National Register Listing

Elkridge Furnace Complex

5730 and 5741--5745 Furnace Ave., 5735 Race Rd., Elkridge, MD
Local significance of the building:
Industry; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1990.

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
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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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.