Locations along the tour include the then Hilton Mansion, built in 1828 and now housing CCBC classrooms, offices and meeting spaces, an 1850s-era Boxwood Garden and a stone farmhouse built in 1819 – now the oldest building still standing on the Catonsville campus.
From the 1600s through the early 1900s, the campus and its surrounding area was a hub for tobacco and dairy farming, ironworks, and other early industries. In the mid-1700s, enslaved Black laborers and a few European indentured servants worked at skilled jobs such as blacksmithing, horse training, farming and construction.
Later in the 1800s, both free and enslaved Blacks managed the entire dairy farm located on what was then the Hilton Estate. They also dominated the thoroughbred horseracing industry locally and across the country, working as breeders, trainers and jockeys.
“I think what I found most interesting is the extent of the land that was originally part of that parcel,” said Wright. “When we think of the confines of the campus, we don't realize that the land extended all the way to Elkridge, and places like the Guinness factory stand on land that was part of that original acreage.”
Wright explained that the land was linked to Elkridge Landing, which early on was the most important port in the region and connected the fruits of that land to the Chesapeake Bay, the Atlantic Ocean and ultimately England, where much of the iron and tobacco produced on the land was ultimately shipped.
“It seems so far from campus, but it really isn't,” said Wright.
The signs were designed by Senior Designer Jackie McTear and manufactured by graphics company Pannier. The project team also included retired Campus Director Joan M. Swiston and Capital Project Manager Cynthia Moylan.
“The campus is frequented by many community members who come to walk their dogs, play tennis and explore our trails,” said McTear.
“If you have had the opportunity to walk around the Catonsville campus, you can see that the land on which we are housed is rich in history and has deep connections to community heritage. Our beautifully restored Hilton Center, our historical buildings and the stories of those who lived and worked on the property lend themselves to provide an educational opportunity for all who come here.” —Michelle Wright
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