Mountain Road Airport

One crisp autumn morning in 1951, two small airplanes touched down on a grassy strip nestled amidst a sprawling vegetable farm on Mountain Road. This unassuming patch of land, just east of Lakeshore, Maryland, marked the humble beginnings of Mountain Road Airport. Mountain Road Airport wasn’t always located here. It began its life in the 1930s as Whipp Airport and Seaplane Base in Glen Burnie. As Glen Burnie grew, the need for a new location arose. Henry Schmidt, whose family owned the vegetable farm on Mountain Road, stepped in. He offered his land to displaced pilots, transforming his farm into a haven for aviation enthusiasts. By 1961, Mountain Road Airport blossomed, hosting 42 planes. The land itself held a rich history. Dating back to 1683, it was originally owned by the Hancock family, renowned for their connection to the historical Hancock’s Resolution. William Schmidt, Henry’s father, purchased the farm in 1920 and opened a produce stand in 1927. While the stand closed in 1967, it remains a landmark at the entrance to Schmidt’s Lane, a silent testament to the farm’s roots. Though not a pilot initially, Henry Schmidt was captivated by the world of aviation unfolding on his land. He eventually earned his pilot’s license, finding immense joy in the freedom of flight. Over the years, Mountain Road Airport has witnessed its share of dramatic incidents. There was the 9/11 scare, when a plane went missing, only to be found later escorted back by an F-18. There were pilot errors, near misses, and even a tornado that tore through the runway. Hurricane Isabel submerged the airport entirely. Yet, through it all, Mountain Road Airport endured. Today, Mountain Road Airport may only house a single plane, a stark contrast to its bustling past. But the spirit of aviation lives on. Henry, now a member of the International Flying Farmers, still takes to the skies, often using the airport for mosquito spraying operations in collaboration with the Maryland Department of Agriculture. He and his friends continue to fly for weekend getaways, sharing stories and reminiscing about the vibrant history of Mountain Road Airport, a hidden gem tucked away on a country lane.