Elkridge in Howard County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Elkridge Furnace Inn
"Neighborhood Parlor" for Healing
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 27, 2020
On May 5, 1861, the 8th New York and 6th Massachusetts Infantry Regiments and Cook's Boston Battery of light artillery occupied the heights around you. Their mission was to prevent Confederate sympathizers from sabotaging the strategic Thomas Viaduct. This railroad bridge was considered 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. Several other U.S. Army regiments and batteries later occupied fortifications on both sides of the river, where 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 near the former Union camp. Judge Dobbin envisioned the hall, built about 1870, as a "neighborhood parlor" where 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. By 1860 this complex included over a dozen buildings owned by the Great Falls Iron Company. The furnace continued production through the Civil War and was destroyed by floods in 1868 and 1873.
The Elkridge Furnace Inn here was 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.
"The men now under Gen. BUTLER's orders are here encamped on one of the most beautiful spots the eye could rest upon."
—New York Times, May 11, 1861
Erected by Maryland Civil War Trails.
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 Maryland Civil War Trails series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 5, 1861.
Location. 39° 12.833′ N, 76° 42.243′ W. Marker is in Elkridge, Maryland, in Howard County. Marker is on Furnace Avenue, 0.1 miles east of Railroad Avenue, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is 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 marker. Elkridge Landing (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Elkridge Landing (about 700 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
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 27, 2020
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced the linked marker.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 27, 2020
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 27, 2020
Credits. This page was last revised on July 12, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 27, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 304 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 27, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.