Colesville

Origins of the Town

The history of Colesville’s founding dates back to the early 18th century, when these lands in Maryland were still part of the wilderness. The first official mentions are related to land patents from the Lords Baltimore. In 1714, Archibald Edmonston secured a 900-acre tract named "Easy Purchase." This moment served as the starting point for the gradual development of the territory that is now part of the USA.

Despite the activities of major landowners like the Beall and Edmonston families, Robert Lazenby is considered the first true settler. In 1723, he purchased 217 acres in the southern part of the "Wolf's Den" tract and established the first farm here. From that time on, Colesville began to grow as an agricultural community, where geography and fertile soils fostered the prosperity of private farms and plantations.

The town received its current name only at the beginning of the 19th century. In 1806, Maryland General Assembly documents identified a local polling place as "Coale's-Ville." Historians believe the name may have originated in honor of Elizabeth Coale Snowdon, a member of an influential family from a neighboring region whose contribution to developing local connections was quite significant. By the mid-1820s, the simplified spelling used today became established.

Timeline of Key Events

The history of Colesville within the context of U.S. development spans over three centuries—from colonial patents to the formation of a modern suburb.

• 1714 — Archibald Edmonston patents the first 900 acres of land under the name "Easy Purchase."
• 1723 — Robert Lazenby officially becomes the first resident farmer, settling on the "Wolf's Den" tract.
• 1790 — Construction of the "Milimar" house, the oldest surviving building in the town, is completed.
• 1806 — The Maryland General Assembly officially records the name "Coale's-Ville" in state acts.
• 1830s — Opening of a specialized boarding school for girls on the former Drumeldry tract.
• 1855 — President Franklin Pierce acquires a large estate, raising the region's prestige.
• 1872 — Joseph Burr completes the consolidation of lands and builds the famous Valley View mansion.
• 1879 — A major reconstruction of the mill on the Paint Branch River is carried out, turning it into an important economic asset.
• 1903 — The "Woman's Commonwealth" commune settles in the town, creating a unique social structure.
• 1927 — Opening of the Smithville Colored School, built with financial support from the Rosenwald Fund for the African American community.
• 1956 — Renowned writer and biologist Rachel Carson chooses Colesville as the site to build her home.

Major Development Milestones

Colesville’s journey from the wild lands of colonial Maryland to a prestigious suburb in the USA is marked by several key stages that defined its modern character and status.

Key historical milestones:

• Colonial Settlement (1714–1723): The transition from the issuance of land patents by the Lords Baltimore to the appearance of the first permanent farmstead by Robert Lazenby.
• Official Recognition (1806): The legislative formalization of the name "Coale's-Ville" by the Maryland General Assembly.
• The Era of Prestigious Estates (Mid-19th Century): Land acquisitions by President Franklin Pierce and the construction of the Valley View mansion, turning the area into a magnet for the elite.
• Industrial Momentum (1870s): The reconstruction of mills on the Paint Branch River, which became important economic hubs for the region.
• Social Experiment (1903): The founding of the self-sufficient "Woman's Commonwealth" commune, which successfully managed a farm and a hotel for 40 years.
• Educational Progress (1927): The opening of the Smithville Colored School with support from the Rosenwald Fund, representing a significant step in developing education for the African American community.

For a long time, the town's economy relied on agriculture and grain processing; however, by the mid-20th century, its proximity to Washington, D.C., transformed the settlement into an attractive residential area that has preserved its historical charm and natural beauty.

Architectural Landscape and Historical Buildings

Colesville’s architectural heritage is a mosaic of early farmstead structures, majestic 19th-century mansions, and iconic modernist-era buildings in the USA. The region's primary architectural treasure is the "Milimar" house (also known as the "Old Lazenby Home"), built around 1790. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this building is a prime example of early American residential architecture and the oldest surviving landmark in the county.

In the mid-19th century, the town's appearance began to change with the arrival of more prestigious structures. In 1850, a classical-style building was erected on Notley Road, which later became the "Drumeldra" school. A special place in history was held by the Valley View mansion, built by Joseph F. Burr. This grand structure dominated the landscape for a long time before the Holy Family Seminary was established on its site.

Colesville’s industrial architecture was represented by mills, most notably a restored 1879 structure on the Paint Branch River. Today, its remnants can be seen in Valley Mill Park. In the mid-20th century, the town's architectural palette was expanded with ranch-style buildings; in 1956, the famous Rachel Carson chose one as her home, highlighting the town's transition into a suburban community.

Notable Figures

The history of Colesville is inextricably linked to the names of people who left a significant mark on U.S. politics, science, and social life.

• Franklin Pierce — The 14th President of the United States, who purchased an extensive 600-acre farm here in 1855.
• Rachel Carson — A distinguished biologist, environmentalist, and author of the famous book "Silent Spring"; she lived in a custom-built home in Colesville starting in 1956.
• Joseph F. Burr — A prominent 19th-century landowner and philanthropist whose home, Valley View, was a center of social life and hosted visits from President Grover Cleveland.
• Martha McWhirter — One of the founders and leaders of the unique "Woman's Commonwealth" commune, which created a thriving, self-sufficient community in the town.
• Robert Lazenby — The first documented resident farmer, whose family laid the foundation for the region's agricultural development in the 1720s.