1965 Map of Laurel

About this map

The Patuxent River corridor defines this landscape, where mid-century suburban expansion meets massive federal land holdings in the Maryland suburbs between Washington and Baltimore. The town of Laurel serves as the primary hub, showing significant residential growth near the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and the famous Laurel Racetrack. To the east and south, the landscape shifts from civilian neighborhoods like Maryland City and Oak Crest to restricted government installations. Significant acreage is dedicated to the Fort George G Meade Military Reservation and the National Security Agency, while further south, the U S Dept of Agriculture Research Center and the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center preserve large tracts of wetlands such as Knowles Marshes. Local history remains visible through older sites like Montpelier, Snow Hill Manor, and several rural burial grounds including Ivy Hill Cem.