In 1692, Thomas Browne, a Patuxent Ranger, was commissioned to survey the headwaters of the Patuxent and to keep watch on the Indians in Woodstock. He received Ranter's Ridge as a land grant and built a log cabin on a pleasant knoll overlooking two streams. This farm, which became known as Mt. Pleasant, remained in the Brown family for eight generations until Ruth and Frances Brown died in 1992.

Approximately 50 mature hardwoods, gardens, farm, fields, and streams, frame the historic house. Nine historic outbuildings – the carriage house, blacksmith shop, bank barn, wagon shed, corn crib, smokehouse, two hen houses, and more – surround the house as well.

In 1993, The Howard County Conservancy received Mt. Pleasant. A portion of the property is jointly managed with The Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The Conservancy agreed to permanently preserve the land in its natural state. Check the Calendar of Events & Activities for public activities and volunteer opportunities at Mt. Pleasant.