National Register Listing

Little Elk Farm

a.k.a. Little Venture

NW of Providence on Little Elk Rd., Providence, MD
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

Maryland was a border state during the Civil War: During the Civil War, Maryland was a border state that remained in the Union but had many sympathizers with the Confederacy. The state was strategically important because it was located between Washington D.C. and the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia.
Maryland random facts
Cecil County, located in northeastern Maryland, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back to the colonial period. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Susquehannocks. The first European settlers arrived in the early 17th century, with English settlers establishing a trading post along the Elk River.

In 1674, the area was officially designated as Cecil County and named after Cecilius Calvert, the second Lord Baltimore. The county quickly developed into an important agricultural and trading region, with tobacco, corn, and wheat becoming major crops. The town of Elkton became the county seat and an important center for trade along the Elk River.

During the American Revolution, Cecil County played a significant role in the fight for independence. Many residents joined the Continental Army, and the town of Charlestown served as a rallying point for militias. The county also suffered due to British raids, with towns like Elkton being burned by British forces.

In the 19th century, Cecil County experienced significant industrialization, with the construction of canals and railways connecting the region to larger markets. The county became known for its iron furnaces, textile mills, and shipping industry. However, the advent of the railroad led to a decline in the canal system, leading to economic challenges for the region.

Today, Cecil County is a mix of rural landscapes and growing suburban communities. The county has preserved many historic sites and buildings, showcasing its rich history. It is also known for its natural beauty, including the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal and state parks like Elk Neck State Park. Cecil County continues to evolve, blending its historical roots with modern development and maintaining its status as an important part of Maryland's heritage.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Cecil County, Maryland.

  • 1660: English settlers begin to colonize the area that would later become Cecil County
  • 1672: A trading post is established near the mouth of the Susquehanna River, leading to further European settlement
  • 1674: Cecil County is officially established as part of the Province of Maryland
  • 1706: The town of Elkton, now the county seat, is founded
  • 1732: The county's borders are finalized, encompassing the present-day region
  • 19th century: The county becomes an important transportation hub with the completion of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal
  • 1812: Cecil County experiences significant economic growth due to the War of 1812
  • 1856: Construction of the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad further boosts the county's development
  • 20th century: Cecil County becomes predominantly rural with a focus on agriculture
  • 1963: The Conowingo Dam is completed, creating a reservoir and impacting the county's landscape
  • 1996: The Hollywood Casino Perryville, the first casino in Maryland, opens in Cecil County