A Brief History of Belmont, the Gem of Elkridge

In 1732, Caleb Dorsey, of Annapolis and Hockley-in-the Hole on the Severn River had purchased the land on which Belmont now resides. A bustling and prosperous port thrived at that time in Elkridge. One of Dorsey's sons, also named Caleb, was an avid foxhunter. Once, while tracking a rare gray fox, he found himself in unfamiliar territory, near the home of Priscilla Hill. Their fortuitous meeting resulted in friendship, then marriage. The elder Dorsey gave the land to his son as a wedding present. Soon after they built a manor house on the property and placed two carved plaques, engraved with "CPD 1738" on either side of the massive front door. When Caleb died in 1772, his son Edward inherited the property, along with the iron forges and several other tracts of land.

After Edward died in 1815, his daughter, also named Priscilla, gained ownership of the property which she named Belmont. Priscilla had eloped with Alexander Hanson in 1805 - the founder of the Federal Republican, a pro British newspaper. Due to Hansen's unpopular views he was the target of much hostility. One attack during the War of 1812 resulted in permanent injuries, and later his death at the age of 33.

Priscilla tried to run the farm, but financial problems beset her and she sold parcels of land in the 1830's. In 1839, she mortgaged the estate for $1,500. Realizing that her son, Charles, was addicted to horses and gaming, Priscilla stated in her will that if Charles ever compromised the estate, it was to be transferred to his wife and to her family, In 1875, the property went to a sheriff's auction, where it brought $25. However, because of Priscilla's foresight, the auction was contested and the property reverted back to Charles' children in 1879. His daughters Anna Marie and Florence stayed on the property while other siblings moved away.

In 1917, the property passed to Mary Bowdoin Bruce, a descendant of Caleb and Priscilla Dorsey. Mary and her husband, Howard, restored the estate to its original beauty. Howard Bruce was the vice president and general manager of Bartlett Hayward Company, a small steel factory. His prominence increased during World War I, and he became well respected in the financial and political arenas. During World War Il, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his vital contribution to the war effort.

Although Belmont remained a working farm, Bruce's predominant interest was in raising and breeding thoroughbred horses. He became the owner of the famed Billy Barton, who won numerous races including the Grand National Handicaps and the coveted Maryland Hunt Cup. Billy Barton is buried with full tact, in an upright position, alongside another one of Bruce's horses, near the barn. In 1961, after Howard Bruce's death, the property passed to his cousin David Bruce, the former ambassador to Britain, who in turn gave Belmont to the Smithsonian Institution. The Smithsonian converted Belmont into a conference center, where generals, vice presidents, astronauts and many other notables were able to meet in a quiet and controlled setting.

In 1983, the 85 acre estate was sold to the American Chemical Society, which continued the tradition of providing excellent hospitality to world leaders.

In 2004, Belmont was purchased by the Howard Community College who added hospitality lasses to the Belmont experience while continuing the same traditions as its previous owners.

On June 21, 2012, the Howard County Government purchased Belmont to ensure the stewardship of this beautiful site for the residents of Howard County. Belmont and its 68 acres of magnificent gardens, an aqua pond and outbuildings are a popular venue for weddings, executive retreats, meetings, and other special events.