Celebrating History: Historic Ellicott City’s 250th Anniversary

Founding Ellicott Mills

A lot has happened since 1772.  This nation declared its independence from Britain and grew from thirteen colonies to fifty states. Our agrarian society evolved into today’s modern society driven by networked computer systems and global supply chains.  And a little town a few miles west of Baltimore has seen the nation grow.  Ellicott City is now home to unique shops and restaurants in a historic district surrounded by great neighborhoods like Dunloggin, Valley Meade, Normandy, Oella, Catonsville and of course Columbia, itself continuing to rank high in Money Magazine's Best Places to Live list.

Back in 1771 the Ellicott brothers - Joseph, Nathaniel, Andrew, and John Ellicott - purchased the initial tracts of land that would become the town.  The original mill was constructed in 1772, and over the next several decades the family established a larger economic enterprise that shaped the Ellicott Mills area.  Initially focused on the flour mill, they also built a saw mill, wheelwright's shop, dwellings, schoolhouse and other mills along the river.  Their efforts led the area to become a thriving economic center.

History of Ellicott City

In 1809 a fire destroyed the original mill building.  The successor survived the July 1868 flood and part of that building is part of the now vacant mill along Frederick Road on the Baltimore County side of the riverbank.  In 1830-31 the first terminus of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad was constructed and today it is the oldest train station in the United States.  In 1831 the rail line witnessed the famous race between the first American-built steam locomotive Tom Thumb and a horse-drawn rail carriage.  

More recently Hurricane Agnes badly damaged the town in 1972, and then in 2016 a “thousand year” rainstorm sent floodwaters crashing down main street, ripping apart nearly everything in its path.  After rebuilding, a very similar “thousand year” rainstorm repeated the destruction just two years later in 2018.  Naturally the destructive and scandalous events of history are recorded better than the joyful days, of which there have been many of each.

Ellicott City Today

Ranked as the 10th best place to live by Money Magazine in 2021, we couldn’t agree more.  As a great place to live and visit, we’re celebrating the momentous anniversary with our own design.  Pairs great with the fish and chips at Phoenix Upper Main, looks stylish while shopping for something unique at Shoemaker Country and screams this is my hometown while enjoying the Main Street Music Festival.  Pick one up today and we’ll see you around town!