Elkridge in Howard County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Besley Demonstration Campsite

Photographed by F. Robby, July 1, 2008

1. Besley Demonstration Campsite Marker

Inscription. Recreational camping on Maryland's public lands began near this spot about 1916. Maryland's first state forester, Fred W. Besley, encouraged the public to participate in outdoor recreation on state forest lands in an effort to foster an appreciation for forest conservation, and to gain public support for acquiring more forest and park lands. To set an example, Besley and his family camped at the Cascade Falls area of Patapsco State Forest Reserve during the summer months. This site proved an attractive venue for Baltimore City residents, launching the tradition of recreational camping on state forest and park lands.

Erected 2006 by Maryland Forestry and Parks Centennial.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Horticulture & Forestry. A significant historical year for this entry is 1916.

Location. 39° 14.458′ N, 76° 45.009′ W. Marker is in Elkridge, Maryland, in Howard County. It can be reached from the intersection of Washington Boulevard (U.S. 1) and South Street. Marker is within the Patapsco Valley State Park - Orange Grove area, on the southern side of the Patapsco River, about 3 miles from the park entrance, and across the road from the Swinging Bridge. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Elkridge MD 21075, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Maryland.

It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies

and also the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least

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8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Orange Grove: A Small Neighborly Community (here, next to this marker); Back to Nature in the Patapsco Valley (here, next to this marker); Patapsco Superlative: (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Building America's First Railroad (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Destructive Power of the Patapsco (approx. 0.6 miles away); The River Makes Electricity (approx. 0.7 miles away); The Changing River Valley (approx. one mile away); Bringing Trade to Baltimore (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elkridge.

Photographed by F. Robby, July 1, 2008

2. Besley Demonstration Campsite Marker

Looking at the start of the Cascade Falls Trail.

Cascade Falls image. Click for full size.

Photographed by F. Robby, July 1, 2008

3. Cascade Falls

Not terribly impressive, but this is central Maryland! The falls near which Besley camped are just under a mile from the trail head. The trail is steep at first but then levels off for most of the walk.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 22, 2019. It was originally submitted on July 3, 2008, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,266 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 3, 2008, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland.