DOT Drug Testing Locations Catonsville, MD
Our Local DOT Drug testing facilities in Catonsville, MD and the surrounding areas provide DOT Drug Testing, DOT Alcohol Testing, DOT Physicals, Consortium enrollment and other DOT services for Employers, Single operators and all DOT modes who are required to comply with 49 CFR Part 40 in Catonsville, MD including FMCSA, FTA, FAA, USCG, FRA and PHMSA . Testing centers are within minutes of your home or office and same day service is available in most cases.
Scheduling a DOT test is Fast and Easy, call our scheduling department or schedule your test online 24/7
* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center.
5411 Old Frederick Rd Ste 9, 1.4 miles
Baltimore, MD 21229
2 East Rolling Crossroads, Suite 51 2.6 miles
Catonsville, MD 21228
4807 BENSON AVE 2.6 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21227
1419 KNECHT AVE 2.7 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21227
5822 OAKLAND RD 3.4 miles
HALETHORPE, MD 21227
2300 Garrison Blvd Ste 206, 4.1 miles
Baltimore, MD 21216
9396D BALTIMORE NATIONAL PIKE 4.2 miles
ELLICOTT CITY, MD 21042
2701 W PATAPSCO AVE STE 225 4.3 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21230
701 DIGITAL DRIVE STE L 4.8 miles
LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, MD 21090
9055 Chevrolet Dr Ste 101, 5.0 miles
Ellicott City, MD 21043
2401 W BELVEDERE AVE HOFFBERGER STE 54 5.7 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21215
1812 BOLTON ST APT 3 6.1 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21217
100 S CHARLES ST STE 150 6.4 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21201
1650 UNION AVE 6.4 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21211
726 LIGHT ST 6.4 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21230
6785 Business Pkwy 6.4 miles
Elkridge, MD 21075
7377 WASHINGTON BLVD STE 101-102 6.5 miles
ELKRIDGE, MD 21075
5400 Old Court Rd Ste 102, 6.6 miles
Randallstown, MD 21133
4419 FALLS RD STE D 6.9 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21211
2901 SAINT PAUL ST 7.1 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21218
6656 DOBBIN RD 7.8 miles
COLUMBIA, MD 21045
1860 REISTERSTOWN RD STE A 8.0 miles
PIKESVILLE, MD 21208
1838 GREENE TREE RD STE 115 8.2 miles
PIKESVILLE, MD 21208
811 CROMWELL PARK DR STE 104 8.4 miles
GLEN BURNIE, MD 21061
1501 S CLINTON ST 11 FL 8.7 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21224
23 Crossroads Dr, Suite 120 8.8 miles
Owings Mills, MD 21117
3600 ODONNELL ST STE 170 8.9 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21224
11055 Little Patuxent Pkwy, SUITE 202 9.1 miles
Columbia, MD 21044
802 Cromwell Park Dr STE H-Cromwell Business Park 9.4 miles
Glen Burnie, MD 21061
808 LANDMARK DR STE 116 9.8 miles
GLEN BURNIE, MD 21061
1833 PORTAL ST 10.5 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21224
7801 YORK RD STE 360 10.6 miles
TOWSON, MD 21204
200 Hospital Dr Ste 103, 11.0 miles
Glen Burnie, MD 21061
1220A E JOPPA RD STE 109 11.4 miles
TOWSON, MD 21286
1205 York Rd Ste 15a, 11.8 miles
Lutherville, MD 21093
1407 YORK RD STE 311 11.9 miles
LUTHERVILLE, MD 21093
1576 MERRITT BLVD STE 3 12.2 miles
DUNDALK, MD 21222
1576 MERRITT BLVD STE 2 12.2 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21222
8101 PULASKI HWY STE H 12.4 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21237
On-site ONLY 12.4 miles
LAUREL, MD 20724
8768 SUSINI DR 12.5 miles
LAUREL, MD 20723
1830 YORK RD STE F 12.5 miles
TIMONIUM, MD 21093
11722 REISTERSTOWN RD 12.7 miles
REISTERSTOWN, MD 21136
