Thomas Stone National Historic Site

The plantation called Habre de Venture, owned by Thomas Stone. He was a well respected lawyer who voted for and signed the Declaration of Independence. Both Stone and his wife are buried on the site. In 1977 a fire gutted the central block and severely damaged the West wing. However, the site was reconstructed.

Haberdeventure was the country home of Thomas Stone during his years as a Maryland state senator and member of the Continental Congress. Stone is best known for his role as one of the four Maryland signers of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Stone purchased Haberdeventure in 1770 Construction of the family home began shortly thereafter in 1771.

Thomas Stone seemed to be interested in Haber de Venture more as a suitable site for his new home rather than as a source of steady income. Only about half of his original 442 acre plantation was suitable for cultivation. The other half consisted of wooded ravines and hillsides. Limited agricultural production consisted of raising livestock and growing such crops as corn, wheat, and tobacco.

It is likely that the Haberdeventure plantation supported a community of 25 to 35 people during Thomas Stone's ownership, including slaves and Stone's extended family. Stone was very active in real estate transactions and at the time of his death in 1787, Haberdeventure had increased in size to 1077 acres. Descendants of Thomas Stone continued to own the property until 1936. Authorized as a National Historic Site in 1978, the plantation was purchased by the National Park Service in 1981. Ongoing restoration efforts will eventually restore the site to its mid 19th century appearance. Restoration to an earlier period would require the removal of historically significant 19th century structures.