he DuPre House occupies town lot 53, first laid out by Elisha Screven in 1734. The lot had several owners: John Caine, a blacksmith (1734), Christopher Caine, and John Arthur, who built the first house. By 1752, the premises were owned by Mary and William Topping who, on October 4th of that year, sold the lot and house to Paul Trapier, referred to as the “King of Georgetown”. One year later, in 1753, the house was sold once again, this time to Susannah Gignilliat, daughter of Johan Gignilliat and Mary Magdalen DuPre. Susannah lived in the house until at least 1776, as she filed a claim for reimbursement during the American Revolution for supplies given to American troops.

ecords of ownership for the next several years were destroyed as a result of Sherman’s Advance during the Civil War. By the 1840’s, the house was owned by the June Easterling Estate, and on October 4, 1868, was sold at auction for $610 to Benjamin I. Hazard, a shipping magnate. In 1892, Benjamin’s widow sold lot 53 to John Bourne for $5,500.

hough the house at 921 Prince Street was extensively altered during the twentieth century, the DuPre House serves as a reminder of the architectural heritage brought to Georgetown by the early residents.

urrent owners, Sam Murphy, formerly of the ColonialWilliamsburg Foundation, and Karen Komar, a retired United States Army officer, acquired the property in July 2003. They are deeply committed to preserving this historic dwelling for future generations to admire and study. Appropriate period features and fixtures were installed to replace many modern items added during the previous renovations. Antiques and artwork from the 17th, 18th and 19th Centuries adorn the interior.