Catonsville, Maryland
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| Catonsville, Maryland | |
|---|---|
| Name | Catonsville, Maryland |
| Settlement type | Census-designated place |
| Pushpin label | Catonsville |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Maryland |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Baltimore County |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1831 |
| Unit pref | Imperial |
| Area total km2 | 36.2 |
| Area land km2 | 36.1 |
| Area water km2 | 0.1 |
| Area total sq mi | 14.0 |
| Area land sq mi | 13.9 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.04 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 44001 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Population density sq mi | auto |
| Timezone | EST |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Coordinates | 39, 16, 26, N... |
| Postal code type | ZIP Codes |
| Postal code | 21228 |
| Area code | 410, 443, 667 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 24-14125 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0589996 |
| Website | https://www.catonsville.org/ |
Catonsville, Maryland. A census-designated place in southwestern Baltimore County, Catonsville is a historic suburb of Baltimore known for its tree-lined streets, Victorian architecture, and vibrant community atmosphere. Often called "Music City, Maryland" for its strong musical heritage, it is home to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and serves as a key residential and commercial hub. The community's identity is shaped by its location along the historic National Road and its proximity to major corridors like the Baltimore Beltway and Interstate 695.
History
The area's development began in the 18th century with land grants from the Proprietors of Maryland, including tracts like "Johnnycake" and "Bloomsbury." The community coalesced around a toll gate on the Frederick Turnpike, a critical section of the National Road connecting Baltimore to the Ohio River Valley. Officially founded in 1831 and named for local landowner Richard Caton, son-in-law of Charles Carroll of Carrollton, it became a popular summer retreat for wealthy Baltimore families. The arrival of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in the 1830s and the Catonsville Short Line in 1884 accelerated growth, transforming it into a streetcar suburb. Catonsville gained national attention in 1968 when the Catonsville Nine, a group of anti-war activists including Daniel Berrigan and Philip Berrigan, burned Selective Service System draft records at the local draft board.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, Catonsville has a total area of 14.0 square miles, bordered by Baltimore City to the east, Arbutus to the south, and Ellicott City to the west. The terrain is part of the Piedmont region, featuring rolling hills and streams that feed into the Patapsco River, which forms part of its southern boundary. Major transportation arteries include Interstate 695, MD 144 (Frederick Road), and U.S. Route 40. The community contains several large parks, including part of the Patapsco Valley State Park and the Catonsville Community Park.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 44,001. The racial makeup was diverse, with significant populations of White, African American, and Asian residents. The median household income historically exceeds the averages for both Baltimore County and Maryland, reflecting its status as an established suburban community. Housing stock is a mix of historic Victorian homes, early 20th-century bungalows, and post-World War II subdivisions, with a high rate of homeownership.
Education
Public education is administered by Baltimore County Public Schools, with notable institutions including Catonsville High School, home to a renowned Advanced Placement program and the Commodores marching band. The area is also served by University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), a prominent research university known for programs in computer science, engineering, and the Meyerhoff Scholars Program. Several private and parochial schools operate in the area, including the Institute of Notre Dame and Mount de Sales Academy. The Catonsville Branch of the Baltimore County Public Library is a central community resource.
Notable people
Catonsville has been home to numerous influential figures across various fields. In sports, it produced Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Al Kaline and National Football League player B.J. Askew. The arts are represented by cartoonist and sculptor Robert Crumb, actress Sissy Spacek, and musician Frank Zappa, who lived there briefly. Notable journalists include David Zurawik of The Baltimore Sun, and the community was also the birthplace of United States Army general J. Franklin Bell.
Culture and recreation
The community celebrates its identity with annual events like the Catonsville Fourth of July Parade, one of the largest in Maryland, and the Catonsville Arts & Crafts Festival. Its musical legacy is honored at the Catonsville Historical Society and through local venues. Recreational amenities are anchored by the Catonsville Rails to Trails project, the Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum, and the Frederick Road Fridays summer concert series. The commercial heart lies along Frederick Road, featuring a mix of independent restaurants, shops, and the historic Catonsville Presbyterian Church.
Category:Census-designated places in Maryland Category:Populated places in Baltimore County, Maryland