1730 Merritt Blvd Choice One UC Baltimore 12.8 miles
Baltimore, MD 21222
8600 LASALLE RD YORK BUILDING, STE 515 12.9 miles
TOWSON, MD 21286
408 HEADQUARTERS DR STE 3-B 13.1 miles
MILLERSVILLE, MD 21108
P. O. BOX 376 14.1 miles
LAUREL, MD 20725
1532 Liberty Road, Suite 101 14.3 miles
Eldersburg, MD 21784
6820 HOSPITAL DR, STE 201 14.7 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21237
9110 Philadelphia Rd Ste 212, 14.8 miles
Baltimore, MD 21237
9114 PHILADELPHIA RD STE 108 14.8 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21237
10 WARREN RD, STE 260 14.9 miles
COCKEYSVILLE, MD 21030
3708 MOUNTAIN RD 15.0 miles
PASADENA, MD 21122
1000 LIBERTY RD STE 102 15.3 miles
ELDERSBURG, MD 21784
3676 Alpen Greenway 15.6 miles
Burtonsville, MD 20866
537 RITCHIE HWY STE 2G 16.7 miles
SEVERNA PARK, MD 21146
13823 OUTLET DR 17.4 miles
SILVER SPRING, MD 20904
14237 Jarrettsville Pike Choice One UC Phoenix 17.7 miles
Phoenix, MD 21131
4729 SELLMAN RD 19.0 miles
BELTSVILLE, MD 20705
18111 PRINCE PHILIP DR, STE T12 19.2 miles
OLNEY, MD 20832
10452 BALTIMORE AVE 19.7 miles
BELTSVILLE, MD 20705
10117 PALAMAR DR 20.5 miles
LANHAM, MD 20706
7933 BELLE POINT DR 20.8 miles
GREENBELT, MD 20770
301 WATERSVILLE RD 20.8 miles
MOUNT AIRY, MD 21771
6201 Greenbelt Rd, Suite M3 21.2 miles
College Park, MD 20740
12200 ANNAPOLIS RD, SUITE 120 21.5 miles
GLENN DALE, MD 20769
820 Bestgate Rd, 21.8 miles
Annapolis, MD 21401
2661 RIVA RD BLDG 600 SUITE 610 22.5 miles
ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401
4000 Mitchellville Rd Ste A112, 22.5 miles
Bowie, MD 20716
4451 PARLIAMENT PL STE G 23.0 miles
LANHAM, MD 20706
ONSITE ONLY 23.4 miles
ANNAPOLIS, MD 21409
205 CENTER STREET, SUITE 204 23.5 miles
MOUNT AIRY, MD 21771
3060 MITCHELLVILLE RD 23.6 miles
BOWIE, MD 20716
11002 VEIRS MILL RD STE 700 23.6 miles
WHEATON, MD 20902
844 WASHINGTON RD, STE 203 23.7 miles
WESTMINSTER, MD 21157
826 WASHINGTON RD 23.7 miles
WESTMINSTER, MD 21157
3510 HEIDI LN 23.8 miles
SPRINGDALE, MD 20774
1667 Homewood Landing Rd 23.9 miles
Annapolis, MD 21409
222 Washington Road, 24.2 miles
Westminster, MD 21157
226 WASHINGTON HTS MED CTR A 24.3 miles
WESTMINSTER, MD 21157
9801 GEORGIA AVE STE 222 24.3 miles
SILVER SPRING, MD 20902
1419 FOREST DR STE 104 24.5 miles
ANNAPOLIS, MD 21403
3059 SOLOMONS ISLAND RD 24.6 miles
EDGEWATER, MD 21037
(Don't see a DOT drug testing location near you, call us at (800) 221-4291)
Accredited Drug Testing can schedule your DOT drug test at any of our Catonsville, MD Drug testing locations, Call us Today!
"When you need a test, choose the best"
How to schedule a DOT drug test in Catonsville, MD
To schedule any type of DOT drug test or alcohol test in Catonsville, MD call our local scheduling department at (800) 221-4291. You may also schedule your DOT drug test online utilizing our express scheduling registration system by selecting your test and completing the Donor Information/Registration Section. You must register for the test prior to proceeding to the testing center.
The zip code you enter will be used to determine the closest DOT drug or DOT alcohol testing center which performs the type of test you have selected. A donor pass/registration form with the local testing center address, hours of operation and instructions will be sent to the e-mail address you provided. Take this form with you or have it available on your smart phone to provide to the testing center. No appointment is necessary in most cases. However, you must complete the donor information section and pay for the test at the time of registration.
