Mary and Eliza Freeman Houses

Mary and Eliza Freeman Houses are two wooden frame structures built on raised masonry basements situated in a low-lying area of Bridgeport. Both buildings display features of Greek Revival style, a design approach that was popular in 19th-century America.

Built in 1848, the houses belonged to two free African American sisters who held substantial real estate. They were constructed during the pre-Civil War period when property ownership by Black Americans was rare and noteworthy.

These houses represent the legacy of Little Liberia, a settlement founded by free African Americans whose traces survive today only in these buildings. The community that lived here created their own place within a society marked by racial prejudice.

Freeman Center for History and Community maintains these National Register buildings and offers visitors educational programs and guided tours. Plan your visit in advance as tours are available by request.

Mary Freeman accumulated substantial wealth through property investments, becoming an exceptional entrepreneur for a Black woman in the 1800s. Her financial success demonstrates resilience and business acumen during an era of severe social constraints.

Location: Connecticut

Inception: 1848

Architectural style: Greek Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 41.16972,-73.18667

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:59