Historic Thomas Isaac Log Cabin Has A New Home In Ellicott City

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — The historic Thomas Isaac Log Cabin finally has a permanent home. During the May 2018 flood in Ellicott City, the cabin was a mere two feet from the pipe that failed during the flooding. The cabin was temporarily relocated to Parking Lot F during the reconstruction of Ellicott Mills Drive to keep it safe. Now, it's at its permanent location on the historic Barnard Fort House property above Parking Lot F.

“The Thomas Isaac Log Cabin is a historic piece of Ellicott City and has long served as a visual landmark for residents and visitors entering downtown,” said Howard County Executive Ball in a statement. “This town has been through so much in the last few years, and each day we’re making progress to restore and protect Ellicott City for the generations to come.”

Expert House Movers, Inc. from Sharptown, Md., moved the cabin as they specialize in elevating
and relocating historic structures. It was put onto maneuverable moving dollies and driven into place. The dollies are height adjustable to maintain the cabin reasonably level during the move. Once in place, the cabin was set on wood blocking. The permanent foundation walls will then be constructed to the location of the cabin and the blocking removed. Once the foundation is completed, the area will be back-filled and graded to drain water around the cabin. The foundation will be the only change to the cabin.

“The county was very close to losing this historic landmark.” said Raul Delerme, Ellicott City Director of Recreation & Parks. "But we are glad that is has returned to its location."

The move cost approximately $35,000 and was covered by a grant. The cabin elevation is set to be
at least 1 foot above the 100-year flood elevation as required by code. The cabin was not washed out in the previous floods and, with the proposed drainage improvements in Ellicott City, will be safer from future floods than it previously was. The cabin will house the same programs and artifacts as it did before it was moved, including interpretive exhibits and programs about the history of Ellicott City.

The Thomas Isaac Log Cabin is named after its late 19th century owner. This rustic structure was built circa 1780 as a settler’s home. The cabin was reconstructed on the present site in 1988 to
be used as a living history museum in the Historic District of Ellicott City.