Maryland State Archives: Belair-at-Bowie Flight to Freedom


The Belair-at-Bowie Flight to Freedom research project endeavors to provide a fundamental research methodology and substantive source website use by the general public. The information contained within is illustrative of the complexities of enslavement as it existed in this Prince George's County community between 1830 and 1860. This study, centered around Belair Mansion and its geographic and residential environment, will integrate with core elements of the Maryland State Archives Beneath the Underground: the Flight to Freedom and the Communities of Antebellum Maryland. The website provides access to primary documents such as newspapers, U.S. census and original court records stripped for references to both free and enslaved blacks and white resistors to the American institution of human bondage. Belair Mansion Front View "The City of Bowie wishes to thank the Maryland State Archives for its invaluable research and development assistance in the production of this site. We would also like to thank the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, National Underground Railroad, Network to Freedom Program for their financial support."

1938 State College Orchestra and Band MSA SC 1477-6125

1939 State College Pre-School Clinic for Children MSA SC 1477-6124

1939 Nursery School Children in Playground MSA SC 1477-6123

1931 Normal School Beginners Classroom MSA SC 1477-6127

1939 Laundry Facilities at Bowie State College MSA SC 1477-6131

The Belair-at-Bowie Flight to Freedom research project endeavors to provide a fundamental research methodology and substantive source website use by the general public. The information contained within is illustrative of the complexities of enslavement as it existed in this Prince George's County community between 1830 and 1860. This study, centered around Belair Mansion and its geographic and residential environment, will integrate with core elements of the Maryland State Archives Beneath the Underground: the Flight to Freedom and the Communities of Antebellum Maryland. The website provides access to primary documents such as newspapers, U.S. census and original court records stripped for references to both free and enslaved blacks and white resistors to the American institution of human bondage.

Belair Mansion Front View

"The City of Bowie wishes to thank the Maryland State Archives for its invaluable research and development assistance in the production of this site. We would also like to thank the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, National Underground Railroad, Network to Freedom Program for their financial support."