Elkridge in Howard County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Elkridge Furnace Inn
"Neighborhood Parlor" for Healing
On May 5, 1861, U.S. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler occupied Relay, Maryland, with the 8th New York and 6th Massachusetts Infantry Regiments and Cook's Boston Battery of light artillery. Their mission was to prevent Confederate sympathizers from sabotaging the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad's Thomas Viaduct. Butler considered the viaduct the most important and vulnerable target for saboteurs in central Maryland because it was the only rail link to Washington, D.C. from the north. He stationed his men across the viaduct and positioned two guns on the commanding heights of Elkridge behind the Claremont mansion. Several other U.S. Army regiments and batteries later occupied the fortifications on both sides of the river, at Relay in Baltimore County and here on the heights of Elkridge at Camp Essex in Howard County. They remained in the area until the end of the war.
During the Civil War, passions ran high here as in other parts of the nation. Afterward, Judge George Dobbin donated land for the Lawyer's Hill Assembly Hall on Elkridge Heights. Judge Dobbin envisioned the hall, built about 1870, as a "neighborhood parlor" where the divisions caused by the war might be healed. The hall soon became the favored location for social and cultural activities that were previously held in homes on the hill before the war.
The Elkridge Furnace Inn here was first established as a tavern in 1744. In 1810, the Ellicott brothers purchased the furnace and tavern, attaching an elegant dwelling to the inn for their families.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O), and the Maryland Civil War Trails series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1863.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 39° 12.823′ N, 76° 42.268′ W. Marker was in Elkridge, Maryland, in Howard County. Marker was on Furnace Avenue, 0.1 miles west of Railroad Avenue, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 5723 Furnace Ave, Elkridge MD 21075, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A different marker also named Elkridge Furnace Inn (within shouting distance of this marker); Elkridge Landing (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Elkridge Landing (about 600 feet away); Herman F. Prehn (approx. 0.2 miles away); Elk Ridge Landing (approx. 0.3 miles away); a different marker also named Elk Ridge Landing (approx. half a mile away); During the Civil War (approx. 0.7 miles away); A Rural Vacation Spot (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elkridge.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has been replaced by the linked marker.
Also see . . . Elkridge Furnace Inn. (Submitted on March 1, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio.)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 27, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 1, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. This page has been viewed 2,795 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 1, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio.