If I were to ask you to name the oldest, still-standing house in Salisbury, Maryland, could you do it? More often than not, the answer is a resounding “no.” What’s even sadder is that the popularity of Poplar Hill Mansion goes virtually unnoticed, especially when compared to other regional attractions throughout Wicomico County and its famous nearby neighbor, Worcester County.
Despite its deficit of deserved fame, Poplar Hill Mansion is a true hidden gem for history lovers and low-key explorers alike. It even operates as a family-friendly, free-to-attend museum, highlighting farming, medical practices, and architectural history from the 18th and 19th centuries. What’s more, it even has its own reported resident ghost!
The fascinating history behind the house’s very existence, ownership, and ongoing developments throughout the years are not to be overlooked any longer. That’s why, in this Flashback Friday Feature, I’m shedding a little light by offering an overview exploration of Poplar Hill Mansion in Salisbury, Maryland.
A Bit of Background
As I mentioned previously, Poplar Hill Mansion is believed to be the oldest documented structure in Salisbury. The timeline for its construction is lengthy, with work beginning in the late 18th century and not being completed until the 19th.
The story officially begins in 1795, with Major Levin Hardy’s purchase of 357 acres of land just outside Salisbury. It was here that he began construction on a Federal-style building. Work was halted, however, only a few short years later, owing to a lack of funds resulting from failing health conditions, which needed to be more immediately addressed.
Handy put the incomplete house up for sale in 1803 to pay off debts owed. Two years later, Dr. John D. Hudson purchased the property and continued work on the house’s construction. Dr. Hudson lived there until he died in 1828, at which time his widow, Sarah, inherited the land.
Under her ownership, Sarah Hudson partially subdivided the property, helping to establish the community at large. This was in the 1840s and 1850s. After her tenure, daughters Sally and then Elizabeth assumed ownership. Elizabeth eventually sold to George Waller in 1881. He and his family lived here until 1945. Mr. and Mrs. Ward A. Garber became the new owners in 1948.
The home was purchased by Wicomico County in 1970 and placed in public trust in 1974 under the ownership of the City of Salisbury. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.
Fantastic Features
The mansion, which once served as the stately manor to the farm, now boasts an array of standout features. Some highlights include the front hall, separated from the rear stair hall by an intricately carved segmental arch, a large rectangular dining space on the east side, and a west side sporting two nearly equal-sized rooms. There’s also a drawing room in front and a private chamber in back. The neoclassical woodwork, detailed Palladian windows, gables, and other intricate details truly set the house apart from other Eastern Shore manor homes of the day.
The house itself is an architectural marvel, and can stand as a museum exhibit on its own just fine. All the same, the vast collection of exhibits and artifacts adds to the wonder. These exhibits include the Keeping Room, Parlor, Smokehouse/Farm Tools, and a recreation of Doctor Hudson’s Surgery Room, which was the recipient of the Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Council (now the Beach to Bay Heritage Area) 2018 Award for Best Heritage Interpretation.
According to popular legend, the house also happens to be haunted. Somewhere around five or six permanent spirits have been reported here, including the spirits of two little girls, an enslaved woman, an enslaved man, and the Doctor himself, accompanied by his wife.
A Multifaceted Museum
Despite all its underratedness, Poplar Hill Mansion was voted 2025 Best Museum in Wicomico County. This is the second consecutive year. And as the America 250 celebration gets underway, there’s even more to take in in the way of upcoming events to check out upon visiting.
The museum offers tours, special events, and is even a well-loved event venue. Discover all of its features firsthand by visiting yourself!
Poplar Hill Mansion is located at 117 Elizabeth Street, Salisbury, Maryland. Explore more on the website at www.poplarhillmansion.org.