Irving Park at Annapolis Junction

Irving Park

After the Civil War, Annapolis Junction entered a different phase.

In June of 1866, a new town called Centralia was proposed, with the expectation that its location between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., and its proximity to the railroads would support significant growth. While lots were sold and a church was established, the larger plan did not materialize.

At the same time, a large grove near the Junction—within walking distance of the hotels and station—was developed into what became known as Irving Park.

The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad eventually purchased the property and invested in improvements, including platforms, pavilions, and other facilities designed to support large gatherings (B&O Annual Reports, 1878, 1881).

The B&O in 1888 reporting on the end of the fiscal year progress, reported  "Annapolis Junction — Irving Park —a refreshment house 24 by 48 feet, with kitchen in rear 10 by 15 feet, 11 feet 4 inches high, has been built. The Park is enclosed by a picket fence 8 feet high, also a fence on the outside between county road and track, 472 feet high, 500 feet long."

Newspaper accounts from the period describe large crowds attending events at the park, often arriving by excursion trains. In July 1879, one gathering was reported to have drawn as many as 14,000 people.

On August 19, 1891, Frederick Douglass spoke at Irving Park during a camp meeting on Temperance Day (Baltimore Sun; Indianapolis Freeman).

Different newspapers recorded slightly different versions of his remarks, but the general message was consistent, addressing temperance and the broader condition of the Black community at the time.

Irving Park continued to host events into the 1890s before declining and eventually closing. The property was later sold, and little remains to indicate its former use.

Today, there are no visible signs of Irving Park, Camp Kelsey, the Civil War hospital, or the early railroad community that once existed at Annapolis Junction with the exception of the neglected Centrailia.

Research in Progress: This summary provides only high-level background. Full documentation and primary-source analysis will be published in Lost Howard County (2027). Please do not reuse or republish this research without permission.