Clifton Mansion, perched on grassy knoll in Clifton Park just north of Baltimore’s inner harbor, has a rich history worth exploring. This landmark building is most often associated with businessman and philanthropist Johns Hopkins, a renowned Baltimore figure and the namesake behind Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins Hospital. He used Clifton Mansion as a summer residence for many years in the mid-1800s. That connection, along with the majestic architectural features and landscaping design, offers visitors a way to understand more than two centuries of history in the region.
Clifton Mansion’s First Years
Clifton Mansion’s roots actually predate Hopkins. This home was originally built in 1802 by Henry Thompson as a Late Georgian stone structure. Thompson was a prominent merchant and ship owner who served as Captain of the First Baltimore Horse Artillery in the War of 1812. He was born in England. At age 20, he migrated to Baltimore in 1794 where he established a mercantile business, shipping goods to Baltimore from England.
He purchased a 26-acre tract of land along what is now Harford Road for an estate he dubbed “Clifton.” Here, he built a mansion where his family moved in 1803. Thompson likely drew several sources of inspiration for the design of the original Clifton mansion, which began as a five-bay, two-story mansion facing south. Among them were the Montebello and Furley Hall mansions, which were located nearby along what is today Herring Run Park.
Thompson’s life brings its own historical significance to Clifton Mansion. Aside from a rich military history that included serving in the War of 1812 and making a name as a ship owner, Thompson left an indelible mark on the Baltimore’s infrastructure. He was the builder and president of the Baltimore and Harford Turnpike Company, responsible for a toll road from Baltimore the Conowingo Bridge at the Susquehanna River, which is about halfway to Philadelphia. He was also part of the decision-making team responsible for laying out streets in Baltimore, among many other pivotal roles in the city’s development.
Johns Hopkins Connection
Although Thompson was responsible for establishing the roots of Clifton Mansion’s notable history, Johns Hopkins is arguably its most famous connection.
The Quaker merchant was raised in the Maryland area on a plantation in what is now Anne Arundel County. He then moved to Baltimore to help his uncle with his grocery store before launching his own grocery business.
Hopkins’ savvy business moves led him to become one of the wealthiest Marylanders, with his estate eventually founding the famous hospital and college we associate him with today.
During his more productive years, Hopkins eyed Clifton Mansion as a summer home to take a break from his busy schedule working downtown. He eventually bought it at auction for $20,100 in 1841. He then built upon what Thompson had started by adding to the grandiose and fashionable architectural features, although with a different style.
Hopkins transformed the home into an Italianate Villa, as Italian themed designed were popular at the time. With this era came walls and ceilings decorated with paint design, an expanded parlor with a featured medallion, larger windows and an elaborate wrap-around porch, among other impressive features.
Hopkins also increased the land around Clifton to 500 acres, which encompassed rolling hills and ponds. The trend at the time was to strive for the perfect balance between a statuesque home and a picturesque landscape, with architectural features blending into natural surroundings.
Architectural Significance
Now recognized as a historic American gem with its place on the National Register of Historic Places, Clifton Mansion boasts a wealth of features that reflect several historic time periods with classical elements.
Restored woodwork, intricate door surrounds and original crown molding are among the countless ways Clifton Mansion takes you back in time. Each room offers its own historic details. For example, among its more striking features in the parlor are ornate niches (now restored with faux marble) and cake-decorating-like plaster work attributed to Irish artisans said to have worked on the U.S. Capital.
Considering the extensive time and thought behind the details of the building, it’s easy to see why Clifton Mansion was once deemed “one of the most elegant, extensive and beautiful villas in the country.” Visitors today can still enjoy that beauty, along with the added advantage of appreciating the building’s role in a bigger historical picture.