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In 1781, toward the end of the Revolutionary War, William Rogers saw a British flotilla enter the harbor and built defenses at the highest point of the land which had later historical significance.
In 1792, William Patterson purchased the Rogers estate at auction. Patterson, born in Ireland, had started a shipping business. His 200 acres extended south to the wharves and from the high hill he could watch his ships enter the Port of Baltimore. Patterson was considered the wealthiest man in Baltimore and he helped create the B&O Railroad.
The British entered the Patapsco in 1814 and bombarded Fort McHenry. By land, they gathered their forces at North Point. As they began to march on Baltimore, they saw on a high hill 100 guns and 12,000 troops. These were the defenses of Hampstead Hill and seeing this opposition, the British returned to their ships and left.
In 1827, William Patterson donated 6 acres of his land to the citizens of Baltimore. He wanted to re-create the “public walks” he had seen on his travels to Europe. He saw to the improvement of the park by planting several hundred trees of 12 varieties. William Patterson died in 1835 and the city took over the maintenance and improvements of the park. In 1853, the park was formally introduced to the public with fireworks and picnics. In 1860, the city appropriated an extension to Patterson Park of 30 acres.
However, plans to create park structures like those of Central Park were put on hold in 1861 when all parks were occupied by Union troops during the Civil War. In Patterson Park, Camp Washburn was established and later a military hospital was erected.
In 1864, the young architect George A. Frederick was hired to build structural elements within the park. He created the Gothic entrance gates on Lombard St., central fountain, gingerbread service buildings and the Superintendent’s House. Meandering tree lined paths allowed the new urban population to saunter by beautiful vistas, exotic plants could be seen in the Conservatory and music played from under the octagonal pavilion.
In the late 19th century, Patterson Park was best typified as a romantic landscape with curvilinear paths that moved through a pastoral setting of trees, fountains, music pavilions, a mansion, and two lakes. In 1891, “The Pagoda” was built by C. H. Latrobe as an observation deck for the best view of the city and harbor. It also stood as a lasting monument to the courageous stand of 1814.
In 1905 the Olmstead Brothers were hired to create and implement plans for the eastern section of Patterson Park. They saw the park as an arena for increased health and recreation and built public pools, sporting fields and playgrounds. This created a duality with the picturesque feel of the “old” park and increased the park’s popularity, which it still enjoys today.
Patterson Park’s 155 acres is Baltimore’s largest urban green space that excludes cars and it remains an outstanding example of 19th century park design. The park has relaxing surroundings and facilities for athletic events, exercise, and community gatherings. It also has a great diversity of wildlife and is home to great examples of architectural themes.
Patterson Park has been revitalized through the work of The Friends of Patterson Park, and active community group that supports the park through fundraising work and clean-up projects, and advocacy of the current Patterson Park master plan. The master plan calls for a major renovation of the park which is well underway.
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