As one of the thirteen original colonies, Maryland has an extensive history that could impress just about anyone. Yet few people know about the lost town of Daniels. The few remnants of this early settlement are eerily beautiful, and tell the tale of tragedies past. Here’s a closer look at the this lost city hiding in the woods near the Patapsco River.
The year was 1810. A man by the name of Thomas Ely established a textile mill on the banks of the beautiful Patapsco River in present-day Howard County, Maryland.
Matthew Beziat/flickr
The area established around the mill changed names throughout the years, first called Elysville, then renamed as Alberton and finally established as Daniels when the factory was purchased by the Daniel family.
Wikipedia
Since it sprung up around the mill, the town of Daniels was classified as an industrial village.
Wikipedia
The town included a railroad track, a few churches, such as the Pentecostal Holiness Church photographed below, and a few stores. By the late 1960s, the area was home to over 90 families.
Wikicommons
In 1968, however, the Daniels Company notified the residents that it would be closing all housing units within the next few years.
Wikipedia
Further adding to the tragedy was the tropical storm that nearly destroyed all remaining structures in 1972. Visit the town today, though, and you’ll notice remnants of this town’s history.
Wikipedia
While the town’s history ended rather abruptly, there’s no denying the haunting beauty of what has been left behind.
BlueBlueSea /TripAdvisor
Those interested in exploring the ghost town can hike to the ruins via the Alberton Road Trail in the Patapsco Valley State Park.
Thomas - Genevi… H/TripAdvisor For more information about this trail, including directions and a map, you can click here.
Have you seen the ruins of this historic settlement in Maryland? Be sure to share your experiences with us in the comments below! For related content, check out The Incredible Drone Footage Captured At An Abandoned Fishing Community In Maryland.
Matthew Beziat/flickr
Wikipedia
Wikicommons
BlueBlueSea /TripAdvisor
Thomas - Genevi… H/TripAdvisor
For more information about this trail, including directions and a map, you can click here.
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