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Oella, Maryland
A local artist donated this timeless illustration of the significant buildings and businesses to be found within the borders of the Oella community.
Significance
The Oella Historic District is a major 19th century industrial center in Maryland whose original character and setting is absolutely intact.
One of the earliest and most extensive cotton factories in the United States, the Union Manufacturing Company, located in and chose the name of Oella. This company used water-powered looms as early as 1819.
The W.J. Dickey Company, the successor to the Union Company, was one of the largest textile firms in the South in the early 20th century. The influx of manmade fibers tolled the death knell of the W.J. Dickey Company, a producer of woven goods. Manufacturing continued through the 20th century with a brief interruption during the Depression.
The Patapsco continued to provide power to generate electricity until 1972 when hurricane Agnes flooded the power plant. The same year the Dickey Company ceased manufacturing. Industry has dominated the economy of Oella.
The constant demand for newer facilities coupled with fires and floods on the Patapsco led to the frequent replacement of factories. The continuing rich history is reflected in the extant residential buildings. Oella, therefore, is a 19th century village of pristine, unpretentious, functional workers houses.
Source: Maryland Historical Trust