by Elizabeth Janney (Author)
Founded in 1733, Elkridge is the oldest settlement in Howard County. With its proximity to the Patapsco River, railroad tracks, and highways, Elkridge has served as a vital Maryland artery over the years. A port town, Elkridge's reputation as an exporter of tobacco and iron to England was rivaled in Maryland only by Annapolis. In 1830, the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad laid its tracks, and the construction of the Thomas Viaduct, the nation's first curved railroad bridge, followed thereafter. Today, Elkridge is a blend of generations-old families and new residents who were attracted by the area's central location on the Baltimore-Washington corridor. Despite some of the hardships the community has faced, Elkridge has persevered through the flood of 1868, World War II, and the construction of Interstate 95. Elkridge shares how the community continues to thrive through the resilient spirit of its people.