July 24, 1868 brought the most devastating flood to ever occur in Ellicott City.

July 24, 1868 brought the most devastating flood to ever occur in Ellicott City — although it never rained in the town. Often called the “Black Friday Flood,” the storm began well west of the town. Residents saw dark clouds and lightening in the distance, but it was so far away that no thunder was heard. The river began to rise, slowly at first, to about 10 feet. Then, witnesses described a 20 foot “wall of water” surging toward the town. At least 43 people died (although there were likely more) and nearly every mill complex and structure in the river valley was destroyed. Ellicott City’s mill industry never really recovered, as coal fired plants positioned well away from the river began to supplant the water-powered mills in the late 19th Century.

Dr. Mark Stout

The 1868 Flood as depicted in Harper’s Weekly. Image in public domain.