Introduction to Laurel, Maryland
Located in Prince Georges county, Laurel, Maryland, is 10 miles NW of Bowie, Maryland (center to center) and 16 miles NE of Washington, District of Columbia.
Laurel History
The city of Laurel was formed by carving out lands from the fall zone (the meeting point of an upland region and a coastal plain) of the Patuxent River. The first white settler, Richard Snowden, arrived in this area in 1658. Since then, the Snowden family have owned the land around Laurel. In 1824, Nicholas Snowden set up a cotton mill, which expanded in 1835 with the formation of the Patuxent Cotton Manufacturing Company. Soon the territory evolved as an industrial town and became known as Laurel Factory. The city was officially incorporated on April 4, 1870. It was renamed Laurel on June 14, 1875. On August 29, 2005, the city adopted Laurel in Mississippi as a sister city in order to help it recover from the devastating damages caused by Hurricane Katrina.
Laurel and nearby Attractions
- Montpelier Mansion
- Laurel Museum
- Cabin John Regional Park
- Laurel Golf Center
- Anacostia Park
Things To Do In Laurel
The Laurel Museum is filled with information about the city's history. The historic Montpelier Mansion is nearby. The Laurel Golf Center, Gunpowder Golf Club, and Patuxent Greens Country Club are the closets golf courses in the area. Laurel Park, Anacostia Park, and Cabin John Regional Park provide various recreational opportunities. In addition, the city hosts a number of festivals such as the Herb, Arts and Tea Festival in May, and the Riverfest in October.
Laurel Transportation
Baltimore-Washington International Airport is the closest airport to the city.
Laurel Higher Education
Higher education is available at The Capitol College, Howard Community College, and Bowie State University.