Elkridge qualifies as the oldest settlement in its present county, when Howard was a part of Anne Arundel County. Its location on the Patapsco River was a key element in its growth. The Maryland General Assembly elected a law to erect a , forty-lot town at the pre-existing settlement of Elkridge Landing to be called "Jansen Town" in 1733. In 1738 an attempt to formalize the town failed with the death of the commissioners before passage. In 1750 a second attempt to formalize the town was attempted around the lands of Phillip Hammond. By comparison, Baltimore Town consisted of only 25 dwellings at that time. A third petition was filed in 1762.
Elkridge qualifies as the oldest settlement in its present county when Howard was a part of Anne Arundel County Its location on the Patapsco River was a key element in its growth The Maryland General Assembly elected a law to erect a  forty-lot town at the pre-existing settlement of Elkridge Landing to be called "Jansen Town" in 1733 In 1738 an attempt to formalize the town failed with the death of the commissioners before passage In 1750 a second attempt to formalize the town was attempted around the lands of Phillip Hammond By comparison Baltimore Town consisted of only 25 dwellings at that time A third petition was filed in 1762