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Baltimore County was one of the original counties of the province with borders extending across the northern portion of the colony. As the region developed, such boundaries proved too expansive for the proper administration of the county. By 1851, Baltimore City and parts of Carroll, Cecil, Frederick, and Harford counties were carved from the original boundaries. Today, the county is bordered on the north by the Mason-Dixon line and Pennsylvania, on the east by Harford County, and on the south and southwest by the Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore City, Anne Arundel and Howard counties, and the Patapsco River, and on the west by Carroll County. The legal origin of the county is unknown, but it was in existence by January 12, 1659/60 when a writ was issued to the county sheriff. Like Baltimore City, the county name is derived from the Proprietary's Irish Barony. Baltimore County has many sites of interest to visitors, including horse farms, historic houses, museums, and picturesque countryside. Hunts are still popular and cross-country races held here attract equestrians from all sections of the east. Numerous thoroughbred breeding and training stables are located here such as Sagamore Farms, the home of several noted racehorses, including Discovery and Native Dancer. Maryland's state sport, jousting, is practiced here. Among the sites popular with visitors to the county are Hampton National Historic Site, the home of the Ridgely family for more the 150 years; the Timonium Fairgrounds, site of the annual state fair; and Loch Raven Reservoir.

 

	Sudbrook, a planned community in Baltimore County, was the setting for this portrait of the Merrick family at home in 1898. The young gentleman in white is Robert G. Merrick, who grew up to become one of Baltimore's premier financiers and most benevolent philanthropists.  MSA SC 1477-6464
	Glenn L. Martin selected Middle River for the site of his airplane assembly plant because of its proximity to Washington, its temperate climate that assured year round flying, and the availability of skilled labor. By 1941 when these men were photographed working on the B-26, the company employed 12,000 persons.  MSA SC 908-04-151
	An 1881 textbook described Baltimore County was "the richest and most populous county of Maryland. Agriculture is skillfully conducted, and the farmer is rewarded." Although few in number, brick end barns are a handsome legacy.  MSA SC 1890-MI-2328
	In 1906 the St. Denis Volunteer Fire Department journeyed to Towson for a statewide association meeting.  MSA SC 1477-5868
	The Sixth Massachusetts Regiment formed part of the guard stationed at Relay House in 1861. The troops attempted to stop Baltimore's generous supply of recruits and materials to the Confederate army at Harpers Ferry, and they stood ready to squelch any attempt by the Confederates to move toward Relay.  MSA SC 1477-6679

 

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