Howard County Bird Club

A Chapter of the Howard County Bird Club

Patapsco Valley State Park History

Patapsco Valley State Park celebrated its one hundredth birthday in 2007. It is a 32-mile long stream valley park encompassing more than 14,000 acres on both sides of the river in central Maryland. Rich in Maryland history, the Patapsco River was first visited in 1608 by Captain John Smith. The Susquehannock Indians fished, farmed, and hunted along its banks. By the 1670s, plantations had been established along the river (which served as a means of transport) with tobacco the most important cash crop. This colonial farming period was followed by industrialization in the nineteenth century with mills and dams supplying power. A railroad line ran along the river providing a vital link between Baltimore’s industries and areas to the west. Periodic flooding was part of the risk of living and working along the river.

In 1907, John Glen donated 43 acres to establish what was called the Patapsco Forest Reserve. It was named Patapsco Valley State Park in the 1930s. For its first quarter century, Baltimore residents enjoyed a variety of outdoor recreation in the Reserve. Some people camped all summer and commuted to the city daily by rail. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps constructed extensive trails, roads, campgrounds, and picnic sites. In 1972, flooding following Hurricane Agnes washed away some historic structures, damaged roads, and destroyed some trails, thus permanently changing sections of the park. Park headquarters which had been at Orange Grove moved to Hollofield.

Currently, there is less camping in the park than in the early part of the twentieth century, but other recreational aspects continue to draw people. Some sections of the park contain picnic shelters and mown areas for large and small groups; dozens of miles of trails beckon to the birdwatcher, hiker, and horseback rider; canoeing, kayaking, and tubing are popular choices for many people; while fishing continues to be one of the park’s most popular activities.

The sites described focus on Howard County, but additional attractive sections of the park, such as McKeldin and Glen Artney, are located in adjoining Carroll and Baltimore counties. Information on these sections can be found at the Patapsco Valley State Park web page.