Bel Air, located approximately 25 miles northeast of Baltimore, was designated the fifth and final county seat of Harford County in 1782. At that time, this tiny upstart village known as “Scott’s Old Fields” consisted of four buildings. A new name followed shortly— “Belle Aire,” which later became Bel Air.

The town grew slowly, boasting 225 people with 70 buildings, including 38 houses, by 1858. Local road improvements and the coming of the railroad boosted development. Between the Civil War and the early 1900s, numerous stores, shops, and offices opened, and the downtown began to assume the shape that is evident today.

Bel Air today is a modern, progressive town of 10,000 people. There is a pleasing mix of Victorian and contemporary housing as well as a true “Main Street” business area with a diversity of retail and professional occupancy. The town is the governmental seat of Harford County and the center for the county’s educational, professional, medical/health, and commercial institutions. It has well-maintained streets and sidewalks, manicured gardens and flower beds, and a network of convenient parks.

The town government’s professional staff is augmented by dedicated volunteers who serve on commissions, committees, and boards. They help the town to function by reviewing development plans, designing and planting gardens, organizing events, and so forth. Fourth of July and Christmas parades, summer band concerts, a fall Arts Festival, a 5-K run, a farmers market, and lunch-time spring and fall concerts are some of the activities that give evidence of Bel Air’s community pride and vitality.