Ilchester, Maryland
Ilchester is a community of 28,364 people in Howard County, Maryland, founded in 1761.
Why visit Ilchester
Townapedia lists 49 museums and landmarks, 36 parks and trails, 103 places to eat, 18 places to stay and 18 attractions in and around town.
Highlights include Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts, Patapsco Swinging Bridge, Central Catonsville and Summit Park Historic District and Curtis-Shipley Farmstead.
July is the warmest month, with average highs of 89°F; January lows average 25°F.
Weather in Ilchester
Forecast from the National Weather Service. Full forecast
About Ilchester
Ilchester is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Howard County, Maryland, United States. The population was 23,476 at the 2010 census. It was named after the village of Ilchester in the English county of Somerset.
From the Wikipedia article Ilchester, Maryland (this version), under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Things to do18
Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts
Cinema and theater · 3.9 mi
Theater school in Columbia, Maryland, USA
Patapsco Swinging Bridge
Bridge · 1.9 mi
Pedestrian suspension bridge in Maryland
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
School · 3.8 mi
Public university in Maryland
6 more on the map.
Museums and landmarks49
Central Catonsville and Summit Park Historic District
Monument and historic site · National Register of Historic Places · 3.7 mi
Historic district in Maryland, United States
Curtis-Shipley Farmstead
Monument and historic site · National Register of Historic Places · 2.1 mi
Building in Maryland, United States
Dorsey Hall
Monument and historic site · National Register of Historic Places · 4.4 mi
Building in Maryland, United States
Elkridge Furnace Complex
Monument and historic site · National Register of Historic Places · 3.2 mi
Building in Maryland, United States
Ellicott City Historic District
Monument and historic site · National Register of Historic Places · 4.0 mi
Historic district in Maryland, United States
Ellicott City Station
Monument and historic site · National Register of Historic Places · 4.0 mi
Railway station in Ellicott City, the United States of America
Ellicott's Mills Historic District
Monument and historic site · National Register of Historic Places · 3.9 mi
Historic district in Maryland, United States
Hilton
Monument and historic site · National Register of Historic Places · 2.9 mi
Historic house in Catonsville, Maryland, United States
Lawyers Hill Historic District
Monument and historic site · National Register of Historic Places · 1.7 mi
Historic district in Elkridge, Maryland, United States
Oakland Mills Blacksmith House and Shop
Monument and historic site · National Register of Historic Places · 4.6 mi
Historic house in Maryland, United States
Oella
Monument and historic site · National Register of Historic Places · 4.3 mi
Mill town on the Patapsco River in western Baltimore County, Maryland, US
_at_Exit_4_(Meadowridge_Road,_Maryland_State_Route_103)_in_Ilchester,_Howard_County,_Maryland.jpg){kind=link}
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Old Catonsville High School
Monument and historic site · National Register of Historic Places · 4.2 mi
High school in Maryland, United States
37 more on the map.
Parks, trails and playgrounds36
Rockburn Branch Park
Park
Park in Howard County, Maryland, United States of America
Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum
Park · 3.8 mi
A park and museum commemorating free African-American naturalist Benjamin Banneker
Patapsco Valley State Park Avalon Area
Hiking and trails · 2.0 mi
Sub-unit of the larger Patapsco Valley State Park.
Patapsco Valley State Park Glen Artney Area
Hiking and trails · 2.2 mi
Sub-unit of the larger Patapsco Valley State Park.
Patapsco Valley State Park Gray's Mill Area
Hiking and trails · 3.0 mi
Sub-unit of the larger Patapsco Valley State Park.
Patapsco Valley State Park Hilton Area
Hiking and trails · 2.3 mi
Sub-unit of the larger Patapsco Valley State Park.
Patapsco Valley State Park Ilchester Area
Hiking and trails · 2.9 mi
Sub-unit of the larger Patapsco Valley State Park.
Patapsco Valley State Park Orange Grove Area
Hiking and trails · 1.3 mi
Sub-unit of the larger Patapsco Valley State Park.
24 more on the map.
