HOWARD COUNTY HISTORY

As the first federally funded road, the Historic National Road provided a gateway to the West for thousands of settlers who followed it from Baltimore through the Appalachians to Vandalia, Illinois. The road's history traces the evolution of transportation and commemorates the movement that ultimately stretched the nation's boundaries from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

Before the American Revolution, three Quaker brothers moved from Pennsylvania to build the first of their two flour mills on the Patapsco River. John, Joseph, and Andrew Ellicott established Ellicott's Mills in 1772. To ensure that they had wheat for their mills and flour to market, the Ellicotts then either built or financed a network of farm roads that ultimately became the Baltimore to Frederick Turnpike, which eventually became the Historic National Pike. Ellicott City grew to be the largest flour milling center in the colonies, and the turnpike saw a heavy flow of wagon and coach traffic.

In 1830, the B&O Railroad built "The Old Main Line," which extended from Baltimore City to the rugged mill town, and constructed the first railroad station in the Nation. In the summer of 1830, the famous steam locomotive, the Tom Thumb, made its debut on the 13 mile run from Baltimore to Ellicott's Mills. On Main Street, opposite the depot, is the former Patapsco Hotel, a popular lodging place in the town’s heyday. The coming of the railroad did not stop the town’s decline as the Ellicotts’ mills succumbed to western competition.

Today, this town of stone and brick buildings, narrow streets, and steep granite cliffs attracts modern travelers lured by the town’s history, its rugged charm, and a host of antique and specialty shops and unique restaurants. One such is the Trolley Stop, which has been serving the traveling public since the 1800s.

The B&O Railroad Museum - Ellicott City Station interprets the role of the railroad to visitors. Today, the town is a destination unto itself for antique collectors and art aficionados. The town also offers charming historic sites, trendy restaurants, quaint walking trails and upscale shopping. A visitor center provides local tourist information. The town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Many layers of urbanization have modified this historic route, but the diligent traveler may still follow the old Historic National Pike through the streets of Baltimore westward into the historic Maryland countryside. Today, with the construction of new roads, many historic towns and sites originally connected to the Historic National Pike lure modern travelers with rugged charm, and a host of antique shops, specialty shops, and unique restaurants. These elements make the National Historic Road a treat for everyone.

Information above provided by the Federal Highway Administration and is managed by the National Scenic Byways