Historical Markers in
Howard County, Maryland

9051-9053 Baltimore Street Adam the First Andrew Ellicott Annapolis and Elk Ridge Railroad B&O Railroad Station Back to Nature in the Patapsco Valley Baldwin Common Baltimore and Frederick Turnpike Milestone Baltimore Regional Trail Bank Barn Besley Demonstration Campsite Blacksmith Shop Bollman Iron Truss Bridge Carriage House Carroll Baldwin Memorial Hall Christ Episcopal Church Collier's Grist Mill Cooksville Cooksville Cooksville High School Corn Crib Day-French-Puhl House Decatur Dorsey Disney’s Tavern Dr. Charles Alexander Warfield During the Civil War Elk Ridge Landing Elk Ridge Landing Elkridge Furnace Inn Elkridge Landing Elkridge Landing Ellicott City Volunteer Fire Department Ellicott’s Mills Ellicott’s Upper Mills Explore your Chesapeake Fells Lane Community Fire House Annex Friends Meeting House and Graveyard Gettysburg Campaign Governor Harry R. Hughes Guinea Fowl Coop Herman F. Prehn Historic Savage Mill Howard County Courthouse, 1843 Howard County Jail, 1851 Howard County Master Gardners Demonstration Garden Hunt's General Store & Millinery Shop James W. Rouse John Ellicott John Williams House Jonathan Ellicott Building Log Cabin Viewing Window MacAlpine MaryLandscapes Mile Marker 14 Mill Town History Miller Chevrolet Millworkers House Montjoy Barn Mount Gregory United Methodist Church Bell Mount Ida Moving Goods on the National Road Mt. Pleasant New Fire Station & Transit Terminal New Lisbon Oakland Manor Old Court House, 1840: Old Stone Tavern House Orange Grove: A Small Neighborly Community Patapsco Female Institute Patapsco Female Institute Patapsco Valley State Park Poplar Springs Privy and Icehouse Foundation Road Versus Rails Roberts Inn Rosenstock Building Savage Mill Second Patapsco Bank Building Simpson & Mount Gregory United Methodist Churches Simpson & Mount Gregory United Methodist Churches Site of Roadsend Gardens Smokehouse Spurrier's Tavern Spurrier's Tavern Spurrier's Tavern St. John’s Episcopal Church Starr Funeral Home Sunflower Church Supreme Sacrifice Taylor's Row Taylor’s The Firehouse Museum The Freight House The Granite Quarries The Howard House Hotel The Lauman House The Little Patuxent River The National Road The Odd Fellows Lodge The Patapsco Female Institute The Patapsco Hotel The Patapsco National Bank The Patuxent Branch of the B&O Railroad The Phoenix Emporium The Pratt Through-Truss Bridge The Road to Prosperity The Sykes Building The Sykesville Bypass Bridge The Town of Guilford This Survey Point This Travel Information Center is named in honor of Governor Harry R.Hughes To Preserve the Union Tonge Row Trinity on the Pike Trinity White Oak Turntable & Track Votes For Women Wagon Shed Walker-Chandler House Wall's Store & Post Office - 1905 Waverly Waverly Welcome to Fulton Welcome to Hodge Podge Lodge Welcome to Mt. Pleasant Welcome to Rockburn Branch Park Wilde Lake Wootton Law Offices Word Wars I, II and Korea Memorial Yates Market & Hardware “Great Panes”
Maryland was once a center of the slave trade: Maryland was one of the thirteen colonies that allowed slavery, and by the mid-18th century, it had become a major center of the domestic slave trade. Maryland slave traders sold enslaved people to plantation owners in other southern colonies and to the Caribbean.
Maryland random facts
Howard County, Maryland has a rich and diverse history dating back to its establishment in 1851. Originally part of Anne Arundel County, Howard County was formed as a separate jurisdiction due to the growing population and demands for local leadership. The county was named after John Eager Howard, a Revolutionary War hero and former Maryland governor.

During its early years, Howard County relied heavily on agriculture, with tobacco and wheat being the main crops. The arrival of the railroad in the mid-19th century brought significant changes and economic growth to the area. The railroad allowed for easier transportation of goods, leading to the establishment of small towns and communities. This period also saw the rise of the mills and factories, as well as the growth of the population.

In the late 20th century, Howard County experienced rapid suburbanization and became one of the most affluent counties in the United States. The county's close proximity to Baltimore and Washington D.C., as well as its excellent school system, attracted many professionals and families. This led to a boom in housing and commercial development, transforming Howard County from its rural origins to a suburban community.

Today, Howard County is known for its well-planned communities, beautiful parks, and vibrant economy. The county continues to grow and adapt to changing demographics, striving to maintain a high quality of life for its residents. With its mix of historic charm and modern amenities, Howard County remains a desirable place to live and work in the state of Maryland.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Howard County, Maryland.

  • 1700s - The land that would become Howard County was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Piscataway and Susquehannock.
  • 1696 - "Anne Arundel County on the North side of the Patuxent River" was established, which included the area that would later become Howard County.
  • 1839 - Howard County was officially recognized as a separate county, named in honor of John Eager Howard, a Revolutionary War hero.
  • Late 1800s - Agriculture, especially tobacco farming, was the primary industry in Howard County.
  • 1869 - The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad extended its line through Howard County, stimulating economic growth.
  • 20th century - The population of Howard County remained predominantly rural until the mid-20th century, with small towns and farming communities.
  • 1967 - Columbia, a planned community, was founded by James Rouse, leading to rapid suburban development and population growth.
  • 1980s - Howard County experienced significant growth and development, becoming increasingly suburban in character.
  • 2004 - Howard County was ranked by Forbes magazine as the third wealthiest county in the United States.
  • Present - Howard County is known for its high quality of life, excellent schools, and diverse community.