All aboard, we're back on track!

You might have noticed your inbox station has been quiet recently—my health has taken me off the rails for a bit. While things remain a bit unpredictable, I'm delighted to roll back into your inbox this week with exciting local history: from Ellicott City's groundbreaking railroad past to the joyful return of the historic trolley after 70 years. Plus, we've got your ticket to all the fun, food, and festivities happening around town this week. Glad to have you along for the ride!

In this week’s issue:

• A New Trolley in OEC!

• Things to do this week

• America’s First Railway in Our Own Backyard

Thank you to our friends at Catonsville Comprehensive Dentistry for sponsoring this week’s newsletter:

Historic Trolley Returns to Ellicott City After 70 Years

A piece of Ellicott City history is rolling back into town. Starting Saturday, May 17, the new Old Ellicott City (OEC) Trolley will offer free rides along Main Street, marking the return of trolley service after a 70-year absence. The service runs Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 7 pm, with trolleys arriving every 10-15 minutes.

The route stretches from Parking Lot F (off Ellicott Mills Drive) to Parking Lot A (near Oella Avenue across the Patapsco River), connecting nearly 900 parking spaces scattered throughout the historic district. During special events, the trolley will extend up to the Circuit Courthouse parking lot at 8360 Court Avenue.

Why does this matter for residents and visitors? The town's steep hills and narrow sidewalks have long posed challenges, especially for those with mobility issues. The trolley provides an accessible way to navigate Main Street while reducing parking congestion—a persistent complaint from both shoppers and business owners. "This initiative is designed to alleviate traffic and existing parking congestion, and particularly for those who may have walking and mobility challenges, this is the service for you," said County Executive Calvin Ball at Thursday's ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The new trolley pays homage to the original #9 Trolley Line, which connected Baltimore City, Catonsville, and Ellicott City from 1899 until the 1950s. That historic route is now the popular Trolley Trail #9 for biking and walking.

The county has committed to operating this pilot program for one year while monitoring ridership to determine the service's future. For route maps and updates, visit the county's transportation website.

Source: Howard County Government

Happening This Week

Key: $ - Costs Money; R - Requires Registration; D - More Details

Happening This Week

Key: $ - Costs Money; R - Requires Registration; D - More Details Check Out all the great programing at your local library this week! Baltimore County & Howard County

Monday – June 2

All-Star Band at La Palapa in Ellicott City 6‑10 pm

Live Team Trivia at Stained Glass Pub in Elkridge 7 pm

Tuesday – June 3

Karaoke at Bare Bones Grill in Ellicott City 7‑10 pm

Open Mic Night at Shuffles Bar & Grill in Halethorpe 7‑10 pm

Wednesday – June 4

Catonsville Farmers Market at Christian Temple in Catonsville 9 am‑12 pm D

Miller Branch Library Farmers' Market in Ellicott City 2‑6 pm

Live Trivia Night at Bare Bones Grill in Ellicott City 7:30 pm

Open Mic at the Trolley Stop in Ellicott City 9 pm

Thursday – June 5

Food Truck Thursdays at Christian Temple in Catonsville 4‑8 pm

Friday – June 6

Food Truck Fridays at Elkridge Volunteer Fire Department 4:30‑7:30 pm

Capital Jazz Fest Day 1 at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia Gates 10 am, Show 12 pm $ D

Frederick Road Fridays at the Mellor Ave Parking Lot in Catonsville from 6:30-8:30 pm

Live Music at White Oak Tavern in Ellicott City 8‑11 pm

Karaoke with Lisa at Shuffles Bar & Grill in Halethorpe 8 pm‑1 am

Saturday – June 7

Old Ellicott City Farmers Market at Tiber Park in Ellicott City 9 am‑1 pm D

Summer Getaway Lacrosse Tournament at Troy Park in Elkridge 8 am‑6 pm R $

Capital Jazz Fest Day 2 at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia Gates 10 am, Show 12 pm $ D

Catonsville High School Steel Band at Lurman Woodland Theater 6-8 pm

Live Music at White Oak Tavern in Ellicott City 8‑11 pm

Sunday – June 8

Catonsville Sunday Farmers Market at 15 Mellor Ave in Catonsville 9 am‑12 pm D

Summer Getaway Lacrosse Tournament Day 2 at Troy Park in Elkridge 8 am‑4 pm R $

Jazz Brunch at White Oak Tavern in Ellicott City 11 am‑2 pm $

OEC Pride Festival in Historic Ellicott City 12‑6 pm D

Capital Jazz Fest Day 3 at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia Gates 10 am, Show 12 pm $ D

Work in Progress (live music) at Little Market Café in Ellicott City 12‑3 pm

Did You Know? Ellicott City Made Railroad History Right in Our Backyard!

The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad's Ellicott City Station, built in 1831, holds the distinguished title of being the oldest surviving railroad station in America! This charming stone building witnessed the dawn of American rail transportation when the first passenger train chugged along the 13-mile stretch between Baltimore and Ellicott City on May 24, 1830.

But here's the really fascinating part: those early trains were actually pulled by horses, not steam engines! The famous "Tom Thumb" steam locomotive wouldn't make its debut until later that summer. The journey that now takes about 20 minutes by car was a thrilling 1.5-hour adventure for those pioneering passengers.

The station served as a vital transportation hub for nearly 140 years until 1972. Today, visitors can explore this piece of living history at the B&O Railroad Station Museum, where you can see vintage railroad cars and imagine the excitement of those first rail passengers stepping off the train right here in our community.

Next time you're strolling through historic Ellicott City, remember you're walking where American railroad history was made!

That’s it for this week’s view. Please share this newsletter with your local friends and neighbors via this link. We’re stronger together.

Until next time,

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