Hynson-Ringgold House
Water Street

Since the 1940s this massive house has been the home of Washington College presidents. Formerly called "The Abbey," it is named for Nathaniel Hynson, Jr., early owner of the lot; and Thomas Ringgold, Jr., a wealthy merchant and lawyer.

Ringgold purchased the house from William Murray who constructed the river-facing section (left) in the early 1740s. Ringgold added the Cannon Street sections in the late 1760s, tripling its footprint (below). He was responsible for the interesting mahogany antler stair, as well as the remodeled northeast side Murray's house.

The original Ringgold Parlor paneling was removed and installed in the Baltimore Museum of Art. It was replicated to restore the appearance in the room, though craftsmanship of the early era could not be equaled.

On the National Register of Historic Places, Hynson-Ringgold House has been visited by prominent persons throughout its long history and was at one time home to Judge James Alfred Pearce whose family includes a U.S. Senator of the same name. George Washington stayed overnight in Chestertown at least once with the Ringgold family, and research suggests that this was the house, foremost among several Ringgold properties.