Ellicott City’s economy depends on its past — don’t destroy it

Ellicott City’s economic future is intrinsically tied to its past. With so much riding on the authenticity and heritage of this community, it was with profound concern that Preservation Maryland learned of Howard County’s rushed plan to address flooding by demolishing large portions of the historic Main Street. By their own admission, this latest proposal would likely only decrease the height of floodwaters during major events within the target zone by two feet — from a range of 6 to 8 feet to one of 4 to 6 feet — a negligible reduction in contrast to the cost of demolishing a nationally significant historic resource and valuable economic asset.

It’s long been noted that historic places have power because they’re real — they’re authentic. Ellicott City is an example of a place that exudes authenticity. It is real and unadulterated. It has been traipsed over by Civil War soldiers, saturated by muddy floodwaters and stained with the sooty coal smoke of locomotives. The result is a place that beckons visitors, because it is unlike any other area. Here, the sameness of the interstate is replaced by the uniqueness of granite outcroppings and stone buildings built to last.

Ellicott City is an example of a place that exudes authenticity. It is real and unadulterated. It has been traipsed over by Civil War soldiers, saturated by muddy floodwaters and stained with the sooty coal smoke of locomotives.