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only to the famous P.T. Barnum, who lived in same area, remarkable, as during her time, 90% of black peoples

were enslaved.

SITE DESCRIPTIONS

The Freeman Houses

have remarkably withstood

the changing building

environment around them.

While similar structures

had stood around them in

their day (many of which

were owned by the same

Mary and Eliza Freeman),

the houses are currently
“The Freeman Houses” – photo from the Bridgeport History Center

st
surrounded by the modern constructions of the 21 century. While the modern area is developed, there is no
immediate threat the site excepting its deterioration due to time and lack of protection and restoration.

i. THE HOUSES

Of nearly 40 houses that stood in Little Liberia, the sisters owned the houses that still currently sit

side-by-side. Eliza’s residence is to the right (see photo above) and is a Greek Revival “half house.” The

house was simplistic, but contained elements of the Grecian styling in a mantelpiece. A fire damaged the

house in the 1980’s, but enough of the original structures survives that a full restoration is believed to be

highly possible.

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