Daniels
Flooded by Agnes
State: Maryland
County: Howard County
Founded: 1810
Abandoned: 1972
Peak Population: 500
Daniels was a cotton mill town in the Patapsco Valley for 160 years. Hurricane Agnes devastated it in 1972, and residents never returned. The ruins - foundations, dams, and mill races - are now part of Patapsco Valley State Park.
Mill Town Life
The Elysville/Daniels mill complex operated from 1810 to 1968. Workers lived in company-owned houses along the river.
Hurricane Agnes
The 1972 flood destroyed homes and infrastructure. Rather than rebuild, residents relocated permanently.
Timeline
- 1810 - Founded Mill established
- 1940 - Renamed Became Daniels
- 1972 - Destroyed Hurricane Agnes flood
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Year-round
Difficulty: Moderate - hiking
Time Needed: 2 hours
Quick Facts
- 160 years of mill operations
- Hurricane Agnes ended it all
- Popular hiking destination
Location
Address: Patapsco Valley State Park, Maryland
Coordinates: 39.3236, -76.8028