For centuries, dairy farming has been an essential part of Maryland’s agricultural heritage. Historic barns, creameries, springhouses, and farmsteads dot the state’s countryside, telling the story of families who worked the land and supplied fresh milk, butter, and cream to communities near and far. As refrigeration transformed food production in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, ice cream evolved from an occasional luxury into a beloved summertime tradition.
The story of how ice cream became a national sensation is rooted in Baltimore.
A milkman named Jacob Fussell ran four routes throughout the city and always had a little milk and cream left over – from which he made small batches of ice cream. Expanding production, he opened the first ice cream factory in Seven Valleys, Pennsylvania in 1851. Some of that ice cream was shipped by rail to Baltimore and as Fussell’s business became successful he moved his factory to Baltimore in 1854. This mass production of ice cream made the dessert more accessible to everyone. For his contributions, Jacob Fussell is often called ‘The Father of the Ice Cream Industry.’
One of the best ways to celebrate National Ice Cream Day (July 19) and experience that heritage is through the Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail, a statewide program that celebrates on-farm creameries, local dairies, and ice cream shops that use Maryland-produced milk. The trail encourages visitors to travel across the state, meet the farmers behind every scoop, and even pair their visit with nearby state parks and hiking trails. Participants can check in at each stop using a free digital pass and earn prizes while exploring Maryland’s agricultural heritage.
At Preservation Maryland, we often talk about saving places that matter. Sometimes those places are battlefields, historic churches, or Main Streets. Other times they’re working farms where generations have cared for the same land, adapting to changing times while continuing traditions that enrich our communities.
This National Ice Cream Day, consider taking the scenic route. Visit a local creamery while you explore a nearby historic town or state park. Every stop is an opportunity to support Maryland farmers, celebrate local history, and experience firsthand how preservation and agriculture work hand in hand.