Towson

Towson is an unincorporated community and a census-designated place in Baltimore County, Maryland. It is located directly north of Baltimore and serves as the county seat. Towson is home to Towson University, a major public university, as well as Goucher College, a private liberal arts college.

History

Towson was established in 1750 when two Pennsylvania brothers, William and Thomas Towson, began farming an area of Sater's Hill, northeast of the present-day York and Joppa Roads. William's son, Ezekiel, opened the Towson Hotel to serve the growing number of farmers bringing their produce and livestock to the Baltimore market on the National Road, a major thoroughfare.

Education

Towson is home to Towson University and Goucher College. Towson University, founded in 1866, is a public university that offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences, and applied professional fields. Goucher College, founded in 1885, is a private, coeducational liberal arts college offering a wide range of majors and programs of study.

Economy

The economy of Towson is diverse and robust, with a mix of local businesses and national chains. The Towson Town Center is a large indoor shopping mall that serves as a major economic hub for the area. The mall features a variety of retailers, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Culture

Towson is known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and music venues. The Towson Arts Collective is a community arts organization that promotes the visual and performing arts in the Towson area.

Transportation

Towson is served by several major highways, including Interstate 695, also known as the Baltimore Beltway, and Maryland Route 146, also known as Dulaney Valley Road. Public transportation is provided by the Maryland Transit Administration, which operates bus and light rail service in the area.

Demographics

As of the 2010 census, Towson had a population of 55,197. The racial makeup of the community was 75.4% White, 14.3% African American, 0.3% Native American, 5.8% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 1.3% from other races, and 2.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.4% of the population.