Historic National Road - Maryland
Ellicott City, MD

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