The Land of Promise
Tucked within Susquehanna State Park in Havre de Grace, the Land of Promise is a remarkable slice of Maryland’s colonial heritage. This tract—first surveyed in 1684 and known historically as the Land of Promise Farm—was once owned by Colonel Thomas Taylor before becoming the home of the Steppingstone Museum in 1979, located on the historic Gilman Paul property
1690-1880
1741
Jacob Giles, a prominent Quaker, purchases the Land of Promise.
1746
Giles establishes a mill and an iron furnace nearby after spending five years learning the trade in London.
1775
Nathaniel Giles dies, leaving the estate to his father Jacob and five daughters.
1794
Oldest daughter, Hannah Giles, inherits the land and lives in the farmhouse with husband Samuel Gover.
1800
Gover sells farmhouse land to the Hughes family. The corn crib was built and put to use.
1900 - Today
1900
After nearly 100 years, the Hughes family sells the property to John Gilman Paul.
1974
The property becomes a part of Susquehanna State Park
1983
The Foard Blacksmith Shop moves from Level, MD to Steppingstone for preservation and display.
1990
Job Corps builds The Cannery as a replica of a late 19th century tomato canning house
2007
BPR students and volunteers build the orchard's stage under leadership of Linda Knoll.
1690
Colonial Thomas Taylor surveys the land.
1771
Nathaniel Giles, Jacob's son, builds the original two-story farmhouse to be closer to Rock Run Mill.
1784
Jacob Giles dies and leaves the estate to Nathaniel's daughters.
1798
John Stump builds the Rock Run Mill, which still stands today.
1880
The Hughes family erects the barn and wheelwright shop.
1939
John Gilman Paul renovates the farmhouse kitchen and builds the tenant house, chicken coop, and exhibit row.
1978
J. Edmund Bull establishes Steppingstone Farm Museum - doors offically open in 1979
1986
The Capitol Improvement Project brings new buildings and aesthetic additions for public museum use and access
1991
The Home Builders Association, led by Dick Streett, builds the Museum Gift Shop
2014
The Carriage Barn, built by volunteers and funded through donations, opens its doors under leadership of Angela Yau
