In 1772, three Quaker brothers from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, chose the picturesque wilderness up river from Elk Ridge Landing (known today as Elkridge, Maryland) to establish a flour mill. John, Andrew and Joseph Ellicott founded Ellicott's Mills, which became one of the largest milling and manufacturing towns in the East.

Today, beyond the historic district of Ellicott City, you will find many suburban residential communities. It's probably fair to say that most residents work in the Baltimore area, but Washingtonians, who appreciate the affordability of Maryland over Virginia, also make their homes in Ellicott City.