Historic Ellicott City: How You Can Help Restore Main Street to a Tourist Attraction Again
The Main Street of Historic Ellicott City, also known as Old Ellicott City, was recently devastated by a flash flood that destroyed many buildings and businesses. This happened just two years after the town had to pick up the pieces and rebuild from the 2016 flood that did extensive damage. Like many others in my community, I was really hit hard by this news. It was sad to see one of our county’s biggest tourist attractions in ruins again.
Recent Memories in Historic Ellicott City
Old Ellicott City has always been one of our favorite places to take out-of-town visitors! We have always loved the charming ambiance of the area. We have fond memories of bringing our cousin and his fiancé there this past winter! Even though it was snowing, it added to the experience and we took some great pictures out in the snow with the B&O Railroad Museum behind us.
About Historic Ellicott City
Historic Ellicott City has been recognized nationwide as one of the top main street towns to visit. It is known to be one of the most haunted places in America. It has also been cited numerous times as one of the best places to live in America too!
Old Ellicott City is situated only about 10 miles from Baltimore and Interstate-95 and only 15 minutes from Baltimore-Washington Airport, which has made it a popular day trip for travelers. There are with well over 70 quaint shops, boutiques, antique stores, historic sites and museums, and great restaurants too! While the Main Street area is closed right now, I am certain that Old Ellicott City will be back again – and better than ever – in months to come.
Save up to 50% off tours and activities on Viator
Book attraction tickets, tours, day trips, VIP experiences and more
Old Ellicott City History
Ellicott City was founded in 1772 as a milling town. It features the B&O Rail Museum Ellicott City station, which opened in the early 1800s as part of the first cargo and passenger railroad. It is now the United States’ oldest railroad station still in existence!
Old Ellicott City Flooding
The historic Ellicott City area as endured several devastating floods throughout its existence. The reason for this is because the historic area is situated in a valley area beside the Patapsco River and the Tiber River tributary.
In the summer of 2016, historic Ellicott City endured heavy rain and flooding that badly damaged the historic Main Street. It was closed for quite some time for repair. Less than two years later, the city has experienced another flooding disaster, which caused even greater damage to some parts of Main Street.
Less than a year after the 2016 flood, Old Ellicott City reopened with several old favorites and many new stores. It was back and bigger and better than ever! This was a major celebration for our community.
2018 Old Ellicott City Flood
Unfortunately, right before this Memorial Day weekend, Old Ellicott City was hit again with another major flood. Some have said that this one was even worse than the flood two years ago though it is still hard to determine the extent of the damage. The area is considered unsafe right now, but the community is rallying together to help out!
How to Help Historic Ellicott City
Below is a list of ways to help the historic Ellicott City community recover. Baltimore Magazine also compiled a list of area events, fundraisers, and individual GoFundMe pages for specific needs, which they are updating regularly as new functions are added. Please consider contributing in some way to help restore and rebuild Historic Ellicott City bigger and better than ever before!
Do some shopping:
I mean who doesn’t love to shop? This is such an easy way to give back while getting something for yourself too! Several merchants are selling products and donating 100% of the profit to the Old Ellicott City flood relief efforts:
- #ECStrong wristbands: Silicone wristbands with the Maryland flag on them. Just $5 each including shipping, with all proceeds being donated to the restoration efforts!
- A La Mode Boutique Bracelets & Gifts: $5 from each custom-made morse code bracelet will go to the Ellicott City Partnership. This shop was impacted by the flood and proceeds from other sales will help them rebuild their Main Street storefront.
- Save the Clock T-Shirts: These t-shirts are back on sale after the iconic Ellicott City clock on Main Street was swept away yet again. The shirts are $20 each and all proceeds will be donated to the Ellicott City Partnership.
- TidalSaltJewelry ECStrong Cuff Bracelets: Aluminum cuff bracelets stamped with ECSTRONG and the Maryland state outline for $20 each.
- TidalSaltJewelry ECStrong Vinyl Maryland Decal: Nifty decals with ECStrong and the word ‘home’ scripted into the Maryland state outline for just $5.
- Terahbulldesigns ECStrong Wooden Heart Decor: Wooden heart wall decor with choice of either “Main Street” or “#ECStrong” messaging for $40 each.
- PeaceLoveandGinger Handmade Mugs: These cute mugs feature the message “Hope is Higher Than Water” for $12.50 apiece. Hurry because they are selling out quickly!
- SweetMintHandmade Ellicott City Strong Mugs: Ellicott City Strong mugs with choice of sizes. Prices range from $14 to $16 each.
- ParbakedParties EC Strong Custom-made Women’s T-Shirts: These soft and comfy cotton t-shirts are available in various color combinations at only $12 apiece.
Make a Financial Donation:
The following funding pages have been set up to help displaced victims and business owners affected by the flood:
- The Ellicott City Partnership is accepting tax-deductible financial donations that will be used to assist merchants and residents with flood recovery.
- Preservation Maryland has also set up a fund for tax-deductible donations that will go to helping affected residents and business owners.
Help Honor a Local Hero:
Give to the Sgt. Eddison Hermond Memorial Scholarship Fund. scholarship fund in memory of a local hero, Sgt. Eddison Hermond who lost his life helping others during the flood. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a member of the hospitality industry.
|
“Let’s get the hate out of our hearts. Focus on the positives and let’s all, for once, enjoy life as it’s meant to be enjoyed. Whatever your pleasure is … just be happy. We’re free because people gave their lives for us to live this way.”
-Eddie Hermond, 5/25/2018 |
Volunteer Your Time:
So far, hundreds of people have pledged to volunteer time to clean up Main Street. However, it is going to be a really big job, so many volunteers are still needed and will be needed in the coming months.
Share This Message:
Please share this information on your social sites to spread the word and help restore Old Ellicott City to the historic treasure it once was. I am confident that our community will rebuild better than ever before and hope that everyone has a chance to visit this wonderful area once it is open to welcome locals and tourists again!
This is such an uplifting post, all the ways you’ve suggested people can help leaves us feeling empowered. What’s better than having a solution offered for a problem?
Your affection for Ellicott City is clear from start to finish and rather disarming; i hope I’ll get to visit one day.
What a beautiful post <3 so sad to read about the floods but great that you’re getting the word out about how to donate and volunteer to help. I always think the best thing to do is continue visiting these places to help them get back on their feet!
I love Main Streets and I just realized that this one is just 10 miles off I-95, so we pass by it a few times a year. I’m adding it to our next drive. I wish them luck on their flood recovery.
This place looks amazing! I’m so sorry to hear about its history of floods. My house flooded two years ago this month, and it is absolutely an awful thing to experience.
Thanks for your comments! Glad it is helpful!
Such a beautiful city. I’ll definitely have to buy a bracelet.
So many fantastic opportunities to help an Amazing City! I grew up visiting Ellicott City and the flooding just breaks my heart. I’ll be making a donation for sure! Thank you for helping to organize this!
I lived nearby for years and have dear friends in Ellicott City. Thank you for not only bringing awareness to this beautiful city, but also for offering concrete ways we can help.