Last updated: March 23, 2021
Thing to Do
Explore L'Hermitage
Richard Schlecht, copyright 2019
Explore the site of the second largest slave plantation in Frederick County, Maryland. Beginning in 1794 and 1795, the Vincendières, a French planter family from the colony of Saint-Domingue (Haiti), began acquiring lands that would one day comprise a 748-acre plantation that they called L'Hermitage. Like many French refugees, the Vincendières came to the United States in 1793 to escape civil unrest associated with the French Revolution and with the slave uprisings that began in Saint-Domingue in 1791. Today's Best Farm consists of the southern 274 acres of the original 748-acre L'Hermitage plantation.
The Vincendières brought twelve enslaved people of African descent with them from Saint-Domingue - the maximum legal limit. By 1800, Victoire Vincendière was the legal head of household at L'Hermitage, which was home to 108 people. Ninety of the 108 (more than 80% of the plantation population) were enslaved human beings, making Victoire the second largest enslaver in Frederick County at the time. The other 18 members of the household probably consisted of members of Victoire's immediate family, along with a distant cousin named Jean Payen de Boisneuf and other French refugees.
Most of the structures that exist today on the Best Farm date to the Vincendieres' occupation of the property. The secondary house appears to be the oldest building on the farm and at least the first floor may predate the Vincendieres. The main house and the stone barn both appear to have been constructed in the 1790s. Archeological research has revealed the location of cabins for people enslaved by the Vincendieres. Remains of a kiln near the slave village suggests that the at least some of the enslaved laborers were engaged in lime production.
The Vincendières brought twelve enslaved people of African descent with them from Saint-Domingue - the maximum legal limit. By 1800, Victoire Vincendière was the legal head of household at L'Hermitage, which was home to 108 people. Ninety of the 108 (more than 80% of the plantation population) were enslaved human beings, making Victoire the second largest enslaver in Frederick County at the time. The other 18 members of the household probably consisted of members of Victoire's immediate family, along with a distant cousin named Jean Payen de Boisneuf and other French refugees.
Most of the structures that exist today on the Best Farm date to the Vincendieres' occupation of the property. The secondary house appears to be the oldest building on the farm and at least the first floor may predate the Vincendieres. The main house and the stone barn both appear to have been constructed in the 1790s. Archeological research has revealed the location of cabins for people enslaved by the Vincendieres. Remains of a kiln near the slave village suggests that the at least some of the enslaved laborers were engaged in lime production.
Details
Duration
20-120 Minutes
The duration of the activity depends on the interest level of the visitor. The exterior of the buildings can be quickly observed or one could walk the landscape and see how the subtle variations of the terrain was used to maintain control and power.
Activity
Self-Guided Tours - Walking
Explore the landscape of L'Hermitage that is hidden in plain site on the Best Farm. Investigate the remaining 18th century buildings. See the location of the slave village and a kiln. What does the landscape tell us about life at L'Hermitage?
Age(s)
All ages, but children should be accompanied by an adult parent or guardian.
Pets Allowed
Yes
Well behaved, leashed pets are welcome at Monocacy National Battlefield. There are currently no pet waste stations at the Best Farm. Pet waste stations are available at the Visitor Center, Gambrill Mill, Thomas, and Worthington parking areas.
Activity Fee
No
No fee.
Location
L'Hermitage/Best Farm
Today L'Hermitage is known as the Best Farm. It is a 274-acres, active farm. It is located 3 miles south of downton Frederick, Maryland. It is bordered by the Georgetown Pike on the east, the Monocacy River on the south, Interstate 270 on the west, and an office park on the north.
Despite being bordered by modern roads and development, the farm maintains much of the feel of a rural farm. The Vincendiere family built the main house, secondary building, and stone barn were built in the late 18th century. The corn crib is the only true 19th century building left on the farm.
The farm features a gravel entrance road and parking area. The immediate environs of the house and the secondary house are a mowed lawn. A mowed path connects the house to the stone barn. The lawn and paths are mostly smooth; however, the park has a health population of groundhogs that frequently create holes and uneven surfaces.
Rotational crops are grown on the rolling low hills that surround the buidlings. A railroad track cuts through the property about a 100 feet south of the main house.
Despite being bordered by modern roads and development, the farm maintains much of the feel of a rural farm. The Vincendiere family built the main house, secondary building, and stone barn were built in the late 18th century. The corn crib is the only true 19th century building left on the farm.
The farm features a gravel entrance road and parking area. The immediate environs of the house and the secondary house are a mowed lawn. A mowed path connects the house to the stone barn. The lawn and paths are mostly smooth; however, the park has a health population of groundhogs that frequently create holes and uneven surfaces.
Rotational crops are grown on the rolling low hills that surround the buidlings. A railroad track cuts through the property about a 100 feet south of the main house.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
The park and Best Farm is open everyday of the year except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
Time of Day
Day, Dusk
The park is open from 7:30 am until 20 minutes after sunset.
Accessibility Information
The parking area is gravel. Trail surfaces are mowed grass or gravel. Paths are fairly smooth and flat; however, they have not been improved to comply with slope and grade for accessible trails.
With the exception of the stone barn, buildings are not open to the public.
Audio descriptions of buildings and the farm are available in the NPS app.
With the exception of the stone barn, buildings are not open to the public.
Audio descriptions of buildings and the farm are available in the NPS app.