FY 23 Approved Budget Book

AN OVERVIEW OF HARFORD COUNTY, MARYLAND

1 7 7 4 The actual formation of government in Harford County occurred on March 22, 1774, when Henry Harford, Lord Proprietor of the Province, sent his commission to the new County seat at Harford Town, or Bush. Thomas Miller was commissioned as the first Sheriff. 1 7 The Bush declaration, the County’s first proclamation of independence from Britain, was signed by an organized body of men. 1776 Harford County’s population measured at 12,765, roads had been laid out, bridges had been erected, and churches were built.

1777 Havre de Grace was burned by the British in the War of Independence.

1780 The Town of Bel Air was laid out by Aquilla Scott on land he inherited called Scott’s Improvement Enlarged, also known as Scott’s Old Fields.

1782 The County Seat was moved to Bel Air, and plans were made for the Bel Air Courthouse.

1784 The Act of 1784 changed the name of Scott’s Improvement Enlarged to “Belle Aire” (current day Bel Air).

1785 Havre de Grace was incorporated.

1813 On May 3rd, the town of Havre de Grace was plundered and burned by the British during the War of 1812.

1917 Aberdeen Proving Ground and Edgewood Arsenal were established.

1964 The County Coat of Arms was designed by George Van Bibber and adopted by the County Commissioners on September 28, 1964.

1 9 7 Harford County Charter Government began. The Harford County Charter was adopted by the eligible voters on November 7, 1972, and became effective December 7, 1972.

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