Daniels Mill, Historic mill district in Howard County, Maryland.
Daniels Mill is a historic industrial complex along the upper Patapsco River in Maryland with seven surviving structures from different periods. The group includes the Gary Memorial United Methodist Church with Gothic architecture, which stood apart from the others through its religious and community function.
The site was built between 1825 and 1849 as a textile manufacturing facility and carried names like Elysville Mill, Gary Mill, and Alberton Mill. It survived two major disasters in the 20th century: Hurricane Agnes in 1972 destroyed most structures, and a fire in 1977 eliminated further portions.
The Gary Memorial United Methodist Church and its cemetery show how deeply religion and work were connected in this mill community. Visitors can still see how the church served as the social heart of life for the workers and their families.
The location sits along a river section with natural surroundings and is best explored on foot since the buildings spread across the grounds. The area can become slippery in rain, so wear appropriate footwear.
Despite the destructive events of the 20th century, the church has remained largely intact and stands today as a quiet witness to the former factory community. The contrast between the ruins and the standing church tells a powerful story of resilience and loss.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
