*The history of the Blandair property stretches back to colonial times when the farmland was granted to the Talbot family. It was purchased by the Chancellor of Maryland in 1845 and named "Blandair."

*The Smith family bought it in 1937 and the last surviving owner died in 1997, after which the county bought the property with help from the state.

*Legal challenges kept the property in limbo until 2001 when things were settled in the county's favor and design plans for the park moved forward.

*A historic easement is on 28 acres that contain the original farm structures and the plan calls for these to be preserved. About half of the park would remain in its natural state.

Source: Howard County Recreation and Parks Department

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