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Untold stories of Howard County's rich and fascinating past. First settled in the 17th century when the area was part of Anne Arundel County, early towns formed around grist mills. Nearby quarries and mills shaped Ellicott City before the more well-known impact of the B&O Railroad in the 1830s. Cotton mills flourished, and mill towns like Savage grew. In the 20th century Savage briefly became the Christmas capital of the country. It was also a well-known sundown town. Historically Black communities dealt with battles over education as the state emerged from segregation. Development brought suburban neighborhoods and change to rural areas, and planned communities like Columbia affected Guilford and other surrounding towns.
Local authors Nathan Davis and Wayne Davis explore local myths and uncover erased histories.
About the author
Wayne S. Davis is a retired federal government scientist and researcher who began his career writing about environmental history before developing a more recent interest in local history. He promotes research and access to accurate local history, which he has been doing by hosting a Facebook group and website and publishing local articles. Nathan S. Davis is the on-site manager of the Baltimore and Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum, operated by the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks. A resident of Columbia, Maryland, for most of his life, Nathan has a history degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He has devoted countless hours researching Howard County history for professional and personal interest.
