RIA National Register Plaque Program

Main Street Reisterstown
Historical Relevance

The historical plaque program is a project of the Reisterstown Improvement Association, Inc. and has been funded by grants from the Preservation Alliance of Baltimore County in 2019 and MD DHCD Community Legacy 2021 currently being unveiled.  Reisterstown's Main Street was added to the national register by the US Department of the Interior in 1979.

The development of Main Street is closely related to early travel from western Maryland and Pennsylvania to Baltimore. It was located one day's travel from Baltimore and developed as a convenient stopping place where weary travelers could find taverns, inns, black smith shops, saddleries and wagon repair shops. The earliest buildings, several built of log, date from the late 18 century as the town was founded by John Reister in 1758.

In recent years there has been renewed interest in some of the historic buildings in Reisterstown. The second oldest building, the John Beckley House at 202 Main Street, was purchased by a local resident and is home to a coffee shop called “Reister’s Daughter” to honor John Reister’s daughter who was married to John Beckley and the town Welcome Center. Other addresses of note are 410 Main Street, the oldest building on Main Street, 237-239 Main Street and the former Odd Fellows Hall at 56 Main Street.

Plaque Unveilings 2019-2023