Howard County is a unique blend of old and new, urban and rural, where the rolling green hills of Piedmont meet the rocky line of falling glaciers. From the small-town charm of historic industrial cities to the thriving model city of Columbia, Howard County has something for everyone. It was first known as Richardville County, after Jean Baptiste Richardville, the last Akima (civil chief) of the Miami town. The county's iconic green bumper stickers are often seen in Howard County and its neighboring areas.
At the state government level, Howard County is represented by nine Democrats in the Maryland House of Delegates and three Democrats in the Maryland Senate. By 1899, it had 400 miles (640 km) of land and 48 miles (77 km) of cobblestone roads, including three pay highways maintained by 118 men. Cooksville is a vibrant semi-rural community with rolling hills and farmland in western Howard County. The Choose Civility initiative, led by the Howard County Library, aims to make Howard County a model of civility.
The bus routes operating in Howard County are managed by the Central Maryland Regional Transportation Agency and the Maryland Transit Administration. During the era of the Underground Railroad, some residents of Howard County helped slaves who were escaping to freedom. Since 1992, Howard County has voted for the Democratic presidential candidate in every election, becoming increasingly Democratic in subsequent presidential elections. During the Civil War, Howard County sent its children to both Confederate and Union armies, dividing families and communities.
Howard County is a special place to live and work due to its vibrant atmosphere of homes, jobs, places of worship, schools, parks, shopping centers and recreational areas. According to the Census Bureau, Howard County ranks fourth in the country in terms of educational achievement, with an estimated 63.6% of residents aged 25 and older having a bachelor's degree or higher. Many large government contractors call Howard County home, as well as numerous corporate and regional headquarters, a wide variety of technology firms, distributors and wholesale manufacturers. It also ranks first in the country among public libraries according to an index of 15 factors that include circulation, visits, staff, materials, referral service and funding levels.
African-Americans have been living in Howard County for centuries and their population increased significantly after the 1960s. Howard County is an ideal place for those looking for a unique blend of urban and rural living. With its excellent educational opportunities, thriving businesses and strong sense of community spirit, it is no wonder that so many people choose to call it home. Whether you are looking for a place to raise a family or just want to enjoy all that this beautiful county has to offer, you will find that Howard County is truly a special place to live and work.
