Elkridge, MD

Elkridge is a town in Howard County, Maryland, United States. The population was 18,837 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Baltimore–Washington Metropolitan Area.

Elkridge was founded in 1792 and named for General James Wilkinson's estate near Elk Ridge in Frederick County, Maryland. The town was incorporated on February 2, 1873. The first post office opened on July 1 of that year with the name "Wilkinson". In 1874, it changed its name to " Elkridge" after General Wilkinson's estate.

The community grew rapidly as a result of its location just outside Washington D.C., which made it an ideal place to live for government employees and their families during the late 19th century and early 20th century. Many notable people have lived in Elkridge over the years, including Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885), who served as President of the United States from 1869 to 1877; John F Kennedy (1917-1963), who served as President of the United States from 1961 to 1963; and Barbara Walters (1931- ), who is best known for her work as a television journalist and talk show host.

Today, Elkridge remains a popular community due to its close proximity to both Washington D.C. and Baltimore—two major metropolitan areas—and its many amenities and attractions, including two golf courses (the Old Mill Golf Course and White Marsh Golf Club), a public library (the John F Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum), several parks (including Centennial Park and Lake Roland Park), numerous restaurants and businesses, and an extensive network of walking trails that connect it with other nearby communities