Last week, we met Sarah, Thomas, Hannah, and James—four fictional children whose stories are inspired by real families living in Montgomery County when both our county and our nation were founded in 1776.
This time, we're stepping inside their homes.
Where a child lived in 1776 depended largely on their family's circumstances. Some children grew up in comfortable homes with several rooms and books to read. Others lived in modest farmhouses where every family member helped with daily chores. Still others, like James, lived in small, crowded cabins because they and their families were enslaved and denied the freedom to choose where or how they lived.
As you explore each home, think about what life would have been like without electricity, indoor plumbing, central heat, or running water. Which home surprises you the most?
The homes shown here are based on historical research and are representative of the kinds of homes found in Montgomery County and Maryland during the Revolutionary era. At the bottom of the page, you'll also find places you can visit today to experience this history for yourself.
