The story of Sotterley plantation in St. Mary's County began shortly after the founding of Maryland and continued over three centuries that saw it rise from humble beginnings, prosper in the age of tobacco and slavery, endure depression, and survive three wars, only to stumble toward ruin until a generous fate brought restoration and renewed relevance for our time. Some who resided there were socially prominent, though most were not. Some were free, others enslaved. Some were white, more were black. Yet they were men and women whose stories have much to tell us about the history of southern Maryland and a maturing Chesapeake society.