The history of Howard County began with the commencement of the history of Maryland on the Severn River near Annapolis, when the Independents were exiled from Virginia. Matthew Howard had tried to arbitrate with Governor Berkeley to resist exile. At a trial held October 1, 1649, however, it was decided that if the Independents did not attend the Anglican Church services, they would be exiled. Matthew Howard joined the colonists in Maryland at Providence on the Severn. His daughter, Mary, married John Hammond, another Separatist.

Matthew Howard's son, Matthew Howard, Jr., married Sarah Dorsey, the daughter of Col. Edward Dorsey before 1667. This was the Dorsey and Howard family tie. Edward Dorsey, the son of the settler, who arrived from England before l646, had patented a plantation with his brothers, Joshua and John called Hockley-in-the Hole on the south side of the Severn River.

John Dorsey, the youngest son of Edward, the colonist, was born in Virginia and lived at Hockley-in-the-Hole on the Severn, now near Annapolis, until 1699 when he moved to his plantation called Troy at Elkridge. In 1702, he gave his son, Caleb, Hockley-in-the-Hole.

Thomas Beale Dorsey was the youngest child of Caleb and Elinor, born at Hockley-in-the Hole in 1727. In 1746, he married Anne Worthington, daughter of John Worthington II and his first wife, Helen Hammond. Thomas Beale Dorsey, his wife and children lived at Wyatt's Harbour which is now known as Sherwood Forest near Annapolis. Judge Thomas Beale Dorsey built Mount Hebron in Ellicott City in the 19th century. He successfully petitioned for Howard County to become the 21st county in Maryland. His home now near Mount Hebron Church was on the Decorator Showcase tour in l996.

By 1778, Caleb, who had married Elizabeth Worthington, wished to locate in the Piedmont section west of Ellicott City, near his two brothers and began purchasing land there. John Worthington Dorsey, son of Caleb of Thomas and Elizabeth Worthington, married Mary Ann Hammond in 1815. She was the daughter of Philip and Elizabeth Wright Hammond, owners of the Hammond-Harwood House in Annapolis for twenty one years.

The town of Ellicott City evolved when in 1772, three Quaker brothers from Bucks County Pennsylvania chose the wilderness upriver from Elk Ridge Landing for a flour mill. John, Andrew and Joseph Ellicott revolutionized the area farming, built roads, bridges, and many buildings, introduced the wagon brake and plaster as fertilizer, as well as founding the town of Ellicott's Mills. In 1792, Andrew Ellicott who was commissioned to survey the boundaries for the nation's new capital, was joined by a free black man and family friend, Benjamin Banneker, who worked closely with the city's designer, Pierre L'Enfant. When the Frenchman abandoned the project and returned home, Banneker was able to recreate the designer's plans from memory. His homestead in Oella is being converted into a park

By 1861, Ellicott's Mills was a prosperous farming and manufacturing area. In 1867, a city charter was secured and the name changed to Ellicott City. It was designated a historic district in 1973 and today is the county seat.
 

Wayside Inn

The Wayside Inn near historic Ellicott City, is a Federal period, stone farmhouse on two acres, surrounded by stately trees, including two bicentennial white oaks and a graceful spruce near a pond. In 1755 the land was granted to Henry Pierpoint, a blacksmith who sold it to Mary Pue, whose family kept it 60 years. Evan Hughes purchased the land and stone farm house and called his 265 acre plantation "Bethesda." The family operated it until the 1920s.

The Inn features a comfortable collection of period reproductions and family antiques, working fireplaces and a porch overlooking the pond and gardens. Five guest rooms, located on two floors, feature a range of amenities, including canopy beds, a claw footed tub and in-room fire places. As a nostalgic welcoming tradition, the Wayside Inn keeps a lighted candle in each front window, signaling vacancies. Located near Baltimore and DC, it makes an ideal weekend getaway and provides a relaxing lodging alternative for business travelers.

Just a Mere Bed and Breakfast

Come enjoy a completely private barn B&B from 1912 on fifteen acres of wild flowers, fruit trees and pond. Stroll down to the beach and take the paddle boat out for a spin. This wonderful retreat in the country is just 25 miles from Baltimore and DC. Stay in the newly built, two room apartment that the Endys had planned as an antique shop. An intricately carved oak bedstead speak of a fine discernment about antiques. A roll away cot is available for children or an extra guest. Low beams enhance intimacy and a lamb tapestry and geese paintings carry out the farm theme. The full bath includes a glassed-in shower. A gas log fire in season and air conditioning are available. The sitting room / kitchen is fully equipped and cheerful with yellow floral cushions on wicker. A basket of snack is on the counter, and breakfast comes to your door, including fresh squeezed orange juice, pastries and fruit. You may leave your check for the innkeepers and will note their cordiality from the restful ambiance.

