1978 – National Register of Historic Places
The Ellicott City Historic District is placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Wilkins-Rogers Mills – 1975
Completes transition of milling operations from Washington, DC to Ellicott City Maryland. The mill continues in operation today on the site of the original Ellicott’s grist mill. It is the last commercial grist mill operating in the state of Maryland!
1972 – A “Boutique Town”
A renaissance occurred in Ellicott City after the Hurricane Agnes flood by celebrating the Bicentennial of the town. There was a pageant, parade and other events to renew the town. Reenactors depicted the Ellicotts, Benjamin Banneker, and Charles Carroll as well as townspeople dressed in colonial era clothes. Ellicott City became known as a “boutique town.”
Hurricane Agnes – 1972
Hurricane Agnes hit Ellicott City in 1972 as the second worst flood in the County’s history. Main Street was flooded with 14 feet of water. Governor Spiro T. Agnew visited Main Street and declared it a disaster area.
1960 – Growth In Population
With the growth in population in Howard County and the construction of local shopping centers, Ellicott City established a rebirth with antique shops, restaurants and craft stores.
The Goddess – 1956
Portions of a 1958 American drama starring Kim Stanley, Lloyd Bridges and Patty Duke are filmed in Ellicott City with Main Street serving as the childhood home of the main character. The movie was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
1955 – The Trolley System
Is dismantled in Ellicott City due to the congestion on Main Street with the increase of automobiles.
A Bustling Town – 1950
Until the 1950s, Ellicott City was a bustling town as the County Seat and as a market town. Shopping centers were few until then. Merchants such as grocery stores, department stores, pharmacies, funeral homes, restaurants and hardware stores stayed open until the last customer was done shopping.
1942 – World War II Years
During the World War II years, Ellicott City saw many changes. Saloons seemed to occupy half of Main Street buildings. Outsiders moved into town to work at the mills and military men from Fort Meade visited for “R&R” (rest and relaxation).
“New Deal” Effort – 1942
Murals depicting the town’s heritage are installed in U.S. Post Office on Main Street as part of the nation’s “New Deal” effort.
1941 – The Ellicott Theatre
Opens with 386 seats.
Route 40 – 1940
Main Street was known as Route 40 until the wider highway was built north of town.