Our laboratories are SAMHSA certified and all test results are verified by our in-house licensed physicians who serve as Medical Review Officers (MRO).
In addition to providing DOT drug testing and DOT breath alcohol testing in Catonsville, MD , Accredited Drug Testing also has additional testing centers throughout the metropolitan area and surrounding cities.
On the road or on vacation, no worries, Accredited Drug Testing has over 20,000 testing centers in all cities Nationwide and we can schedule your test, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME!
What are the DOT drug testing requirements?
In 1991, the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act created the following DOT Agencies which established drug and alcohol testing regulations to ensure that aircraft, trains, trucks, and buses were operated in a safe and responsible manner. As an employer or individual operating in a "Safety Sensitive" position, it is important to understand how these regulations impact you.
49 CFR Part 40 (commonly known as part 40) explains:
- How drug and alcohol testing is conducted
- Who is authorized to participate in the drug and alcohol testing program
- What employees must do before they may return to duty after a drug and/or alcohol violation
Each DOT Agency and the USCG have specific regulations that cover:
- The agency's prohibitions on drug and alcohol use
- Who is subject to comply with these regulations
- What type of testing is required
- When testing is required
- Consequences of non-compliance
FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) amended its rule that would establish requirements for commercial driver's license employers and individuals with regards to the drug and alcohol clearing house which will take affect on January 6, 2020.
The FMCSA Clearinghouse is a secure online database that will allow employers, the FMCSA, State Driver Licensing Agencies, State Law Enforcement and individual CDL operators to access real time important information about a CDL Driver's drug and alcohol program violations and the ultimate goal of this database is to enhance safety on our Nation's public roadways.
For specific requirements, click the appropriate agency listed below in which you or your company is regulated by. Ask about our DOT Complete Compliance Package!
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) (14 CFR Part 120)
- United States Coast Guard (USCG) (46 CFR Parts 4,5 and 16)
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) (49 CFR Part 382)
- Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) (49 CFR Part 199)
- Federal Transit Administration (FTA) (49 CFR Part 655)
- Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) (49 CFR Part 219)
The Opioid Overdose Crisis
Every day, more than 130 people in the United States die after overdosing on opioids. The misuse of and addiction to opioids,including prescription pain relievers, heroin, and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, is a serious national crisis that affects public health as well as social and economic welfare. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the total "economic burden" of prescription opioid misuse alone in the United States is $78.5 billion a year, including the costs of healthcare, lost productivity, addiction treatment, and criminal justice involvement.
- Roughly 21 to 29 percent of patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse them.
- Between 8 and 12 percent develop an opioid use disorder.
- An estimated 4 to 6 percent who misuse prescription opioids transition to heroin.
- About 80 percent of people who use heroin first misused prescription opioids.
- Opioid overdoses increased 30 percent from July 2016 through September 2017 in 52 areas in 45 states.
- The Midwestern region saw opioid overdoses increase 70 percent from July 2016 through September 2017.
- Opioid overdoses in large cities increase by 54 percent in 16 states.
In the late 1990s, pharmaceutical companies reassured the medical community that patients would not become addicted to prescription opioid pain relievers, and healthcare providers began to prescribe them at greater rates. This subsequently led to widespread diversion and misuse of these medications before it became clear that these medications could indeed be highly addictive.3,4 Opioid overdose rates began to increase. In 2017, more than 47,000 Americans died as a result of an opioid overdose, including prescription opioids, heroin, and illicitly manufactured fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid.1That same year, an estimated 1.7 million people in the United States suffered from substance use disorders related to prescription opioid pain relievers, and 652,000 suffered from a heroin use disorder (not mutually exclusive)
DOT Compliance Checklist in Catonsville, MD
DOT 49 CFR Part 40 Requirements for Safety Sensitive Employees.
