Surratt House Museum | Prince Georges County

Information

Landmark: Surratt House Museum
City: Prince Georges County
Country: USA Maryland
Continent: North America

Surratt House Museum, Prince Georges County, USA Maryland, North America

The Surratt House Museum is a historic house located in Clinton, Prince George's County, Maryland. It served as a boarding house and later as a tavern.

Visual Characteristics

The structure is a two-story brick building with a gabled roof. It features a central entrance with a portico supported by four Doric columns. The exterior walls are constructed of red brick, and the windows are double-hung with white trim. A two-story addition extends from the rear of the original structure.

Location & Access Logistics

The museum is situated at 4411 Factory Road, Clinton, MD 20735. It is approximately 15 miles south of Washington D.C. Parking is available on-site. Public transport options are limited; the nearest bus route is the Prince George's County Connector, with stops a significant distance from the museum.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The original section of the house was constructed around 1852 by John Harrison Surratt. It was initially operated as a tavern and boarding house. The property gained notoriety during the American Civil War as a meeting point for Confederate sympathizers and was later involved in the investigation of President Abraham Lincoln's assassination.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can tour the restored rooms of the house, which are furnished to reflect the period. Exhibits detail the history of the Surratt family and the house's role during the Civil War. Educational programs and special events are held throughout the year.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on-site. Limited shade is provided by trees on the property. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. No food vendors are located directly at the museum; nearest options are in the town of Clinton.

Best Time to Visit

The museum is open for tours on specific days and times, typically Thursday through Sunday. Spring and Fall offer moderate temperatures for visiting. The best time of day for photography of the exterior is late afternoon when the sun illuminates the brickwork.

Facts & Legends

The Surratt House Museum is often cited as a location where John Wilkes Booth met with co-conspirators to plan the assassination of President Lincoln. Mary Surratt, the owner of the house, was the only woman executed for her role in the conspiracy.