Howard Berliner

Harford County Area Guide

Three municipalities make up Harford County, Maryland: Aberdeen, Bel Air, and Havre de Grace. Each of these areas has features unique to itself, while they all share certain likenesses. One of these similarities is great location, just north of Baltimore and situated not far from Interstate 95. Another similarity is that each of these larger areas is comprised of smaller, quaint towns and cities, each with its own unique history and flavor. The school system in Harford County is excellent, the neighborhoods welcoming, the communities active and involved. Small-town community spirit is evident in many of these localities, while access to the big city keeps an exciting event always at hand. We have highlighted some points of interest of Harford County below. If you find we have left something of importance out, or if you have any questions, just give us a call. Harford County, Maryland…“welcome…explore!”

For a listing of towns within Harford County, please visit http://www.harfordmd.com/ourtowns.php.

History

The first known inhabitants of the region presently known as Harford County were the Susquehannock Indians in the northern part of the region and the Massawomek Indians in the southern part, along the Gunpowder and Bush Rivers. The nearly seven-feet-tall Susquehannock Indians were part of the Iroquois nation, and were ferocious warriors. They fought with the Massawomek regularly. These native peoples were brought to an end by fighting, disease, and by the inevitable invasion by white settlers.

The first-known white man in this region was Captain John Smith, who made detailed maps of the region. Being enormously enamored with the beauty of the land and the waterways, Smith named some of the regions after men in his crew. Many of these names are still utilized today.

Harford County was formed out of the eastern part of Baltimore County in 1773. The county was named after Henry Harford, the illegitimate son of the 6th Baron of Baltimore. Harford was the last Proprietary Governor of Maryland, but was not known as a Baron of Baltimore due to his being illegitimate.

One of the most famous historical aspects of Harford County is the creation of the Mason-Dixon Line along its northern border. In 1763, Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon plotted out the line separating Maryland from Pennsylvania. They place a stone engraved with a “P” on its northern face and an “M” on its southern face every mile. Every fifth mile was marked by a larger stone on which was embedded the coats of arms of the William Penn and Lord Baltimore families, Penn on the northern side and Baltimore on the southern. This line has become infamous as the dividing point between the Union and Confederate sides during the American Civil War. This is a curious fact, as many of Maryland’s residents sided with the Union Army during that fateful war.

For individual town histories, please visit http://www.harfordmd.com/livinghere.php#history . Be sure to scroll down the page to where the individual histories are found.

Attractions and Activities

Each little town in Harford County has a flair all its own. Unique shops, historic sites and community highlights are featured throughout each locale. We have listed area attractions by category rather than by location, as there are so many small towns among the three municipalities. Enjoy!

Harford County Veterinary

Arts and Culture

Baseball

Boating and Fishing

Farms, Gardens and Wineries

Harford Golf Courses

Landmarks, Museums, and Historic Sites

Woodshop for Adults

To access a different compilation of activities, visit http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/parks_rec/Programs.cfm.

Parks and Recreation

Heavily-wooded areas surround and wind through Harford County. Being located right along the Susquehanna River on its eastern border, as well as having the Gunpowder and Bush Rivers running through it allows Harford County to offer residents access to great water sports, as well as to a multitude of boating, fishing, and hiking opportunities. Even though many areas are heavily populated, there is always a quiet place for relaxation nearby among the many parks, trails and shoreline spots.

Parks maintained by Harford County

Trails maintained by Harford County

Parks and Trails

Events hosted by the Harford County Department of Parks and Recreation http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/parks_rec/Events.cfm

Events
Residents of Harford County delight in being able to take part in community gatherings of various sizes and types all year long. Wherever these events are held, you will find that community spirit abounds, and families are definitely welcomed. For extensive lists of current events, please visit these sites often: http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/Events.cfm and http://www.harfordmd.com/events.php

Details of a few of the events held in Harford County are outlined at these website locations:
Above & Beyond Adventure Programs

Special Olympics Inspiration Walk and 5K Run

Summer Camps for Children