Historic Ellicott City

The Durable Slate Company proudly serves Ellicott City, Maryland, and surrounding areas. Our specialties include slate roofing, clay tile roofing, and copper roofing. We also work with copper gutters and custom copper ornamentation.

As a company, we adhere to our own philosophy, called The Durable Way. Simply, this means integrity in all things, superior roofing service, and a respect for time-honored tradition and methods.

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Ellicott City, Maryland is a small town located in Howard County with a rich history dating back to the late 18th century.

In 1772, three brothers, John, Andrew, and Joseph Ellicott, established a mill on the Patapsco River in what is now known as Ellicott City. The town quickly grew and became a hub for industry, with several mills, a foundry, and a blacksmith shop all operating in the area.

During the Civil War, Ellicott City served as a hospital for wounded soldiers and was a stop on the Underground Railroad, helping slaves escape to freedom. After the war, the town continued to thrive and became a popular tourist destination, with the opening of the B&O Railroad Museum in the late 19th century.

In the early 20th century, Ellicott City underwent a transformation with the arrival of the automobile, leading to the construction of Main Street, which is now a historic district. The town became a popular shopping destination and was known for its quaint antique stores and unique local businesses.

Over the years, Ellicott City has faced its fair share of challenges, including several devastating floods in the 1970s and 1980s. In 2016, the town was hit by a major flood that caused significant damage to Main Street. However, the community has always been resilient, rebuilding and revitalizing the area to preserve its historic charm.

Today, Ellicott City is a thriving community with a rich history and a bright future. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, with a variety of restaurants, boutiques, and cultural attractions. The town is also home to several historic landmarks, including the B&O Railroad Museum, the Ellicott City Colored School, and the Patapsco Female Institute.

In conclusion, Ellicott City, Maryland has a long and fascinating history, from its origins as a mill town to its present-day status as a thriving tourist destination. The town's resilience and determination have helped it overcome challenges and continue to thrive as a unique and vibrant community.

1. The Ellicott City B&O Railroad Museum is a National Historic Landmark that was once a key transportation hub for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Its slate roof is a prominent feature of the museum's exterior, and it helps to protect the museum's collection of antique locomotives and railroad equipment.

2. The Ellicott City Station is a former train station that now serves as a visitors center and museum. Its roof is made of slate, and it has been carefully restored to its original condition.

3. The Thomas Isaac Log Cabin is a historic log cabin that was built in the early 1800s. Its roof is made of slate, and it is one of the oldest buildings in Ellicott City.

4. The Thomas Viaduct is a historic bridge that spans the Patapsco River. Its roof is made of slate, and it is an important part of the town's history.

5. The Ellicott City Fire Museum is a museum dedicated to the history of firefighting in Ellicott City. Its roof is made of slate, and it helps to protect the museum's collection of antique firefighting equipment.

6. The Ellicott City Colored School is a historic school building that was once used to educate African American students in Ellicott City. Its roof is made of slate, and it is an important part of the town's history.

7. The Oella Mill is a historic mill that was once used to grind grain. Its roof is made of slate, and it is an important part of the town's history.

8. The Ellicott City Post Office is a historic post office that was built in the early 1900s. Its roof is made of slate, and it is an important part of the town's history.

9. The Ellicott City Waterworks is a historic building that was once used to pump water for the town. Its roof is made of slate, and it is an important part of the town's history.

10. The Ellicott City Library is a historic library that was built in the early 1900s. Its roof is made of slate, and it is an important part of the town's history.