Elkridge offers several perspectives for a trip that combines culture and time outdoors. The Lawyers Hill Historic District showcases a wide range of architectural styles and the history of railroad commuting; the Elkridge Furnace Complex highlights Maryland’s iron industry. Also on offer are the free museum experience at Brumbaugh House, the trails of Rockburn Branch Park and the Thomas Viaduct, visible from the Avalon entrance to Patapsco Valley State Park. You can choose what to focus on based on whether you’re most interested in architecture, industrial history, exhibits or trails.
Architecture and Industrial History
Belmont Manor was built in 1738 as a private manor house for Caleb and Priscilla Dorsey of Elkridge. As part of the Lawyers Hill Historic District, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s important to be aware of the visiting conditions: Belmont Manor and Historic Park is not open to the public outside of scheduled rentals and special events. Tours associated with rentals and other event-related visits are offered on selected days and at selected times and require an appointment. If you’d like to include Belmont in your plans, schedule your visit for a specific date and check availability in advance.
The Lawyers Hill Historic District encompasses architectural styles ranging from Georgian Colonial in 1738 to Georgian Revival in 1941. Its diverse Victorian architecture is another reason for the district’s significance. In the 1840s, Lawyers Hill became the state’s first railroad commuter suburb. Its architecture and commuting history offer two distinct historical perspectives: a broad range of architectural styles and the early development of railroad commuting.
The Elkridge Furnace Complex offers a different perspective. It comprises the six surviving buildings of an ironworks that operated from the 18th century through the 1860s. Its significance lies in its connection to Maryland’s 19th-century iron industry. Thus, alongside architectural and commuting history, Elkridge also highlights industry and its regional significance.
Viaduct Views, Museum and Park Trails
The Thomas Viaduct is 612 feet long, consists of eight semicircular arches and rises 59 feet above the Patapsco River. It is visible from the Avalon entrance to Patapsco Valley State Park; its granite arches soar nearly 60 feet high. Route 1 provides the main entrance to the Avalon area of the state park.
Brumbaugh House in Elkridge offers visitors a free museum experience. Educational exhibits and interpretive signs explore Elkridge’s history. Unlike the architectural landmarks and the industrial complex, its focus is on exhibits and explanatory text.
Rockburn Branch Park in Elkridge has 9 miles of trails and paths. The western area includes an 18-hole disc golf course and the Pfeiffer Corner Schoolhouse. The park has a total of 9 miles of trails and paths; the 18-hole disc golf course and Pfeiffer Corner Schoolhouse are located in the West Area.
Discover more destinations: Ellicott City, Jessup, Columbia.
For the broader travel overview: Howard.
