highly probable that during this period the 2 foot concrete cap was added to the stone masonry dam. The Potomac Edison Company, having abandoned power generation at this location, donated the land to Washington County which quickly turned it into a park, opening on 26 June 1966. It is the second oldest park in the Washington County system and has served patrons for over 35 years. Adjacent Historical Sites The Maryland I-Iistorical Trust has listed the following sites associated with this parcel of land as having potential historic importance: I. Devil's Backbone Park The park property itself is noted as being "located near one of the County's remaining stone arch bridges and an 18th century mill site,"7 2. Mill Operator's Home This home, believed to have been constructed in the 1860s or 1870s, is directly across Route 68 from Devil's Backbone Park and is believed to have been the home of the mill operator. 3. Booth's Mill Site This structure is the remains of Booth's mill "containing an old concrete wall and one story building constructed of rock faced concrete block." e P. Stoner, A'latyland Historical Trust Invenloty Pornt /br Stale Historic Sites Survey, Site No. WA -11.036, June 1978. s P. Stoner, Maryland Historical Trust Inventory Form Jai State Historic Sites Survey, Site No. WA -11-336, June 1978. RC I N hTf lt` A RCI-IITtCfS MAFI It IALS SCIENTISTS Historic Eligibility Mr. Robert Slocum Washington County Department of Engineering II November 2002 Page 7 Historic sites are eligible for inclusion in the Maryland Register of Historic Places if they: a. are associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history b. are associated with the lives of persons significant in our past c. embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction or that represent the work of a master, or that possess high artistic values, or that represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction d. have yielded or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history. This dam is likely eligible for inclusion on the Maryland State Register under guidelines a and c, Mr. John Booth developed this site into a commercial operation and his successors of the milling operation made it the leading producer of flour in Washington County. "From 1763 to the end of the eighteenth century, the most important wheat producing regions of the South were centered around Frederick and Hagerstown in Maryland and the lower Shenandoah Valley and northern Piedmont of Virginia. By 1810 Maryland had become the third largest flour -producing state in the nation behind Pennsylvania and Virginia. "5 Devil's Backbone Dam appears to be one of the few remaining original dams from the height of Washington County's flour production days. In addition, although to a lesser degree, this parcel is associated with the life of Reverend Bartholomew Booth and his heirs. Mr. Booth's school was prestigious and one of the first in Washington County following its formation in 1776. Finally, the dam is within the borders of Devil's Backbone Park, which has already been noted as having historic potential by the Maryland Historical Trust. Independent of the individual structure's historic significance, elements within a district are subject to Secretary of the Interior's standards regarding their alteration due to their ability to contribute to the historic character and setting of the district. Although a final determination has not been made regarding the eligibility of Devil's Backbone Park for inclusion on the Maryland Register, there appears to be sufficient evidence that the original Delemere, Booth's mill (and its associated buildings), and the stone arch bridge are eligible for registration as a site q '*• xki t, 4 ,,( �i{thlr7i> 104v'4"♦ In summary, this dam has historic -,IaO ,W� i Q.ry . 1 significance for: a+ri dl rt s r,tf F Sir "' �' e o the age of the stllreture, • a remaining representative example of a masonry dam predating the Civil War, • its context as a functional element of Booth's Mill, • its association with the broad history and development of Washington County, • its location within the Park, • its connection with and development of the land associated with the Reverend Bartholomew Booth (Delemere). WJE AItCFIiTLCf5 lEE1 MATERIALS SCI I N fI� I'S REPAIR OPTIONS Mr. Robert Slocum Washington County Department of Engineering Ii November 2002 Page 8 Properties that are listed on or eligible for registration on the Maryland State Register of Historic Places are subject to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation, These standards provide guidance on recommended procedures and practices when preserving, rehabilitating, restoring, or reconstructing historic properties. The standards encourage the preservation of the property in its own context, with the original materials and design being maintained whenever possible. It is our understanding that this structure has no functional purpose at the current time and if breached would likely flood a small downstream area, but not result in major property or personal damage. However, based upon the scale of the voids in the dam, progressive loss of original stone is anticipated if left unrepaired. In their report, Brudis and Associates recommend building a concrete wall on the downstream face of the current dam and texturizing it to look like the original masonry at an estimated repair cost of $400,000, Although likely a viable and cost effective solution, this approach does not follow the Secretary of the Interior's Standards in that removing or replacing masonry that could be repaired is not recommended. The random pattern and individual units are part of the defining character of the dam and evidence of its construction period and methodology. Therefore it is not recommend that the County act upon this recommendation. However, the County does have several options for treatment of the subject dam. Option A - Monitor The analysis by Brudis Associates indicates that the dam is unstable during a 100 year flood; there was no commentary in the Brudis report regarding the likelihood of failure during a much less severe flood occurrence. It appears as though the stone currently missing from the outer wythe has been relatively stable since the mid 1990s, Therefore, given the I in a 100 chance of a flood occurrence large enough to breach the dam, the County may consider closely monitoring the dam for evidence of any additional distress. This option is not a solution to the condition of the dam, but may be considered in