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History

A Unique Story

Ellicott City, Maryland has a rich and unique 250+ year history that began when the three Ellicott Brothers first bought the land in 1772. Over the years the town has played a pivotal role in our Nation’s story. From the National Road that runs along its Main Street, to an African American scientist who charted the heavens and the streets of the nation’s capital, to the country’s first railroad terminus, to the renown educational institute for woman that sits atop one of its seven hills, Ellicott City stands as a witness to America’s story.

Today, the town’s one of a kind shops, unique blend of restaurants, cafes and bars, and resilient community spirit are a living testament to both the Ellicotts’ and the American dream. During this special anniversary year, we hope you will join the celebration to discover and honor this unique village that was built “in the Hollow” on the shore of Maryland’s Patapsco River.

*Our timeline is a continuing work in progress as we search for stories relevant to both the founding of Ellicott City and its rich history.

Timeline

1889

1889

1889

A group of volunteers construct the firehouse at a cost of $500 dollars. Conveniently situated on a small, triangular lot, the original building was simply designed to house the hand-drawn and horse-drawn fire equipment.

1889

1889

1889

The Patapsco Female Institute is closed. The building is purchased by Mrs. A. Marshall Elliott (Lily Tyson) for $8500, remodeled and changed to the Bern Alnwick Hotel.  

1899

1899

1899

With the completion of the trolley bridge over the Patapsco River, the trolley system ran to Ellicott City. The Ellicott City Trolley Line ran from the terminus at Fels Lane to Catonsville Junction.

1914

1914

Ellicott City’s boundaries are changed to no longer include the Baltimore County side of the Patapsco River.

1914

1914

1914

Babe Ruth marries Helen Woodford at St. Paul’s Church

1924

1924

1924

The Doughnut Corporation of America moves to Ellicott City from New York to become one of the areas primary employers.

1935

1935

1935

Ellicott City was unincorporated, joining other county towns that chose county government rule.

1940

1940

1940

Main Street was known as Route 40 until the wider highway was built north of town.

1941

1941

1941

The Ellicott Theatre opens with 386 seats.

1942

1942

1942

Murals depicting the town’s heritage are installed in U.S. Post Office on Main Street as part of the nation’s “New Deal” effort.

1942

1942

1942

During the World War II years, Ellicott City saw many changes. Saloons seemed to occupy half of Main Street buildings. Outsiders moved into town to work at the mills and military men from Fort Meade visited for “R&R” (rest and relaxation).

1950

1950

1950

Until the 1950s, Ellicott City was a bustling town as the County Seat and as a market town. Shopping centers were few until then. Merchants such as grocery stores, department stores, pharmacies, funeral homes, restaurants and hardware stores stayed open until the last customer was done shopping.

1955

1955

1955

The Trolley System is dismantled in Ellicott City due to the congestion on Main Street with the increase of automobiles.

1956

1956

1956

Portions of The Goddess, a 1958 American drama starring Kim Stanley, Lloyd Bridges and Patty Duke are filmed in Ellicott City with Main Street serving as the childhood home of the main character. The movie was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

1960

1960

1960

With the growth in population in Howard County and the construction of local shopping centers, Ellicott City established a rebirth with antique shops, restaurants and craft stores.

1970

1970

St. Lukes A.M.E. Church Celebrates its 100th anniversary

1972

1972

1972

Hurricane Agnes hit Ellicott City in 1972 as the second worst flood in the County’s history. Main Street was flooded with 14 feet of water. Governor Spiro T. Agnew visited Main Street and declared it a disaster area.

1972

1972

1972

A renaissance occurred in Ellicott City after the Hurricane Agnes flood by celebrating the Bicentennial of the town. There was a pageant, parade and other events to renew the town. Reenactors depicted the Ellicotts, Benjamin Banneker, and Charles Carroll as well as townspeople dressed in colonial era clothes. Ellicott City became known as a “boutique town.”

1975

1975

1975

Wilkins-Rogers Mills completes transition of milling operations from Washington, DC to Ellicott City Maryland. The mill continues in operation today on the site of the original Ellicott’s grist mill. It is the last commercial grist mill operating in the state of Maryland!

1978

1978

1978

The Ellicott City Historic District is placed on the National Register of Historic Places.