Dorsey Hall

Apr 4, 2001

Dorsey Hall is a pre-Revolutionary house, built on land patented by the Honorable John Dorsey, thought to be the youngest son of the immigrant Edward Dorsey, as Dorsey’s Search. At one time, Dorsey Hall stood alone on the corner of what we now call Routes 108 and 29. It was amid the neighboring estates of Doughoregan, Long Reach, Chew’s Resolution and Freeborn’s Progress.

Most historians believe that the house was constructed in four or five sections over a period of 250 years. The west wing may have been constructed as early as 1714. The east wing was next, around 1760, with an entrance hall, living room and two upstairs bedrooms. The third section, built in 1860-1880, connected the two. The property remained in the Dorsey family, passing to Elizabeth Dorsey on her father’s death. She married Judge Richard Ridgley, a prominent figure in early Howard County. After the death of Judge Ridgley, Dorsey Hall was eventually owned by Caleb Dorsey.

Ownership of Dorsey Hall finally left Dorsey hands in 1918 passing through several owners including the Rogers, Smith and Shapiro families. In 1934, Baltimorean Royden Blunt and his wife bought the property. They farmed the land growing corn and tobacco and raised beef cattle. They were also known for their many parties. In 1959, the Blunt’s sold the property to a realtor. It passed though several hands and ended up being purchased in 1963 by Columbia’s developers as part of the development of the neighborhood of Dorsey Hall. The Rouse Company refurbished the historic home as the focal point of the project. In mid-2000 Dorsey Hall and the remaining land was purchased by Richard Talkin and Donald Reuwer and made the centerpiece of Dorsey Hall Manor Executive Offices.

Dorsey Hall is a good example of stone and brick architecture of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries in Howard County, Maryland. Even though it was constructed in different sections, it displays an overall unity in design. The outer building is covered with stucco, resting on a stone foundation with chimneys at both ends. No longer surrounded by rolling fields, a pond and many outbuildings, it is the symbol of the neighborhood, Dorsey Hall, which now houses businesses, an example of historical adaptive use. The address is 5100 Dorsey Hall Drive, Ellicott City, Maryland.

Dorsey Hall is listed as a Maryland Historical Trust Property.

The show house was held from September 15 to October 14, 2001. Like the rest of the world, the event was affected by September Eleventh. The Preview Party was held just two days later. Rick Weinkam was the chairman. Approximately 6,000 guests attended.