Highland History

Highland, MD and it's surrounding area is rich with a blend of the old and the new. Originally built at the intersection of Route 108 and Highland Road, Highland Junction was once called Wells Cross Roads when a fellow named Wells opened a tavern there (purportedly a hotbed of Revolutionary fervor). Later, a man named Walls kept a general store there in 1860, and it was renamed Walls Cross Roads. In 1894, Will Rannie bought the store, and was known for his sense of humor with his customers. Later sold to Larry Boarman in 1955, it remains in the family today.

Highland was the link between Upper Montgomery County and Anne Arundel County. Highland, or Highlands as it used to be called, got its name from having land with some of the highest elevation in Howard County. In fact, the highest point in the county is where two of the roads, Arada Court and Good Times Court intersect. Since Laurel was only nine miles away from the train station, people would travel down Route 216 (Highland Road) to meet the trains there, rather than go the extra three miles to Ellicott City.

In 1847, Joshua Disney moved into the area, establishing a wheelwright shop, hoisting carriages to work on the underpinnings. With the advent of the automobile, his grandson, Malcolm, built a garage and gas station across the street from the wheelwright, which is where RE/MAX Le Reve stands today! The log cabin near Boarman's Market is thought to be the original Disney homestead.

Highland was a busy little town, populated by families who owned businesses or farms in the area, such as the Disneys, Rannies, Cissels, Hopkins, Owings, and later the Boarmans and Allnutts. Highland also boasted Grange Hall, used for dances and plays, and which sponsored a fair every fall where local people brought their canned goods and cakes to show.

In the early 1900's, Dr. W. Cissel, who lived across from Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, was the community doctor for almost 50 years. His devotion to his patients was legendary. Samuel Hopkins brought his family to farm what is now known as Hickory Ridge, and donated land for Hopkins United Methodist Church which was the focus for community and religious celebrations.

The Highland Junction intersection still has the original buildings, each with it's own interesing past:

The history and charm of the Highland area has been preserved in this modern era. The neighborhoods are composed of various communities, large houses and small, a nice mix of great people.