Innkeepers: The Fred and Yvonne Endy. A two room apartment in a 1912 barn, full bath, fully equipped kitchen. Breakfast and a picnic lunch ( for a nominal fee) are available. $125. Nearby is Ellicott City, a 20 minute drive. Annapolis, Frederick and New Market are a 40 minute drive.
5073 Ten Oaks, Clarksville, MD 21029. 410-531-3426
 

Just A Mere House

The Endy's circa 1760 farm house was originally a three room log cabin. It is white clapboard with a porch in front. Walking through the welcoming entrance, one is charmed by the low beams in the living room. To the right is a dining room with low beams and pine floors. A fireplace has unique square vents in this room and a sitting room to the back has a similar fireplace without the vents. This is part of the original house with a narrow stairway leading to rooms overhead which have the original log walls. In 1869 the porch and living room were added, with a kitchen coming in the mid l900s. Then two more rooms were also added in the 1960s. The Endys bought the quaint house 17 years ago and added several rooms, including a kitchen to the rear. This is a private home, not open to the public.
 

Elkridge Furnace Inn

This manor home, circa 1810, sits on the Patapsco River. In 1744, James McCubbin resurveyed the tract and established a tavern in Elk Ridge Landing, circa 1750. Caleb Dorsey, builder of Belmont, constructed an iron smelting furnace here. The manor home, a Federal / Greek Revival style brick mansion, was attached to the circa 1744 Tavern by James and Andrew Ellicott in order to add a home to the tavern. The inn, comprised of two buildings, the Tavern (circa 1744) and the manor home (circa 1810) offers 23 fully restored rooms on three floors with 12 fireplaces. A wide sweeping staircase connects the floors and continues upwards to a lunar window. Today the Inn is a restaurant, serving a revolving menu of Classical French Cuisine, and is a site for private wedding ceremonies, receptions and other parties. The beautifully landscaped grounds contain century old flowering trees, Azaleas, perennials and an herb garden, used daily for the fresh, custom cuisine. In the rear, overlooking the Patapsco River, is a covered patio, holding 200 guests. In winter, several dining rooms offer fires and afford an opportunity to wander through the home in warmth and enjoyment.
 

Burleigh Manor

On Old Centennial Lane in Ellicott City is an estate on which stands a fine old home dating back to the end of the 18th century. Commanding an extensive view of the surrounding countryside, the house stands on a hill five miles from town. The structure is asymmetrical, having only one wing. This brick mansion was built by Colonel Rezin Hammond circa 1800 for his nephew, Denton Hammond. Here, Denton and his bride, Sarah Hall Baldwin, lived many years until their deaths. Their son, Colonel Mathias Hammond, inherited the property. He married Mary Hanson, and they had no sons, but the Hammond name was kept in the family when one of their daughters, Grace Hammond, married Richard Creigh Hammond, a cousin. "Miss Grace" lived at Burleigh Manor for years until she died in 1928.
 

Belmont Mansion

Off Elibank Drive in Elkridge lies Belmont, built by Caleb Dorsey of Annapolis in 1730. It rises two storeys high with one storey hyphens in the rolling countryside near the Patapsco River. Originally the property was owned by the surveyor, Mordecai Moore who laid out ten thousand acres for himself in the Patapsco section in 1730 and called it "Moore's Morning Choice". However, he never built a home there, as he had to sell it to Caleb Dorsey in 1735.

Caleb and his charming bride, Priscilla Hill of West River, lived long lives and were often visited by their father Caleb the Elder of Hockley-in-the-Hole. For many generations Belmont was owned by the Dorseys. When the builder died, his oldest son, Edward, inherited the property. He was known as "Iron Head Ned" because of the good iron he made as well his iron will. His daughter, Priscilla, also had a mind on her own, and when he refused to consent ot her marriage to Alexander Contee Hanson, she eloped. When the get away coach lost a cotter pin, the groom had another with him and quickly replaced it. Thus, the couple reached the minister in time to be married. Their son, Charles Grosvenor Hanson, married Anne Maria Worthington and had five children. Belmont was purchased in 1918 by Howard Bruce whose wife was a descendant of Caleb and Priscilla Dorsey. the Bruces lived there for 50 years and enlarged the house. After being owned by Ambasodor David K.E. Barton Bruce and later the Smithsonian, the mansion is now a meeting and social facilities where elegant weddings are also celebrated.

The road to Belmont is long and winding through lovely woods. A circular drive approaches the small front portico from which the front door opens to a panelled hall. On the left is the drawing room with the library and bright, spacious curved cornered ballroom beyond. This historically prestigious setting can be the perfect place for your corporate retreat, meeting or family celebration. The natural beauty of the 83 acres of rolling meadows and beautiful gardens welcomes you with tranquility and a peace which is unique to Belmont. The mansion contains a bridal suite overlooking the gardens and 24 guest rooms. The grand lawn tent accommodates up to 250 people.

To speak directly to the wedding planners, call 410 772-4300, 

Belmont Conference Center Website

Kings Contrivance Restaurant

The lovely and historic Kings Contrivance restaurant is located in Columbia. Nestled into a 370 acre farm granted by one of the Lords Baltimore in 1730 to the Reverend James Macgill, it remained in the Macgill family until 1961, a total of 230 years. The original home of the Reverend James Macgill, one of the first Episcopal ministers appointed to the Province of Maryland, the stately house still stands today. It is easily recognizable by its stone structure, massive chimneys and sharply canted eaves. Reverend Macgill was the first minister of the Christ Church on Oakland Mill Road about three miles away.