The Williams Schoolhouse is a single-room late 19th c. schoolhouse located within Fort Frederick State Park. The land on which it sits was stewarded by generations of the Williams family, whose story is a nuanced one of Maryland’s free Black community before and after the Civil War. The family was very involved in African American education and politics and in 1899 sold a 1/4-acre parcel to the County for $3 for construction of a new public schoolhouse for Black children, which stands today. To honor the family’s legacy, Preservation Maryland and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources are working together to accurately restore the schoolhouse in such a manner as to retain as much historic fabric as possible and prepare the site for expanded interpretation and exhibits for public benefit. Serving as project manager, Preservation Maryland will oversee exterior repairs; interior restoration; sitework; and interpretive design, fabrication, and installation.
In 1857, Nathan Williams, a free Black man, purchased Fort Frederick and its surrounding 215 acres. Although his acquisition was initially backed by Joe Haines, Williams successfully repaid the debt within seven years. Originally constructed by Maryland Governor Horatio Sharpe during the French and Indian War, the fort was meant to protect settlers and land. However, despite being garrisoned by Maryland’s militia—comprised of British subjects—it never saw combat. While Britain ultimately prevailed in the war, seizing vast French-held territories, the financial burden was significant. Over the years, the land changed hands among various farmers before Williams acquired it for an estimated $5,000 to $7,000.
Like many African Americans of his time, Nathan Williams was born into slavery. His father, Samuel “Big Sam” Williams, secured freedom for his wife and four children, including Nathan, in 1826. To repay this debt, Nathan worked for his father until the age of twenty-eight. During this period, he met Ammy, an enslaved woman on a nearby farm. Deeply in love, Nathan purchased her freedom in 1846 for sixty dollars, and together they had eight children. The family moved to Fort Frederick before the Civil War.
During the war, Union soldiers garrisoned the fort, and Ammy prepared meals for them. Meanwhile, Nathan earned money by selling produce to both Union troops and Confederate soldiers stationed across the river. Although trading with Confederates was controversial, he justified his actions by secretly providing intelligence to Union forces. After the war, the Williams family continued to farm the land, raising livestock and growing crops.
In the 1870s, the family established a school for local African American children on their property. In 1876, Nathan Williams was officially named trustee of the “Fort Frederick School for Coloreds.” The original school building, a 36’ by 24’ by 12’ wooden structure, served students until 1900. It was only the second school built in Washington County. Nathan’s son, Charles A. Williams, and his daughter, Betty, taught its 14 students. By 1895, the aging building was deemed inadequate, prompting the Williams family to donate a quarter-acre of land for a new schoolhouse, which was completed in 1900 at a cost of $297.76. The school remained in use until 1912.
After Nathan’s passing in 1884, the family inherited the farm. They later sold Fort Frederick, along with 189.5 acres, to the State of Maryland in 1911. Over the years, the former schoolhouse underwent several modifications, including the addition of extra rooms, a porch, and a second story, transforming it into a residence. From 1950 to 1973, the Hornbaker family lived there, giving the home its name. Eventually, the Hornbakers sold the property to the state, integrating it into Fort Frederick State Park. For years, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources rented out the home, but it now stands vacant.
Today, renewed efforts are underway to preserve the historic schoolhouse and honor the Williams family’s legacy. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, in partnership with Preservation Maryland, is working to restore this important structure, ensuring its place in history for generations to come.
Timeline:
1756 – Fort Fredrick built
1826 – Nathan’s father, Samuel, purchased the family’s freedom
1839- the family was living at Prather Neck near Fort Frederick
1857 – Williams bought Fort Frederick and 215 acres for $5,000. Joe Haines “staked” Williams purchase. The debt was repaid in seven years; mainly through the profits of selling produce and other good to Union and Confederate soldiers.
1857 until 1911- the fort was owned by the Nathan Williams family.
1930 – Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) began the restoration of Fort Frederick and creating the state park. They also built all of the buildings outside of the fort, and created camping and picnic areas.
1976- the state of Maryland continued the fort’s restoration by rebuilding the two enlisted men’s barracks
Content for this blog was compiled with the help of our Waxter Intern Miel Hunt. Miel is a recent graduate of the Ithaca College Park School of Communications. Raised in Texas, France, and Maryland, her multicultural upbringing opened her eyes to new perspectives and ignited her passion for history and storytelling. She is thrilled with the opportunity to combine those interests with Preservation Maryland. Having lived 5 years in France, she speaks French and is a bit of a Francophile particularly concerning French history. However, after over a decade in Maryland, she is proud to call it her home.