Restaurants and cafes103
Tribos - Peri Peri Chicken
Restaurant · Chicken, Indian, Mediterranean · 1.9 mi
Small italian place
6010 University Boulevard, Ellicott City
Su-We 11:00-21:00; Th 11:00-22:00; Fr-Sa 11:00-23:00
California Grill & Pizza
Restaurant · Pizza · 2.4 mi
6801 Douglas Legum Drive
Mo-Sa 10:00-21:45; Su 11:00-20:45
California Tortilla
Restaurant · Mexican · 3.0 mi
6250 Columbia Crossing Circle, Columbia
Mo-Sa 10:00-22:00; Su 10:00-21:00
Chopstixx Cafe
Restaurant · Sushi · 1.9 mi
7260 Montgomery Road, Elkridge
Mo-Th 11:00-22:00; Fr-Sa 11:00-22:30; Su 12:00-21:30
Curry & Pie
Restaurant · Pizza, Asian · 1.8 mi
6500 Washington Boulevard
Mo off; Tu-Th 10:00-22:00; Fr 10:00-23:00; Sa 11:00-23:00; Su 11:00-22:00
JAM Eateries
Restaurant · American, Breakfast · 1.9 mi
6010 University Boulevard, Ellicott City
Mo-Su 06:00-16:00
Philly's Best Pizza & Subs
Restaurant · Pizza, Sandwich · 1.7 mi
6501 Huntshire Drive, Elkridge
Mo-Sa 10:30-22:15;Su 10:30-22:00
Silver Diner
Restaurant · American, Diner · 2.9 mi
8250 Gateway Overlook Drive, Elkridge
Su-Th 07:00-23:00; Fr-Sa 07:00-01:00
Sushi Call Japanese Restaurant
Restaurant · Sushi · 1.9 mi
7260 Montgomery Road, Elkridge
Mo-Th 11:00-22:00; Fr 11:00-23:00; Sa 15:00-23:00; Su 12:00-22:00
Sushi Q Elkridge
Restaurant · Sushi · 1.9 mi
6325 Washington Boulevard
Mo-Th 11:00-22:00; Fr-Sa 11:00-23:00; Su 12:00-22:00
91 more on the map.
History
In 1761, John Cornthwaite founded a wood grist mill called the Dismal Mill, located approximately 2 miles (3 km) southeast of Ellicott City on the western shore of the Patapsco River. The Ellicott family (John, Andrew, and Joseph Ellicott) settled in the area in the late 18th century, buying a two-mile section of the Patapsco in 1772 that included Ilchester and Ellicott Mills. The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O) was built up the Patapsco River valley through Ilchester in 1830 (see Old Main Line Subdivision), and George Ellicott Jr. (grandson of Andrew) built a tavern and cooper shop along the railroad. The Thistle Manufacturing Company built a factory in 1837. Ilchester did not become a major stop for the B&O due to its steep grades, and the tavern was unsuccessful. In 1842, mail service was started with the station name "Illchester Mills".
From the History section of Ilchester, Maryland on Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where to stay18
Churches and places of worship38
Christ Church Guilford
Church · National Register of Historic Places · 4.2 mi
Mount Gilboa Chapel
Church · National Register of Historic Places · 4.2 mi
Trinity Church
Church · National Register of Historic Places · 2.5 mi
Gaines African Methodist Episcopal Church
Church · Methodist · 1.7 mi
7134 Montgomery Road, Elkridge
First Baptist Church of Elkridge
Church · Baptist · 2.9 mi
5795 Paradise Avenue, Elkridge
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church
Church · Roman Catholic · 1.6 mi
4795 Ilchester Road, Ellicott City
Shopping17
Gas and EV charging20
Schools, colleges and libraries65
Catonsville Center For Alternative Studies
School · 3.2 mi
901 S Rolling Rd, Baltimore
Healthcare10
American Radiology Services
Clinic and pharmacy · 2.9 mi
8820 Columbia 100 Parkway, Columbia
Map of Ilchester
250 places. The map loads OpenStreetMap tiles when you open it.
