Lapidum, Maryland facts for kids
Lapidum is a ghost town (a place where most people have left) in Harford County, Maryland, USA. It's located on the west bank of the Susquehanna River, right across from Port Deposit. This spot was important because it was as far as big boats could travel up the river.
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History of Lapidum
Early Days in Lapidum: The 1600s
Lapidum's story began in the 1600s when settlers received official papers for land here. These areas were called "Eightrapp," "Faton," and "Land of Promise." As people cleared forests and started farms, Lapidum became a busy place for trade. Farmers grew corn and tobacco near the river. A big fishing business also grew, catching fish like shad and herring as they swam upstream.
Lapidum in the 1700s
In the 1720s, a ferry started operating between Lapidum and Port Deposit. This ferry helped people and goods cross the river. It ran until 1818, when a bridge was built nearby. In 1729, Thomas Cresap started a regular ferry service. It was sometimes called Smith's Ferry or Upper Ferry. In 1731, a road was approved to go from this ferry towards Philadelphia. Another road was planned from a mill near Lapidum to Peach Bottom, Pennsylvania. This upper ferry later became known as "Creswell's Ferry."
Lapidum's Growth in the 1800s
Lapidum grew a lot in the 1800s. In 1868, a large three-story hotel called the Susquehanna Hotel was built by Conrad Baker. It was made of stone, brick, and wood, with big porches. Other important buildings included a church, a mill, a Masonic hall, and a school. There were also many houses, stores, and warehouses. Wharves (docks) were built to handle goods coming down the Susquehanna River. These goods were then loaded onto ships heading to the Chesapeake Bay.
Lapidum became successful because of its ferry service and the Susquehanna and Tidewater Canal. Its location was also perfect for ships coming from the Chesapeake Bay.
Lapidum's Decline in the 1900s
By 1900, Lapidum started to lose its importance. New railroads offered faster ways to move goods, taking away business from the town. Big chunks of ice in the river, sometimes called "ice gorges," destroyed the warehouses and wharves. The Susquehanna Hotel stayed open as a fishing lodge and a men's club until the 1960s. After that, it was torn down. Today, the land where Lapidum once stood is part of Susquehanna State Park.
