North Point State Park

History

The park occupies the southeastern portion of Patapsco River Neck, a peninsula of historically agricultural use. Evidence suggests that the area was first occupied by humans 9000 years ago. Members of the Susquehannock, a tribe of the Iroquois nation, inhabited the area. During the War of 1812, it was on the route traveled by British troops intent on invading Baltimore from the southeast and several skirmishes were fought there.

The first deed ever recorded in Baltimore County was to Thomas Todd in 1664 (Todd’s Inheritance). Portions of Todd’s original holdings continue to be farmed today.

The Todd homestead lies adjacent to the park.

Part of Todd’s land holdings became the site of Bay Shore Amusement Park, a popular destination for summer visitors from 1906 through 1947.

{{Anchor|Bay Shore Park}} Bay Shore Park

Bay Shore Amusement Park (or Bay Shore Park) was built on 30 acres in 1906 by the United Railways and Electric Company of Baltimore using plans drawn up by architects Otto Simonson and Theodore Wells Pietsch. During its time, the park was a lively and attractive place offering a variety of recreations and relaxation along the Chesapeake Bay. Activities included a dance hall, bowling alley, restaurant, and pier. In addition to the trolley/streetcar from Baltimore, visitors could reach the park by steamboat from Baltimore to the park pier. Jimmy Doolittle won the Schneider Trophy seaplane race held at the park in 1925, an event attended by aviation pioneers Orville Wright and Glenn L. Martin.

In 1947, Bethlehem Steel bought and tore down the amusement park. The attractions were moved to a new park, Bay Island Beach, in the 1950s, which was then torn down by Bethlehem Steel in the 1960s. In 1987, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources purchased the land from Bethlehem Steel for five million dollars to create what was then known as Black Marsh State Park.

Because the park was a big proponent of the use of streetcars and used them for recreation, in 1992, Bay Shore Amusement Park and its trolley station were evaluated by the Maryland Historical Trust for the National Register of Historic Places. They were found to eligible because of their association with streetcar-related recreation.

Activities and amenities

The park has several piers and provides beach access to visitors for wading and swimming. There are picnic tables and grills on site. The historical fountain has been restored, as well as the old trolley station, which is used by permit for large gatherings.

The Takos Visitor Center, which opened in 2002, was named in honor of Volunteer Ranger Steve Takos who spearheaded the renovation efforts at the park. It was designed to resemble the amusement's park former hotel and restaurant, and boasts an educational science room, multiple history and nature-oriented exhibits, including a large saltwater fish tank, and a conference room.

Notes

References

References

1. {{cite gnis. 592040. Bay Shore Park (historical)
2. "DNR Lands Acreage Report". Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
3. "North Point State Park". Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
4. "Black Marsh, Baltimore County". Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
5. Kelly, Jacques. (July 26, 2013). "Site of old Bay Shore amusement park still an oasis". The Baltimore Sun.
6. Breihan, John R.. (2009). "Maryland Aviation". Arcadia Publishing.
7. "Park History". North Point State Park Volunteers.
8. K. Peeler. (June 30, 2004). "BA-3091 North Point State Park". Maryland Historical Trust.
9. Lauren Bowlin. (August 31, 1992). "BA-2361 Bay Shore Amusement Park". Maryland Historical Trust.
10. "Coalition to Preserve Black Marsh: Historical Note". University of Maryland Libraries.
11. "Baltimore Amusement Parks".
12. Coleman, John P.. (2014). "Historic Amusement Parks of Baltimore". McFarland & Company.
13. Youssi, Adam. (2006). "The Susquehannocks’ Prosperity & Early European Contact". Historical Society of Baltimore County.