Lilburn

Apr 4, 1997

With Lilburn, Historic Ellicott City, Inc. returned to its roots-the site of the founding of the organization twenty-five years before. With its medieval bell tower and turrets, Lilburn represents one of the most unique examples of architecture in Maryland history. Located on a hill in the Historic District of Ellicott City, it is a massive Gothic stone building built in 1851 by Richard Henry Hazelhurst. Mr. Hazelhurst sided with the Confederacy during the Civil War and to help the South, Lilburn was pressed into service as an army hospital and was visited by Robert E. Lee.

Mr. Hazelhurst died around 1900, and his family sold the house., In 1920 after several other families owned it, it was purchased by John McGinnis. One year at Christmas a fire gutted the house. Mr. McGinnis rebuilt the house, but the spires were replaced by huge parapets. Also, the third-floor landing was no longer connected to the second floor by a staircase. This charming mistake remains to this day.

It was during the residence of the McGinnis family that the presence of Ghosts was first noted. Many think the ghost of Mr. Hazelhurst, or a member of his family, remains to watch over the property.

Lilburn is located at 3899 College Ave. Ellicott City, MD. Lilburn is listed as a Maryland Historical Trust Property. Lilburn was open from September 21 to October 19. The Chairman was Janet Kusterer. About 6000 people attended