This majestic house stands out from the rest of the street with its grand appearance and unusual history of slavery, aristocrats and a ghost.
Relive tales of aristocrats and slavery in the museum of Poplar Hill Mansion. The house, which was constructed at the turn of the 19th century, is of federal design with a whitewashed façade and green shutters. It passed through the hands of key members in the community and housed slave-owners for many years.
Capture photos of the historic mansion from its quiet residential street. Note how it stands out from the humbler buildings along the street. Admire the house’s white, wooden façade, slim columns and elegant style. Ascend a short set of steps to reach the front porch.
Take a tour of the house to learn about its rich history. The building survived a few early fires. Passionate docents will inform you of the uses for each room over the years. At one point in the 1800s, the property included 18 enslaved people. Hear about the legendary ghost of a slave girl called Sara who apparently died in a fire. Her spirit is said to appear as a consoling presence.
Note the typical 19th-century furniture dotted around the house as you follow the tour. Peruse the original artworks and decorative pieces in the well-preserved mansion. Amble through the garden and enjoy the serene atmosphere where sheep, cattle and vegetable crops were once farmed.
The four and a half levels include an English cellar and a loft. Visit the gift shop where you can purchase a range of souvenirs.
The house’s origins date back as far as 1795, when a military serviceman purchased the land. A doctor bought the unfinished house several years later and completed it.Tours are available for free on the first and third Sunday afternoons of each month. Otherwise, you must make an appointment and pay a small fee to enter and take the tour. The house is closed on Tuesdays. You can also rent the building for private events.
Poplar Hill Mansion is on Elizabeth Street just north of the center of Salisbury. There are regular buses to the area from around the city. Johnson Pond is just west of the mansion, while the Wicomico River is south.