Climate by month
Monthly table
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 43°F | 25°F | 3.1 in | 6.4 in |
| Feb | 46°F | 27°F | 2.9 in | 7.5 in |
| Mar | 55°F | 34°F | 4.0 in | 2.8 in |
| Apr | 66°F | 44°F | 3.4 in | 0.0 in |
| May | 76°F | 53°F | 3.9 in | 0.0 in |
| Jun | 84°F | 63°F | 4.0 in | 0.0 in |
| Jul | 89°F | 68°F | 4.5 in | 0.0 in |
| Aug | 86°F | 66°F | 4.1 in | 0.0 in |
| Sep | 80°F | 59°F | 4.4 in | 0.0 in |
| Oct | 68°F | 46°F | 3.9 in | 0.0 in |
| Nov | 57°F | 36°F | 3.1 in | 0.1 in |
| Dec | 48°F | 30°F | 3.7 in | 2.5 in |
U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020 for Baltimore Wash Intl Ap 72406 (5 mi away), NOAA NCEI.
People and cost of living
American Community Survey 5-year estimates, 2020-2024, U.S. Census Bureau. Estimates have margins of error, larger for small towns.
Disaster history
Howard County has had 17 federal disaster declarations since 2000, most often for hurricanes.
- 2026-01-24: Severe Winter Storm (Winter Storm)
- 2020-03-26: Covid-19 Pandemic (Biological)
- 2020-03-13: Covid-19 (Biological)
- 2018-07-02: Severe Storm And Flooding (Flood)
- 2016-09-16: Severe Storm And Flooding (Flood)
- 2016-03-04: Severe Winter Storm And Snowstorm (Snowstorm)
OpenFEMA disaster declarations summaries.
Getting there and nearby towns
Baltimore-Washington International/Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is the nearest airport with scheduled flights listed in OpenStreetMap, 5 miles away.
- Elkridge 2 mi southeast, about 3 min by car
- Catonsville 3 mi north, about 6 min by car
- Arbutus 4 mi northeast, about 7 min by car
- Columbia 5 mi west, about 9 min by car
- Ellicott City 6 mi northwest, about 9 min by car
- Ferndale 7 mi east, about 12 min by car
- Brooklyn Park 8 mi east, about 12 min by car
- Fort Meade 8 mi south, about 12 min by car
- Glen Burnie 9 mi southeast, about 15 min by car
- Baltimore 10 mi northeast, about 16 min by car
Drive times are estimates from straight-line distance, not routes.
Local news
Headlines from INDB, the NEMICO news database.
Reviews, tips and questions
Loading what members have shared...
Sources and licences
- NCES EDGE (Public domain): public schools
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020 (Public domain): climate by month
- OpenFEMA (Public domain): disaster declarations
- OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL 1.0): places, airports, map data
- U.S. Census Bureau (Public domain): population, income, housing, education, commute
- Wikidata (CC0 1.0): elevation, founding date, time zone, website, landmarks and historic places
- Wikimedia Commons (see each image): photos
- Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0): overview and history text
Photo credits
- Beechwood Road and Bonnie Branch Road, Scott218, CC BY-SA 4.0
- 2019-09-23 11 29 58 View west along Maryland State Route 100 (Paul T. Pitcher Memorial Highway) at Exit 4 (Meadowridge Road, Maryland State Route 103) in Ilchester, Howard County, Maryland, Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0
- 2019-06-05 11 30 46 View south along Interstate 95 at Exit 43B (Maryland State Route 100 WEST, Ellicott City) along the edge of Ilchester and Elkridge in Howard County, Maryland, Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0
- 2019-09-23 14 36 44 View east along Maryland State Route 100 (Paul T. Pitcher Memorial Highway) at Exit 5A (Interstate 95 SOUTH, Washington) in Ilchester, Howard County, Maryland, Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0
- 2020-08-10 16 58 09 View west along Maryland State Route 103 (Meadowridge Road) just east of Montgomery Road and Brightfield Road in Ilchester, Howard County, Maryland, Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0
- 2020-08-10 17 01 02 View west along Maryland State Route 103 (Montgomery Road) just west of Meadowridge Road and Brightfield Road in Ilchester, Howard County, Maryland, Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0
- 2019-07-15 11 40 20 View north along Interstate 95 from the overpass for the ramp from westbound Maryland State Route 100 to southbound Interstate 95 on the edge of Elkridge and Ilchester in Howard..., Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0
- 2019-07-15 11 39 48 View south along Interstate 95 from the overpass for the ramp from westbound Maryland State Route 100 to southbound Interstate 95 on the edge of Elkridge and Ilchester in Howard..., Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0
