This week, Harford County announced the preservation of a 240-year-old root cellar. It is the last freestanding cellar in the county and one of very few that remain in Maryland.

Root cellars are underground or partially underground shelters that were used to store vegetables, fruits, and other foods before refrigeration. Most cellars were built as part of houses, but others were separate structures.

In the late 1700s, planter Aquila Scott lived on and worked the land that makes up what is now the county seat of Bel Air. The preserved and historically marked cellar is located behind of what is now the offices of Harford County Parks and Recreation.

“As a native son of Harford County, I lean toward preserving structures like this because once they go, they’re gone forever,” County Executive Barry Glassman said. “I would like to thank John for helping us hold on to the last freestanding root cellar in Harford and one of the few like this that remain in Maryland.”

Do you have a fun fact to share about your county? If so, please send it to Allison Valliant to be featured in MACo’s weekly Fun Fact on Conduit Street.