Laurel: Half-way between Baltimore and Washington

Route 1, originally known as the Washington-Baltimore Turnpike, formed part of the major road linking Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York, and Laurel, halfway between Baltimore and Washington, became an important and convenient stopping place. By the early 1800s, a hotel operated near this location across the street and was first known as Half-Way House, later taking other names that reflected successive owners, including Harrison's Hotel and Milstead's Hotel. The complex also included a livery stable, blacksmith's shop, and undertaker in addition to the hotel. The B&O Railroad, laid out along a route earlier surveyed for a canal, reached Laurel in 1835, giving the community early and easy access to Baltimore and bringing economic benefits. In later years, easy access to Washington also became important for Laurel's many government workers. Laurel's train station, designed by Francis Baldwin, was built in 1884, though an earlier station had stood on the other side of the tracks. When the Civil War began, a single track connected Washington with Union states to the north, but by the war's end rail traffic had increased dramatically and a second track was added. Union troops stationed in and around Laurel guarded the railroad from sabotage and Confederate attack.

Laurel, Maryland · United States