- 2020-08-10 16 49 03 View east along Maryland State Route 103 (Meadowridge Road) at Maryland State Route 100 (Paul T. Pitcher Memorial Highway) in Ilchester, Howard County, Maryland, Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0
- 2019-09-24 14 23 00 View east along Maryland State Route 100 (Paul T. Pitcher Memorial Highway) from the overpass for Maryland State Route 103 (Meadowridge Road) in Ilchester, Howard County, Maryland, Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0
- 2020-08-10 17 55 58 View east along Maryland State Route 103 (Montgomery Road) just west of Meadowridge Road and Brightfield Road in Ilchester, Howard County, Maryland, Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0
- 2019-09-24 14 22 16 View west along Maryland State Route 100 (Paul T. Pitcher Memorial Highway) from the overpass for Maryland State Route 103 (Meadowridge Road) in Ilchester, Howard County, Maryland, Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0
- 2020-08-10 16 46 52 View west along Maryland State Route 103 (Meadowridge Road) at Maryland State Route 100 (Paul T. Pitcher Memorial Highway) in Ilchester, Howard County, Maryland, Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0
- 2019-07-15 11 55 30 View south along Interstate 95 from the overpass for Montgomery Road on the edge of Elkridge and Ilchester in Howard County, Maryland, Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0
- 2019-07-15 11 56 46 View north along Interstate 95 from the overpass for Montgomery Road on the edge of Elkridge and Ilchester in Howard County, Maryland, Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0
- 2019-06-05 11 32 06 View south along Interstate 95 at Exit 43A (Maryland State Route 100 EAST, Glen Burnie) along the edge of Ilchester and Elkridge in Howard County, Maryland, Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0
- 2019-07-15 11 32 22 View north along the southbound lanes of Interstate 95 from the overpass for Maryland State Route 100 (Paul T. Pitcher Memorial Highway) on the edge of Elkridge and Ilchester in..., Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0
- 2019-07-15 11 31 55 View north along the northbound lanes of Interstate 95 from the overpass for Maryland State Route 100 (Paul T. Pitcher Memorial Highway) on the edge of Elkridge and Ilchester in..., Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0
- 2019-07-15 11 28 03 View south along Interstate 95 from the overpass for Maryland State Route 100 (Paul T. Pitcher Memorial Highway) on the edge of Elkridge and Ilchester in Howard County, Maryland, Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0
- 2019-06-05 12 40 24 View north along Interstate 95 at Exit 43B (Maryland State Route 100 WEST, Ellicott City) along the edge of Ilchester and Elkridge in Howard County, Maryland, Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Temora Ellicott City MD Jan 11, Pubdog, Public domain
- Curtis-Shipley Farmstead Ellicott City MD Jan 11, Pubdog, Public domain
- Ellicott City Station 1970, William E. Barrett, Public domain
- Central Catonsville and Summit Park Historic District Dec 09, Pubdog ( talk ), Public domain
- Oella MD row houses, Finin at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 2.5
- South Ellicot City Factory, Nheitjan, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Old Catonsville High School Dec 09, Pubdog ( talk ), Public domain
- Christ Church Guilford Sept 09, Pubdog ( talk ), Public domain
- Elkridge Furnace Sept 09, Pubdog ( talk ), Public domain
- Winters Lane Historic District Dec 09, Pubdog at en.wikipedia, Public domain
- Lawyers Hill House Sept 09, Pubdog at en.wikipedia, Public domain
- The Lawn, Zrmachuga, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Oakland Mills Blacksmith Shop, FlugKerl2, CC BY-SA 3.0
- St. Charles College Historic District Dec 09, Pubdog ( talk ), Public domain
- Trinity Church Elkridge Sept 09, Pubdog ( talk ), Public domain
- Patterson-viaduct, William E. Barrett, Public domain
- Summit Catonsville MD Dec 09, Pubdog ( talk ), Public domain
- The Wilderness Catonsville MD Dec 09, Pubdog ( talk ), Public domain
- Thomas Viaduct LOC 082103pu, Jack Boucher, Public domain
- Mt. Gilboa African Methodist (A.M.E.) Church 2012, Kadi21228, CC BY-SA 3.0
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