Prepare to learn something new today, Maryland. There’s a popular reservoir in our state that’s a popular warm weather destination full of scenic views, hiking trails, water activities, and more… but it was also once the thriving town of Oakland Mills, Maryland, which now rests just below the water. Next time you visit the Liberty Reservoir, you just may see it in a whole new way. Let’s check out this strange slice of Maryland history.
Liberty Reservoir is located in parts of both Baltimore County and Carroll County. It’s a popular place for hiking, fishing, and sightseeing—particularly during autumn when the leaves begin to change. But this beguiling reservoir has a secret lurking beneath its surface.
The Forgotten Town Beneath Liberty Reservoir
What many people don’t know is that this is the former site of a town called Oakland Mills. In the late 1940s, the townspeople were forced to leave to make way for the newfound reservoir.
The history of this abandoned Maryland town is truly fascinating. Despite people occupying the area for decades, the city of Baltimore realized it needed additional water supplies in the 1920s, and turned its attention to Carroll County. Years passed before the city went through with its plans until 1942, when the announcement was made for Liberty Reservoir. In 1947, timber cutters began removing trees from the area, transforming the lush landscape into a barren environment.
What Happened to the Residents of This Underwater Town in Maryland?
While there are plenty of historic Maryland communities you can visit today, Oakland Mills was fated to vanish, displacing the population. This wasn’t easy on the townspeople, some of whom lived there for quite some time. Landowners were forced to relocate and the prominent Melville Woolen Mill was dynamited, leaving employees who lived in company-provided housing jobless.
The Liberty Dam was dedicated in 1954, and by 1956, the 3,100-acre reservoir filled with water, leaving Oakland Mills, Maryland, officially erased.
What Remains of Oakland Mills Today
It took years for the water to fully cover all of the ruins of the old buildings once the reservoir was built. Sometimes when the water is very low due to drought, you can still spot piles of stone—a reminder of what once was…