Picture North Laurel a vibrant community nestled in Howard County Maryland. A commuter’s dream it sits between Baltimore and Washington DC easily accessible by major highways.
North Laurel is more than just a convenient location. It’s a place where serenity meets excitement. Its history stretches back centuries. Imagine Native Americans living along the Patuxent River thousands of years ago. Later English settlers explored the area. They established farms and named their land grants with colorful names like Warfield’s Range and Wincopion Neck.
Tobacco farming once thrived here. Poor soil conservation led to changes in agriculture. The construction of the Laurel grist mill and the Savage Mill brought industrial growth. Slavery was practiced here until emancipation. Runaway slave ads appeared regularly in the Baltimore Sun.
In the 1800s Irish and German workers clashed at a Baltimore and Ohio Railroad construction site. A militia was called to maintain peace. The railroad’s completion connected Baltimore and Washington. North Laurel became part of Howard County in 1860.
The early 1900s saw land development. The Southern Real Estate Company bought farms creating Laurel Park. Many lots remained undeveloped for over a century. Later the North Laurel Civic Center and park were built. Grace “Daisy” Gorman’s home Overlook once stood on the land.
The mid-20th century witnessed the building of Interstate 95. This brought rapid growth and development. A controversial apartment project Whiskey Bottom Apartments was built. This caused a significant population increase. Whiskey Bottom Road Elementary School was built to accommodate the influx of children. A tragic carjacking in 1992 led to the creation of the Federal Anti-Car Theft Act.
Before the September 11 2001 attacks all five hijackers of American Airlines Flight 77 stayed in North Laurel motels. The motel wing where they stayed was demolished and rebuilt.
Today North Laurel offers a blend of history and modern amenities. Nearby High Ridge Park and Rocky Gorge Reservoir provide recreational opportunities. Excellent schools and numerous shopping options cater to residents. North Laurel balances tranquility and excitement. It remains a desirable place to live in Maryland.