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Homes
Historic Fairview c.1790
Never before offered for sale!
This is a rare opportunity to purchase a significant Maryland landmark – the gorgeous manor home of the 34th governor of Maryland, Gov. Oden Bowie, who also created the Preakness Stakes and is responsible for building the state’s railroads after the Civil War. With its grand center hall, spacious rooms and historic detailing, Fairview stands as a tribute to a bygone era. Once a prosperous plantation, Fairview, originally boasted over 1,000 acres and included one of Maryland’s finest stables, today this unique 6,600sf historic manor is offered on nearly 10 acres, with its original smoke house, terraces, and a prestigious history.
Baruch Duckett, who had served as a lieutenant in the Revolutionary War, had Fairview built about 1790 on part of the tract Darnall’s Grove which his father had given to him. The main house is a stately Federal style structure with elegant rooms and grand center hall. Duckett willed the property to his son-in-law, William Bowie, whose descendants have retained ownership until this day. Most notable was, Oden Bowie, William’s son and the 34th governor of Maryland.
Fairview was once a large plantation, spanning more than a thousand acres. Ponds stocked with carp and black bass were near the house. Strongly built fenced paddocks of 4-8 acres, each were located near the mansion and accommodated favorite brood mares, colts & stallions. A training track was located in a field a quarter mile from the stables. Governor Bowie was also a stock breeder, known for splendid flocks of sheep and herds of cattle, including Jersey cows for a home supply of butter.
more…
Oden Bowie was born in 1826 at Fairview, the Prince George’s County plantation of his father, William Duckett Bowie. After a heroic record in the Mexican War, he was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates, and then served as state senator. He was elected Governor of Maryland and served from 1869 to 1872.
After his term as governor, Bowie resided at Fairview, devoting his time to agriculture and the breeding of thoroughbred horses. He was one of the founders of Pimlico Race Course. Bowie also was instrumental in the establishment of the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad through Prince George’s County. The junction of this line with the spur line into Washington still bears his name.
more…
Original Brick Smoke House
Original Wood Frame Tenant House
Maryland Historical Trust – Fairview PG:71A-13
PG Preservation – Prince Georges County PreservationProgram
The City of Bowie – A Brief History of the City of Bowie (1683 to Present)
Oden Bowie – Frank F. White, Jr., The Governors of Maryland 1777-1970
Oden Bowie – National Governor’s Association
Bowie Family – Bowie Family Papers (University of Maryland Archives)
Oden Bowie Message to General Assembly – Online book from 1872 (Forgotten Books)
PG Historic Sites – Online book MNCPPC
Bowie Blade News – Governor Oden Bowie’s Family Treasures…
Updated on January 9, 2019 at 11:53 pm
Historic Fairview c.1790 - 4600 Fairview Vista Dr, Bowie, MD 20720, USA
