National Register Listing

Liriodendron

a.k.a. Kelly Estate

501 and 502 W. Gordon St., Bel Air, MD
Local significance of the building:
Science; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

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 founded as a Catholic colony: Maryland was founded by the English nobleman George Calvert, also known as Lord Baltimore, in 1632. He envisioned Maryland as a haven for Catholics who faced persecution in England at the time. The colony's first settlement, St. Mary's City, was established in 1634.
Maryland random facts
Harford County, Maryland, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. Native American tribes, including the Susquehannock and the Lenape, were the first inhabitants of the area. They relied on the region's lush forests, fertile lands, and abundant waterways for sustenance and trade.

In the 17th century, European settlers began to arrive in Harford County, lured by the promise of new opportunities. English colonists established towns along the Susquehanna River, such as Joppa and Havre de Grace, which served as important trading posts and transportation hubs. The area's fertile soil and favorable climate made it ideal for agriculture, leading to the rise of tobacco and later, wheat plantations.

During the American Revolutionary War, Harford County played a significant role in the fight for independence. Local militias formed to defend against British attacks, and the county became a vital center of support for the Continental Army. Harford even hosted the Second Continental Congress for a brief period in 1776, solidifying its place in early American history.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Harford County experienced significant industrial and economic growth. The emergence of the railroad system and the establishment of manufacturing industries, such as textiles and canning, propelled the county into the modern era. Today, Harford County remains a vibrant and dynamic area, boasting a mix of suburban and rural communities, as well as a thriving economy supported by a diverse range of industries.

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

  • 1608: Captain John Smith explores the Chesapeake Bay area, including what is now Harford County.
  • 1692: Harford County is established as one of the original counties of the Province of Maryland.
  • 1775-1783: Harford County actively participates in the American Revolutionary War.
  • 1813: Havre de Grace, located in Harford County, is attacked by the British during the War of 1812.
  • 1827: The Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad is completed, connecting Harford County to neighboring states.
  • 1851: The Female Institute, now known as Harford Community College, is established in Bel Air.
  • 1861-1865: Harford County experiences significant Civil War activity, particularly during Confederate General Jubal Early's raid on Bel Air in 1864.
  • 1879: The Maryland General Assembly designates Bel Air as the county seat.
  • 1938: Aberdeen Proving Ground, a major US Army installation, is established in Harford County.
  • 1964: The John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway, now Interstate 95, is completed, providing a crucial transportation link for the county.
  • 1977: Harford Mall, the first large-scale shopping center in the county, opens in Bel Air.
  • 2005: Harford County celebrates its 300th anniversary.