order to allow for additional time to develop, fund and implement repairs as outlined in Option B. Option B - Implement Historically Sensitive Masonry Repairs Preserving the dam will restore it to a fully operational, stable condition. Due to its eligibility for inclusion on the Maryland Register, repairs should follow guidelines established by the Secretary of the Interior. Currently, most of the original materials and defining features of the dam are intact and call be retained, Reconstruction of the dam by infilling the existing voids with replacement masonry units would be the most desirable treatment for the structure. Ideally, new stone would be located that is of the same type and cut to the same size as the original masonry units. These stone would be fit into the current voids in the dam and give a seamless appearance between new and original units. The dam is several wythe deep and should be repaired from the upstream most wythe outward. Other options exist to repair the structure which are also historically acceptable. One alternate would include infilling the large voids in the darn wall with concrete to create a FNGI N £.116 Mr. Robert Slocum ARCI-III CC rs Washington County Department of Engineering M,Crr ItUALS SCI I: NTIS'FS II November 2002 Page 9 watertight entity. New stone, again matching the original, would be cut and fit only into the outermost wythe of the downstream face of the dam to give it the appearance of a solid masonry structure. With either option presented, temporary shoring and water diversion measures will need to be incorporated in the repairs efforts and repairs should be undertaken by masons with experience in the repair of historic structures. Option C - Implement Interim Stabilization It is always advisable to take steps to stabilize and protect historic structures from further damage and deterioration, As such the County may consider building a concrete wall on the upstream side of the dam. This would alleviate the hydrostatic pressure on the original masonry and allow an extended period for the County to implement more comprehensive, historically correct repairs. Stabilization measures should not be regarded as a final repair and should be carefully reviewed and executed. It is important that these efforts not ultimately impede the ability to implement, or the aesthetics of, a historically correct repair. In addition, stabilization efforts would also likely require provisions for shoring and water diversion. As these costs are likely to be a significant portion of the overall project cost, this option should be carefully weighed against Option B with a cost benefit analysis. The dam is of moderate to small size and based upon information supplied by Brudis & Associates, the upstream facing wythe is intact. Little evidence of scour exists at the toe or heel of the dam. Therefore, it is likely that repairs will be concentrated on rebuilding the lost individual masonry units. Brudis' $400,000 opinion of cost seems reasonable for the anticipated scope of work. Thank you for the opportunity to clarify the historic significance of the dam. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at your convenience. We look forward to working with you in presenting these findings to all interested parties and await the opportunity to assist you with developing and implementing repairs to the structure. WJEI CiRCHII E 1 �\ItCHITfiCIi TI,CITRULS SCHN NISI) Very truly yours, WISS, JANNEY, ELSTNER ASSOCIATES, INC. Christine Reynolds, PE Senior Architectural Engineer and Project Manager cc: Matthew Farmer (WJE) Deborah Slaton (WJE) Gene Gopenko (Maryland Dam Safety Division) 2002.1828 15 oct 2002rpt (devils backbone historic review) Mr. Robert Slocum Washington County Department of Engineering Ii November 2002 Page 10 ENG INC Elks ARCI IITCCTS N•tAI"ERIAIS SCIENTISTS APPENDIX A MARYLAND HISTORICAL TRUST NR Eligible: yes _ DETERMINATION OF ELIGIBILITY FORM no Property Name: Devil's Backbone Dam Inventory Number: WA -II -1171 Address: 18934 Lappans Road City: Boonsboro Zip Code: 21713 County: Washington USGS Topographic Map: Funkstown Quad Owner: Washington County Tax Parcel Number: 173 Tax Map Number: 67 Project: Site visit by MI -IT Staff: no Is the property being evaluated a district? yes Tax Account ID Number; District 12 Account No. 014317 Agency: _yes Name: Is the property located within a historic district? yes X no If the property is within a district NR -listed district _yes Preparer's Reconunendation: District Inventory Number: Eligible district _Yes District Name: Date: Contributing resource Yes no Non-contributing but eligible in another context If the property is not within a district (or the properly is a dish.icl,) Preparer's Recommendation: Eligible X yes no '.,raerna: A A_B A C _D Considerations: _A B .C D E F G _None Documentation on the property/district is presented in: Description of Property and Eligibility Determination: (Use con f nuatiou.sheet iif necessary and almch map and photo,) Devils Backbone Dam is 190 feet long, 8 high, and approximately 7 feet deep. It is a stone gravity masonry data, comprised of multiple wythe, built of natural stone units which vary in size but average Ito 3 feet in length. The original capstone is 6 to 8 inches thick, 2 feet wide, and 7 feet deep. A 2 foot concrete capstone was added at an undetermined later date. The dam is located within Devil's Backbone Park, near where Route 68 crosses Antietam Creek. Devil's Backbone Data (a.k.a. Booth's Mill Data), constructed prior to 1779, is one of the oldest remaining examples of a stone gravity masonry dam in Washington County. Dams along the Antietam Creek were prevalent during the 1800s and contributed to Maryland being the third largest flour -producing state in the nation in 1810. Booth's Mill, named after the most famous property owner, Reverend Bartholomew Booth, was the leading producer of grain in Washington County in 1880 (62,000 bushels versus Clagget Mill at 50,000 bushels). recommended Eligibility not recommended _A_B_C_D Considerations: _A_B—C_D_E_F_G_ MARYLAND IUSTORICAL TRUST NR-ELIBILITY REVIEW FORM Continuation Sheet No, 1 The 1850 census enumerates 47 mills in Washington County (42 were counted along the Antietam Creek and its tributaries). A survey of dams in Washington County, conducted in 1985, revealed that only 5 dams that were associated with mills and built prior to 1860 were still standing. Prepared by: Christine Reynolds, P.E. Date Prepared: 22 October 2002 2y // )): f \§ dtE k \\\ /0\` » }\/ \\ \E cu\0 2 E: o2o w