BEL AIR

Learn More About Bel Air, Maryland

History/General Information

“Originally known as ‘Scott’s Old Fields’ Bel Air was part of a land grant issued to Daniel Scott in 1731. In March 1782 ‘Belle Aire’ was designated the county seat of Harford County. At the turn of the twentieth century the ‘e’ was dropped and the second ‘l’ and its companion ‘e’ gave way a few years later.

Over the years, the population grew slowly to about 200 residents by 1865. The introduction of the canning industry, the Ma & Pa railroad and related financial businesses jump started the growth after the Civil War. Although the town experienced periods of rapid growth followed by extremely slow growth over the next century, Bel Air’s role as the center of government and commerce continued to expand.

Since 1980, the town and its surrounding suburbs have grown substantially. Today, Bel Air is the center for governmental, educational, cultural, medical, and commercial institutions in the county.”

School System

The schools in Bel Air are highly-rated and include Southampton Middle School, Fountain Green Elementary School, Hickory Elementary School, and Patterson Mill Middle School, among others. Harford County Public Schools is the largest district within Bel Air.

Area Attractions 

Bel Air is home to a great hiking trail known as Ma and Pa Trail. There is a brewing company for the mixologist in you that is called Independent Brewing Company. The Liriodendron Museum can offer you “a step back in time” for those with a love of history and knowledge. The Harford Mall is “small, but packs a large punch.” In addition to these are pubs, spas, galleries, parks, and so much more.