Most People Have No Idea This Underwater Town in Maryland Even Exists

Prepare to learn something new today, Maryland. There's a popular reservoir in our state that's a popular warm weather destination full of scenic views, hiking trails, water activities, and more... but it was also once the thriving town of Oakland Mills, Maryland, which now rests just below the water. Next time you visit the Liberty Reservoir, you just may see it in a whole new way. Let's check out this strange slice of Maryland history.

Liberty Reservoir is located in parts of both Baltimore County and Carroll County. It's a popular place for hiking, fishing, and sightseeing—particularly during autumn when the leaves begin to change. But this beguiling reservoir has a secret lurking beneath its surface.

The Forgotten Town Beneath Liberty Reservoir

What many people don't know is that this is the former site of a town called Oakland Mills. In the late 1940s, the townspeople were forced to leave to make way for the newfound reservoir.

The history of this abandoned Maryland town is truly fascinating. Despite people occupying the area for decades, the city of Baltimore realized it needed additional water supplies in the 1920s, and turned its attention to Carroll County. Years passed before the city went through with its plans until 1942, when the announcement was made for Liberty Reservoir. In 1947, timber cutters began removing trees from the area, transforming the lush landscape into a barren environment.

What Happened to the Residents of This Underwater Town in Maryland?

While there are plenty of historic Maryland communities you can visit today, Oakland Mills was fated to vanish, displacing the population. This wasn't easy on the townspeople, some of whom lived there for quite some time. Landowners were forced to relocate and the prominent Melville Woolen Mill was dynamited, leaving employees who lived in company-provided housing jobless.

The Liberty Dam was dedicated in 1954, and by 1956, the 3,100-acre reservoir filled with water, leaving Oakland Mills, Maryland, officially erased.

What Remains of Oakland Mills Today

It took years for the water to fully cover all of the ruins of the old buildings once the reservoir was built. Sometimes when the water is very low due to drought, you can still spot piles of stone—a reminder of what once was.

You can also see the remnants of old structures and foundations near the lake, such as the ruins of the Melville house, found along the Blueberry Hill Trail.

Visiting Liberty Reservoir

Today, you'll find a wealth of fishing opportunities at Liberty Reservoir, with the water offering largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and white perch. The Liberty Reservoir Cooperative Wildlife Management Area spans 9,200 acres and is open year-round. Here, nature lovers can enjoy hiking, bird watching, horseback riding, rowing, or paddle boating, as well as archery hunting with a permit during the regulated season.

Nature photography is also encouraged, as the area boasts a large population of forest wildlife species, including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, songbirds, rabbits, squirrels, and turtles. You'll find a variety of trails to explore around Liberty Reservoir. Pets are allowed, but must be leashed at all times and prevented from entering the water. No swimming is allowed in the reservoir.

Did you know about the Maryland ghost town of Oakland Mills? You may have been floating right above it, blissfully unaware. Searching for more hidden places in Maryland? Oakland Mills isn't the only underwater town in Maryland. In fact, there's an entire underwater island, among many other abandoned places in Maryland.

While this submerged town in Maryland may be difficult to visit, you'll find plenty of other charming Maryland towns and more hidden Maryland destinations worthy of exploration in the Old Line State. Looking for unique Maryland towns? Come explore Oakland, Maryland, for a snowy weekend getaway in Western Maryland.