Hampton House - A vast estate from the 1700s.which tells the story of a seven generation family business, early American industry & commerce, & changing cultural tastes.
Battle Acre Park - Battle Acre Park is a 1-acre site dedicated in 1839 to commemorate those who fought in the Battle of North Point on September 12, 1814. Regiments of the Maryland militia engaged in battles with the British Army at the same time Fort McHenry was defending the Baltimore Harbor from the the British Navy. The success of the Maryland militia forced the British to withdraw from the Chesapeake Region for the remainder of the War of 1812.
Fort Garrison - The Royal Governor, Sir Francis Nicholson, commissioned construction of this frontier "garrison" in 1693. It was built to guard the western expansion and trading routes in Maryland, with two-foot thick walls, internal fireplace, and fireproof roof to protect from flaming arrows. The fort was utilized by mounted rangers at the end of the seventeenth century and in 1755 during the French and Indian War. Soldiers were placed to patrol, interact with settlers, and promulgate religious knowledge and values in the area. By 1798, it was in private ownership, and recent archaeological analysis has proven that it was used as quarters for slaves. A second story and new roof were added during the 19th century.
Fort Howard Park - This park's historical significance is its connection with the largest invasion of the United States in history on the morning of September 12, 1814. The British had landed about seven thousand men near the site that later became Fort Howard, as a part of a campaign to capture and burn Baltimore. In coordination with their navy's bombardment of Fort McHenry, the British troops were to march up Patapsco Neck and capture Baltimore from the east. But the British advance was first demoralized when American sharpshooters Daniel Wells and Henry McComas killed their popular commanding general. The advance had been temporarily stalled by the Americans in the Battle of North Point, and finally stopped dead when the British perceived the strength of the American defenses at Patterson Park. Disheartened, they re-boarded their ships near North Point and sailed away to another defeat, in the Battle of New Orleans.
Perry Hall Mansion - This historical treasure is located high on a hill overlooking the Gunpowder River Valley. The Perry Hall Mansion is one of the most important landmarks in Baltimore County, as it is the oldest standing home in the community and one of the last remaining colonial homes in the County. In the 1770's, iron-master Corbin Lee was to construct a new home on his 1,000-acre estate. Before its completion, Lee passed away in December of 1773. A gentleman named Harry Dorsey Gough purchased the estate from his widow and renamed his new purchase Perry Hall. The Perry Hall Mansion was originally a five part Georgian structure, but 60 percent was lost in an 1839 fire. It was rebuilt in Greek Revival style and now has 16 rooms including a library, ballroom with crystal chandeliers and several spacious bedrooms.
Fire Museum of Maryland - Through its collection of hand pulled, horse drawn and motorized fire fighting equipment, the history of fire fighting in the United States from the colonial days to the present is brought to life.
Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum - The 155-acre Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum in Oella dates back to the 17th century. This national landmark site was the farmstead of the original Banneker family, and the 155-acre park and museum are dedicated to preserving the legacy of Benjamin Banneker, who achieved national notoriety as the first African American Man of Science.
Oregon Ridge Park and Nature Center - Our facility has been owned and operated by Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks since 1969 and encompasses 1,043 beautiful acres. The park offers a variety of recreational activities, open to the public, all year round. Oregon Ridge has an accessible playground, posted fitness area and miles of hiking trails. Visit the nature center, which offers year-round activities for the entire family. The center houses environmental displays and live animals including snakes, frogs and turtles. Hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Ballestone/Stansbury House - Step back in time and experience the Ballestone-Stansbury House, one of the last remaining early farmhouses in the Essex, Maryland area. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the house is open for visitors at various times of the year. The house currently known as "Ballestone Manor" was erroneously named in the 1970's due to an incorrect title search. Ballestone Manor is actually a half-mile away at Balliston Point, and the ground is in fact "Stansburys Claim" or "Dickinson". The structure is actually the Stansbury House or the Cedar Point Mansion. Built between 1798 and 1813, it is currently a museum and is an excellent example of the Federal architectural style. The Heritage Society of Essex and the Essex/Middle River Bicentennial Committee desired to preserve the house and in 1969 Baltimore County purchased the property for park development.
Hart-Miller Island State Park - Hart-Miller Island is a 1,100-acre island located in Baltimore County on the Chesapeake Bay near the mouth of Middle River. It is accessible only by personal boat. The western shore of the island offers safe mooring, wading and access to a 3,000-foot sandy beach. Hart-Miller Island State Park also includes Hawk Cove and Pleasure Island, which also provide recreational opportunities and camping.
Soldiers Delight Environmental Area - Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area (NEA) is comprised of 1,900 acres of serpentine barren. The area has over 39 rare, threatened, or endangered plant species as well as rare insects, rocks and minerals. Rare grassland plant species are threatened by invasion of Virginia Pines. Soldiers Delight Natural Environmental Area is a nature reserve near Owings Mills in western Baltimore County, Maryland. The site is designated both a Maryland Wildland (1,526 acres) and a Natural Environment Area (1,900 acres) and is part of the Maryland Wildlands Preservation System.
The Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum at Martin State Airport - Venture in and discover Maryland's aviation history while enjoying an up close visit with airplanes. See inside various aircraft on Open Cockpit Days. Engage in fun STEM learning experiences on Family Fun Days. Be challenged with a children's scavenger hunt every visit. Watch airplanes come and go at Martin State Airport when visiting the Museum's outdoor flightline of jet fighters, propeller powered trainers, helicopter, passenger plane and other flying aircraft. Explore indoor exhibits of the Glenn L. Martin Company, Maryland Air National Guard, Maryland Astronauts, Titan Rockets and more.
