The Market Master’s House (18PR983)

The Market Master's House Site (18PR983) is composed of an 18th century standing structure and its environs. The house is located the original platted town of Bladensburg, in Prince Georges County. According to archival records Christopher Lowndes, an English merchant, had the house built after purchasing the property in 1760. Historically, the structure likely served a commercial as well as a domestic function. The Market Master’s House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Maryland State Highway Administration, in partnership with the Center for Heritage Resource Studies, University of Maryland, conducted archaeological investigations at the Market Master’s House as part of the outreach for the War of 1812 bicentennial celebration. It is hoped that additional historical information will aid in a fuller understanding of the site and its relation to other historic properties in Bladensburg and the War of 1812.

Artifacts spanning the history of the structure were observed in the yards around the house. Additionally, Native American artifacts dating to the Archaic and Woodland Periods were also observed. Excavations took place June 1-25, 2009. They were preceded by a ground penetrating radar survey to identify possible features. Investigations included the excavation of one mechanical trench, 53 shovel test pits, and eighteen 5 x 5-ft square test units within the properties surrounding the extant house.

The investigation resulted in recovery of 1,303 prehistoric artifacts, 35,142 historic and modern artifacts, 2,997 faunal remains, and 6,288 floral remains. Twenty-two historic cultural features were identified. Features include 12 post holes and/or molds, four ephemeral soil stains, four pits, a set of possible wheel ruts, and a drip line. Artifacts and features span the historic period of occupation from the mid-18th to the 20th century.

The prehistoric components date to the Archaic and Woodland Periods and indicate long-term use of the landscape by prehistoric populations. These components likely indicate seasonal or short-term occupations focused on the procurement of resources.

(Edited from archeological site survey form, Maryland Historical Trust)