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Harford County, Maryland

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Article Genealogy
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Harford County, Maryland
CountyHarford County
StateMaryland
Founded1773
Named forHenry Harford
SeatBel Air
Largest townAberdeen
Area total sq mi527
Area land sq mi440
Area water sq mi87
Area percentage16.5%
Pop est as of2023
Pop est263,571
Density sq mi599
Time zoneEastern
Webwww.harfordcountymd.gov
District1st
District22nd

Harford County, Maryland is a county located in the U.S. state of Maryland. As of the 2020 census, the population was 260,924, with its county seat in Bel Air. The county was created in 1773 from the eastern part of Baltimore County and named for Henry Harford, the illegitimate son of the last Proprietary Governor of Maryland, Frederick Calvert, 6th Baron Baltimore. It forms part of the Baltimore–Washington metropolitan area and is bordered by Pennsylvania to the north, the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay to the west, and Baltimore County to the south.

History

The area was originally inhabited by the Susquehannock people before European settlement. The first colonial land grant, Bush River, was made in 1658. During the American Revolutionary War, the county was a site of military activity, including the landing of British forces at Havre de Grace in 1813. The Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad arrived in the 1830s, spurring growth in towns like Aberdeen. The county's history is preserved at sites such as the Hays House Museum and the Liriodendron Mansion.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 527 square miles, of which 440 square miles is land and 87 square miles is water. Its northern border is the Mason–Dixon line with Pennsylvania. Major waterways include the Susquehanna River, which flows into the Chesapeake Bay, and the Gunpowder River to the south. The terrain ranges from the rolling hills of the Piedmont region to the tidal flats of the Chesapeake Bay. Notable parks include Susquehanna State Park and the Gunpowder Falls State Park.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, there were 260,924 people living in the county. The racial makeup was approximately 74.5% White, 15.2% African American, 3.2% Asian American, and 4.1% identifying as two or more races. Hispanic and Latino Americans of any race made up 6.8% of the population. The largest ancestry groups reported were German, Irish, Italian, and English. The population density was about 593 people per square mile.

Government and politics

Harford County operates under a charter form of government with a County Executive and a seven-member County Council. The current County Executive is Bob Cassilly. The county is part of Maryland's 1st congressional district, represented by Andy Harris, and Maryland's 2nd congressional district, represented by Dutch Ruppersberger. It has historically leaned Republican in presidential elections, voting for Donald Trump in both 2016 and 2020. The Harford County Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement.

Economy

The economy has historically been based on agriculture and manufacturing but has diversified significantly. Major employers include the U.S. Army at Aberdeen Proving Ground, a key installation for research and testing, and Constellation Energy, which operates the Calvert Cliffs and Perryman energy facilities. The University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health system is a large healthcare provider. Retail and commercial centers are concentrated around Bel Air, Aberdeen, and Fallston.

Education

Public education is managed by Harford County Public Schools, which operates over 50 schools. Notable secondary institutions include John Carroll School, a private Catholic school, and Harford Technical High School. Higher education is served by Harford Community College in Churchville and satellite campuses of University of Maryland Global Campus and Towson University. The Harford County Public Library system operates several branches, including the main Abingdon Library.

Culture and recreation

Cultural venues include the APG Federal Credit Union Arena at Harford Community College and the historic Havre de Grace Decoy Museum. The county hosts annual events like the Harford County Farm Fair and the Steam Show in Darlington. Outdoor recreation is centered on the Chesapeake Bay, with opportunities for boating and fishing at Mariner Point Park and hiking along the Ma and Pa Trail. The Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen is home to the Aberdeen IronBirds, a Minor League Baseball affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles.

Category:Harford County, Maryland Category:Maryland counties Category:1773 establishments in Maryland