Maryland's timeline goes way back and several generations have grown to call the state their home. These photos of Maryland in the 1970s will give you a glimpse of what life was like more than forty years ago. Although times have definitely changed, you may recognize a few of these spots.
1. These two boys are playing on Willie the Whale at the former Enchanted Forest in Ellicott City. Photo taken in 1972.
2. Flooding after hurricane Agnes in June 1972.
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3. The 1973 Annapolis-Newport Race. This vessel finished in 8th place.
4. This photo captured in 1973 shows people boarding a Maryland Express bus heading towards Washington DC.
5. A long line of vehicles waiting to fill up with gasoline. Photo captured in June 1979.
6. Swimmers and sunbathers at Rocky Point Park in Baltimore County. Photo taken in June 1973.
7. President Nixon greeting people while arriving at Andrews Air Force Base in Camp Springs in 1971.
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8. The last day for '73 tags brings a barage of Marylanders to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles in Rockville.
9. Firefighters rescuing a man during extreme flash floods in Rockville in July 1975.
10. A summer day in 1973 at Sandy Point State Park.
11. A leisurely day in July 1973 on Maryland's Chesapeake Bay.
What are your fondest memories of Maryland in the 1970s? Or do you have any relatives who have shared their stories with you? Feel free to share.
Maryland is the home to a good number of early Colonial-era settlements, as should be expected, given our state’s history as one of the original 13 colonies in the United States! Two of the most famous are St. Michaels, which happens to be one of Maryland’s most walkable towns, and St. Mary’s, which makes a perfect day trip. But these aren’t the only two Colonial townships with historic maritime traditions. To the north, you’ll find Joppa, Maryland, one of the United Kingdom’s first successful ports established in the state, and all the historic sites around it that helped to put it on the map. Coincidentally, this also happens to make for a great adventure if you’re looking to learn more about Maryland while spending some time outside. Come along as we tell you more about it.
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Joppa (and its close neighbor Joppatowne, a distinction that can be puzzlingly unclear at times) takes its name from the Biblical township of Jaffa, Israel. There were three attempted settlements by the English colonials, and Joppa was the only one to survive.
Joppa was at one point the county seat of Baltimore County, and was a thriving commercial seaport in the 18th century. With the development of Baltimore City, however, the town shifted and became more of a suburban area, but there are still plenty of immaculate waterfront views!
The Jericho Covered Bridge is a gorgeous landmark that crosses over Little Gunpowder Falls. It was built in 1865 and still stands on an active road today, but biking through it is an incredible experience. Careful, though, as there are rumors that it’s haunted by the spirits of fallen Civil War soldiers.
The Jerusalem Mills historic site is located just north of the Jericho Covered Bridge. Established in 1772 by Pennsylvania Quakers, the town became an important gun manufactory during the American Revolution in 1776.
Mariner Point Park juts out into the Gunpowder River and is a long-standing reminder of the origins of Joppa and Joppatowne. In the 18th century, before Baltimore had fully developed into the county seat, Joppa was a thriving and important seaport for international trade and travel.
Nowadays the park is full of wildlife and gentle walking paths, shade trees and jungle gyms. It makes for a relaxing morning jaunt and is home to some of the friendliest squirrels you’ll find in Maryland, as long as you bring a bag of peanuts along!
If you’re planning on visiting Joppa, be sure to check out this incredible rental option just a short walk from Mariner Point Park!
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There are so many wonderful historic sites in Maryland that you will be amazed! What are some of your favorite historic towns in Maryland? Why? We'd love to read about your experiences in the comments section below!
If you’d like to explore some really great hikes in and around the area, you can find information and photos about trails to embark upon by going to the AllTrails website.
Thinking about taking a Maryland vacay soon? Then consider booking your flight via the Dollar Flight Club.
If you’re still in the mood for more Maryland adventures, take a look at this video:
There's something fascinating about vintage photos. They give us a glimpse into the past and help us try to wrap our heads around what living in that time would have been like. Below are 20 of the oldest photos of Maryland. We chose a sampling of images from around the state, showcasing a variety of landmarks, occupations, and more.
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1. The Baltimore Harbor as viewed from Federal Hill in 1849.
2. Cabin John Bridge (now also known as Union Arch Bridge in Bethesda) was photographed between 1862 and 1865.
3. The Naval Academy in Annapolis photographed between 1860-1865.
4. Posing for a portrait in Pleasant Valley. Photo captured between 1861-1865.
5. Main Street, Sharpsburg - complete with dirt roads, photographed in 1862.
6. Burnside Bridge (which doesn't look much different today), circa 1862.
7. President Abraham Lincoln visiting the battlefield at Antietam, circa 1862.
8. A Steamboat on the C & O Canal near Williamsport. Circa 1875-1880.
9. Students taking a break at St. Mary's College Female Seminary. Photo taken in the late 1800s.
10. Men setting crab floats in Oxford. Photo taken in 1899.
11. A train photographed in Western Maryland, circa 1901.
12. A unique perspective of Baltimore's now-iconic Lexington Market. Photo taken in 1903.
13. A mobile library photographed in Washington County, circa 1905.
14. A little girl picking in the fields near Baltimore in 1909.
15. A vintage shot of Glen Echo Park, photographed between 1909 and 1932.
16. A sea of hats at Baltimore-Washington Speedway in 1925.
These old photos of Baltimore are an interesting look at fashion and recreational activities popular at the time.
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17. The city of Frederick, circa 1936.
18. A way-back look at Catoctin Furnace between 1936-1937.
19. A woman scrubbing Baltimore's once-pristine white marble steps. Photo captured in 1938.
20. The Cumberland Fire Department, circa 1939.
What are the oldest photos of Maryland that you have? Do you have any historic pictures of Maryland? Feel free to share on our OnlyInMaryland Facebook page!