“Fourteen new condos overlooking M Street” That’s the simple description of Sollers Point Flats. Sollers Point Flats improves living options along M Street. These condos feature studios and generous two-bedroom units.
But let’s dive a bit deeper. The name “Sollers Point” has a history. Sollers Point connects to the story of Bethlehem Steel.
Imagine life near a steel mill. The BMI’s “A Mill on the Patapsco” story-sharing program captured striking contrasts. It took place at the Sollers Point branch of the Baltimore County Public Library. The program attracted a diverse group from the Dundalk area. Almost everyone had a personal connection to Bethlehem Steel.
Participants shared fond memories and negative experiences. Health problems caused by the steelmaking environment were prominent. Some recalled benefits like 13 weeks of paid vacation. Working at Bethlehem Steel enabled families to start businesses. They bought homes, sent kids to college, and traveled.
However, the work had risks. Living near the steel mill led to untimely deaths. Industrial accidents, cancer, and lung disease took their toll. One man described the blast furnace heat as a “preview of hell.” Discrimination and segregation shaped everyday life. Participants spoke with pride about contributions to American war efforts. The company’s bankruptcy still stings many residents.
The Turner Station Conservation Teams opened the Turner Station History Center. It offers insights into African American workers at the mill. Exhibits showcased neighborhood figures and community institutions. Jack Burkert provided an overview of Bethlehem Steel’s Sparrows Point Steel Mill. Participants shared their stories about working in the steel industry. They shared stories about everyday life in Sparrows Point.
The museum staff chose this format to connect individuals with expertise on Bethlehem Steel. The goal was to shape future programming and exhibitions. Hearing directly from these individuals helped museum staff understand visitor knowledge.
Fort Carroll sits in the Patapsco River. It’s near Sollers Point Flats. The State of Maryland permitted the construction of Fort Carroll in 1847. It was to protect Baltimore. Fort McHenry was the only military defensive structure. It was between Baltimore and the Chesapeake Bay before Fort Carroll.
Robert E. Lee designed the hexagonal structure. Construction commenced in 1848. The fort was named on October 8, 1850. The original design planned for 225 cannons on three levels.
During the American Civil War, the walls were less than half the planned height. Only five gun platforms were ready. The Army placed about thirty cannons. Torrential rains flooded the fort’s magazines in April 1864. The Army moved the powder and ammunition to Fort McHenry.
During the Spanish-American War in 1898, the Army defended the fort. The batteries were obsolete. The Army built modern concrete gun emplacements. Batteries Towson, Heart, and Augustin were created. The new batteries were ready by September 1900.
After World War I, the Army removed the guns from Battery Heart and Towson. By 1920, all guns were removed from the fort. The Army abandoned Fort Carroll in 1921.
Baltimore attorney Benjamin Eisenberg purchased the island in 1958. He intended to build a casino. Those plans never materialized.
Sollers Point Flats and nearby Fort Carroll share a connection. They tell the story of industry, defense, and community. Sollers Point Flats stands as a testament to modern living. It sits near a place filled with stories of the past.