Glen Arm, Maryland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Glen Arm, Maryland
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The old Glen Arm "Ma and Pa" railroad station in 2019
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 Glen Arm, Maryland
Location in Maryland
Glen Arm, Maryland
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Maryland |
| County |  Baltimore |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP codes |
21057
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Glen Arm is an unincorporated community located in Baltimore County, Maryland, United States. An unincorporated community is a place that doesn't have its own local government, but is part of a larger county. Glen Arm is situated along what is now Glen Arm Road. This road was once part of Old Harford Road, an important route for farmers. They used it to transport their crops and goods from parts of Harford and Baltimore Counties, and even southern Pennsylvania, to the busy port of Baltimore.
Glen Arm was also served by a special train line called the Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad, often nicknamed the "Ma & Pa." This railroad operated until 1958.
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Amazing Inventions from Glen Arm
In 1921, something very important happened in Glen Arm. At the spot where the "Ma & Pa" railroad crossed Glen Arm Road, the nation's first train-activated railroad crossing signal was installed. This clever device was created by Charles Adler Jr., who was the railroad's Superintendent of Signals.
Charles Adler Jr.'s Innovations
Charles Adler Jr. was a true inventor! He later designed some of the first traffic-activated traffic lights for the city of Baltimore. These lights could change based on how much traffic was present. He also invented the system of flashing warning lights that are used on aircraft today. His inventions made transportation much safer for everyone.
Glen Arm's Past and Present
Glen Arm has seen many changes over the years. It was once home to a Grumman aircraft manufacturing plant, where airplanes were built.
What's There Now?
Today, the building that once housed the Grumman plant is the American headquarters for SUN Automation Group. This company makes special machines for producing corrugated boxes, which are the strong cardboard boxes you see everywhere.
Historic Homes and Music
A historic home called Ravenshurst, built in the Carpenter Gothic style, was located in Glen Arm. It was recognized on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, but sadly, it was destroyed by fire in 1985. In the 1990s, Glen Arm was also known as a hub for the Towson Glen Arm music and art collective, a group of creative people.
A Famous Resident: Charles Joseph Bonaparte
One notable person who lived in Glen Arm was Charles Joseph Bonaparte (1851–1921). His country estate, named Bella Vista, was in the area. Charles Joseph Bonaparte was a very interesting figure because he was a great-nephew of the famous French emperor Napoleon.
Bonaparte's Role in Government
Bonaparte served in the United States government under President Theodore Roosevelt. He held important positions such as United States Secretary of War and United States Attorney General. As Attorney General, Bonaparte played a key role in establishing the Bureau of Investigation. This organization later grew to become the FBI, which is a major law enforcement agency in the United States.
Protecting History
In August 2019, the Baltimore County Council took an important step to protect Glen Arm's history. They officially designated the old "Ma & Pa" Railroad station, which was built in 1909, as a protected historical landmark. This means the station will be preserved for future generations to learn about.
