Memory and Power at L'Hermitage Plantation: Heritage of a Nervous Landscape

Megan Bailey's book Memory and Power at LHermitage Plantation uses archaeological data and historical records to document the treatment of enslaved people at LHermitage Plantation in Maryland from 1794 to 1827. She argues that the "nervous landscape" of the plantation, designed to maximize surveillance and control, suppressed individuality and allowed enslaved people to exercise agency. The plantation is now a part of the Monocacy National Battlefield operated by the National Park Service.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 196 pages
Publication date: 27 February 2024
Publisher: University Press of Florida

In her captivating book, "Memory and Power at LHermitage Plantation," Megan Bailey delves into the harrowing tale of the treatment of enslaved people at the LHermitage Plantation in Maryland from 1794 to 1827. Through a meticulous examination of archaeological data and historical records, Bailey sheds light on the profound cruelty and oppression experienced by these individuals.

Bailey employs the concept of the "nervous landscape," a space where power is not absolute and resistance is possible, to illustrate the driving force behind the Vincendière family's brutality. The family's fear of losing control over their workforce led them to employ tactics that were inscribed in the plantations' landscapes, creating a space that maximized surveillance and control while suppressing individuality.

The design of the enslaved people's village at LHermitage Plantation serves as a poignant example of this. The village was meticulously planned to ensure maximum surveillance and control over the enslaved population. It was characterized by narrow, winding streets, tightly packed houses, and limited access to outdoor spaces. This design not only facilitated the family's ability to monitor and discipline their slaves but also reinforced their sense of power and dominance.

Despite the oppressive conditions, enslaved people at LHermitage Plantation found ways to exercise agency and resist their captors. They utilized yard space, forming relationships with local residents, and even engaging in acts of running away. These acts of resistance were a testament to the resilience and determination of the enslaved community, despite the overwhelming odds they faced.

Bailey argues that fear and anxiety should be considered as fundamental elements of the colonial experience. By examining the emotional landscape of LHermitage Plantation, she sheds light on the complex interplay between power, resistance, and the human psyche.

Today, LHermitage Plantation is a part of the Monocacy National Battlefield, operated by the National Park Service. Bailey delves into the public interpretation of the site and the challenges of presenting a nuanced and complex narrative that challenges the prevailing story of Civil War conflict and heroism. Through excavations at the plantation, Bailey highlights a more complicated narrative that encompasses precarity, control, and the enduring legacy of slavery.

"Memory and Power at LHermitage Plantation" weaves a rich and layered narrative that connects the Vincendières to the present-day landscape in a profound and thought-provoking way. Through archaeology, Bailey offers a lens through which we can understand the complexities of the past and the ongoing struggles for justice and equality. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in history, social justice, and the power of memory to shape our understanding of the world.

Weight: 302g
Dimension: 151 x 228 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780813080390