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Catonsville

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Despite being home to two colleges, Catonsville tends to be known more as a place to pass through on the way to more prominent neighbors Columbia, Ellicott City or Baltimore rather than a destination of its own.

Historically, the town was exactly that -- a crossroads just outside of Baltimore where travelers would stop on their way up the Frederick Turnpike. The business those travelers brought with them is what gave life to the shopping districts that now line Catonsville's main roads of Edmonson Avenue, Route 40 and Frederick Road (the former Frederick Turnpike). The town's excellent shopping and many restaurants and bars make it an optimal stop for a taste of the city without the crowds.

University of Maryland, Baltimore County and the Community College of Baltimore County -- the two colleges in the area -- attract a younger crowd to the shops and late-night diners, but college-style diversions are not all Catonsville has to offer. The Patapsco Valley State Park offers 32 miles of hiking, biking, fishing, camping and makes an excellent place for an afternoon picnic. If Patapsco Valley isn't enough to satisfy the outdoors lover in you, the nearby Banneker Historical Park and Museum features a walking trail and several historical artifacts. The tribute to the pioneering African-American scientist Benjamin Banneker is fitting since he spent most of his life living in the area.

Even though the colleges aren't all the town has to offer, they do play a large role in shaping the community. UMBC, which gained national attention when it was named one of Newsweek's hot schools in 2003, is known for strong computer and science programs as well as a championship chess team. The campus plays host to concerts by national acts and Retriever athletics, though UMBC has no football team. Together with the CCBC branch, the schools -- located just about a mile apart -- make Catonsville a choice destination for students, whether they're pursuing a two- or four-year degree.

It's true that Catonsville lives in the shadow of its more popular neighbors, but it is a unique community in its own right. Next time you're "just passing through," be sure to stop in for a taste of what this town has to offer.
Location: Southwest Baltimore County

Boundaries: The Baltimore city line to the east; Wilkens Avenue, Gun Road and Shelbourne Avenue to the southeast; the Baltimore County line to the west or southwest; and Baltimore National Pike, Old Frederick Road and Rolling Road to the north

Schools: CCBC Catonsville, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Catonsville High School, Western School of Technology, Arbutus Middle School, Catonsville Middle School, Southwest Academy Middle School, Arbutus Elementary, Catonsville Elementary School, Hillcrest Elementary School, Johnnycake Elementary School, Westchester Elementary School, Westowne Elementary School, Woodbridge Elementary School, Emmanuel Christian Day School, Mount de Sales Academy, Mount St. Joseph, Our Lady of Victory School, St. Agnes School, St. Mark School

Highlights/Landmarks: University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Community College of Baltimore County, Patapsco Valley State Park, Banneker Historical Park and Museum

Trivia: Catonsville gained notoriety in 1968 when a group of Vietnam War protesters, dubbed the "Catonsville Nine," set fire to local draft board records. The incident spawned a Broadway play, "The Trial of the Catonsville Nine," a subsequent film version and a documentary by Lynne Sachs called "Investigation of a Flame."

Actress Kathleen Turner is a graduate of UMBC.

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