Hard Bargain Farm, Historic house in Prince George's County, United States
Hard Bargain Farm spreads across 330 acres overlooking the Potomac River and houses a timber frame tobacco barn dating from the 1830s. The property also features an outdoor amphitheater where local theater productions run from spring through fall.
Alice and Henry Ferguson purchased the land and developed it into a country estate where Alice conducted research on prehistoric remains found on the property. The timber barn underwent reconstruction following the Civil War, reflecting changes in rural agriculture during that period.
The property functions as an educational center where visitors learn about sustainable land management and historical farming methods practiced in the region. The Ferguson Foundation runs the site and organizes regular programs that demonstrate traditional agricultural techniques and their connection to local heritage.
The property is best explored on foot or by car since the 330 acres are spread out with various paths and roads throughout. Spring through fall offers the best visiting experience when the outdoor amphitheater hosts performances and the site has more activity and programs.
Alice Ferguson was not only a resident but also an amateur archaeologist who collected artifacts discovered on the grounds. Her findings and research remain part of the property's story today, making it a place where domestic life and scientific inquiry intersect.
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