Known as \”Laurel Factory\” in its early days Laurel has quite the story. Let’s take a stroll through Laurel. This city is located in Maryland. It sits midway between Washington D.C. and Baltimore on the Patuxent River.
Laurel’s history began long before it became a city. The Snowden family patented land here in 1658. This was part of a 12250-acre plantation called New Birmingham.
The community got its start as a mill town in the early 19th century. Laurel expanded its industry. The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad arrived in 1835. This allowed Laurel to become a commuter town for workers in Washington and Baltimore. Today Laurel is largely residential. Its historic district centers on Main Street.
The town was named for the local laurel trees. Edward Snowden became the first postmaster in 1837. Laurel was a true company town. It had a school and shops. Many mill worker homes were owned by the company until the 1860s.
Three historic churches were established in the 1840s. These were the Methodist Church in 1842. St. Mary of the Mills Roman Catholic Church in 1845. St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in 1839. These congregations are still active today.
During the Civil War Laurel Factory was a divided community. Many residents sympathized with the South. Union soldiers patrolled the railroad. There was also a Union hospital for a time.
Manufacturing became less important in the late 19th century. Laurel evolved into an early suburban town. Many residents commuted to jobs in Washington or Baltimore by rail. The town was incorporated in 1870. It was reincorporated in 1890. This coincided with a new electric power plant. The streets were paved and sidewalks were built. By this time the town had 2080 residents. The city banned livestock from the streets.
Laurel Park racecourse is located just outside the city limits. It offers Thoroughbred racing. It was the site of the Washington D.C. International horse race. This race was held annually from 1952 until 1995.
Laurel has faced its share of adversity. In 1898 a stable fire spread and burned buildings along Main Street. The town was struck by fire again in 1899. Twelve buildings were destroyed including the Laurel Presbyterian Church.
In 1972 Laurel was severely impacted by Hurricane Agnes. This caused the greatest flooding ever recorded in Maryland. Several bridges were destroyed. The T. Howard Duckett Dam was at capacity and posed a huge threat.
Despite challenges Laurel has continued to grow. Today Laurel is a vibrant city. It has a population of over 30000. It offers a mix of historic charm and modern amenities. Its location provides easy access to both Baltimore and Washington D.C.
The Laurel Museum highlights the city’s history. The museum is located in a renovated 1840s mill worker’s home. It opened in 1996. The museum features exhibits about Laurel and its citizens. Admission is free.
So next time you are looking for a place to spend a day trip, consider Laurel. You can explore its history, enjoy its parks and experience its community. Laurel offers a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city access.