Howard County in 1882

The second smallest county in Maryland, Howard County was described in the 1882 book Industries of Maryland, in particular Ellicott City (population 1,600) and Elk Ridge Landing (400). Among the attributes were the several "streams" providing waterpower, limestone, granite quarries, iron ore and good soil. 


HOWARD COUNTY.—With the exception of Calvert, this is the smallest county in the State, it possessing an area of 300 square miles, and was organized in 1850, from a portion of Anne Arundel County. It lies between the headwaters of the Patuxent and the Patapsco, and has a surface that is undulating and inclining to be hilly. The soil is generally good, the central and southern portions being composed of limestone land. Several streams cross the county, which afford ample water-power for manufacture. On the Patapsco, between Lisbon and Baltimore, there are many granite quarries, some of them furnishing stone of excellent quality. Near the Anne Arundel County line there are beds of iron ore. The Washington branch of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad runs along the southeastern border, and the main stem along the northeastern border. This county was the home of Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, a prominent signer of the Declaration of Independence. Ellicott City is the county seat. Population, 1870, 14,150; 1880, 16,140.

Ellicott City (Howard co.), a flourishing town, and the county seat; is situated on both sides of the Patapsco River, and is distant 15 miles from Baltimore by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and 10 by the Baltimore and Fredericktown turnpike. It was formerly known as Ellicott's Mills, but was incorporated in 1867, since when it has been called Ellicott City. Within its limits are several celebrated institutions of learning, among them being the Patapsco Female Institute and the Rock Hill College. Its close proximity to Baltimore has made it a desirable place of residence for those wishing to combine the pleasures of country and city life. There is a large mercantile trade, and the town is rapidly growing. An International and Domestic Money Order Post Office. Population, 1,600.

Elk Ridge Landing (Howard co.) an active and thriving post village on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, 9% miles from Baltimore, and pleasantly Situated near the Patapsco River, over which the railroad crosses by the Thomas Viaduct. It is one of the oldest towns in the State, and for a long time contended with Baltimore for the commerce of the northern part of the colony. Population, 400.

©2017 Patricia Bixler Reber
Forgotten history of Ellicott City & Howard County MD