(FMCSA-FAA-USCG-FRA-PHMSA-FTA)
- Pre-Employment Tests
- Correct Federal Custody & Control Form (CCF)
- Substance Abuse Professional Process
- Regulations on File
- Random Pool Testing
- *Supervisor Training
- *Written Policy
- Post-Accident Testing Situations
- Previous Employers Checks
- Employee Education
- Record Keeping
- Removal of covered Employee
- Designated Employer Representative
* In addition, any company which employs 2 or more covered employees must have a written drug and alcohol policy and all supervisors must complete the DOT Supervisor Reasonable Suspicion Training. (Click here to learn more about our online training programs)
If a DOT covered employee or company does not have a copy of the original pre-employment drug test with a negative result, then a new DOT pre-employment drug test must be conducted, and the result maintained on file.
The department of transportation (DOT) requires that all DOT regulated "safety sensitive" employees have on file a negative DOT pre-employment drug test result and be a member of a DOT approved random selection consortium. In addition, if a DOT regulated company has more than one "safety sensitive" employee, the employer must also have a written DOT drug and alcohol policy and an on-site supervisor must have completed supervisor training for reasonable suspicion of illegal drug use or impairment.
To be compliant with DOT regulations, a company's DOT drug and alcohol testing program must have the following components. Failing to comply can result in significant fines and penalties.
What is a DOT Drug Test in Catonsville, MD ?
On January 1, 2018 the Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a new rule which altered the DOT 5 panel urine test. Employers and individuals should be aware that the current DOT drug test is still a urine drug test, collected by qualified collectors, analyzed at a SAMHSA certified laboratory and reviewed by a licensed Medical Review Officer. Below you will find a list of the drugs that are screened for in the DOT 5 panel urine drug test:
- Marijuana (THC)
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines
- Opioids**
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Pre-employment
- Random
- Reasonable suspicion
- Return to Duty
- Post-Accident
- Follow Up
** Special note: Opioids' was previously called Opiates' and all DOT drug tests will continue to include confirmation testing for Codeine, Morphine, and 6-AM (heroin) when necessary.
In the January rule change, the Department of Transportation (DOT) also added initial screening and confirmation testing for the semi-synthetic opioids Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone, Oxycodone, and Oxymorphone to this Opioids group
When is a DOT drug test required in Catonsville, MD ?
All safety sensitive employees regardless of DOT agency are required for the following drug testing and/or alcohol testing based on each situation:
What is DOT pre employment testing in Catonsville, MD ?
As a new hire or a current employee transferring from a non-safety sensitive function into a safety sensitive function (even with the same employer), you are required to submit to a DOT pre employment drug test.
Some employers may, but are not required to, conduct pre employment alcohol testing. Only after your employer receives a negative pre employment DOT drug test result (and negative alcohol test result - if administered) may you begin performing in a safety-sensitive capacity.
What is random DOT Drug Testing in Catonsville, MD ?
All safety sensitive employees are subject to unannounced random drug & alcohol testing. Alcohol testing is administered just prior to, during or just after performing safety-sensitive functions. Depending on the industry specific regulations, you may only be subject to random drug testing.
Listed below are the current (2019) DOT random testing rates for each DOT agency.
| The following chart outlines the annual minimum drug and alcohol random testing rates established within DOT Agencies and the USCG for 2019. | ||
| DOT Agency | 2019 Random Drug Testing Rate | 2019 Random Alcohol Testing Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [FMCSA] | 25% | 10% |
| Federal Aviation Administration [FAA] | 25% | 10% |
| Federal Railroad Administration [FRA] | 25% - Covered Service 50% - Maintenance of Way * | 10% - Covered Service 25% - Maintenance of Way * |
| Federal Transit Administration [FTA] | 50% | 10% |
| United States Coast Guard [USCG] (with the Dept. of Homeland Security) | 50% | N/A |
| The following chart outlines the annual minimum drug and alcohol random testing rates established within DOT Agencies and the USCG for 2019. |
| DOT Agency 2019 Random Drug Testing Rate 2019 Random Alcohol Testing Rate |
|---|
| Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [FMCSA] 25% 10% |
| Federal Aviation Administration [FAA] 25% 10% |
| Federal Railroad Administration [FRA] 25% - Covered Service / 50% - Maintenance of Way * 10% - Covered Service / 25% - Maintenance of Way * |
| Federal Transit Administration [FTA] 50% 10% |
| United States Coast Guard [USCG] (with the Dept. of Homeland Security) 50% N/A |
What is reasonable suspicion DOT drug testing in Catonsville, MD ?
Safety sensitive individuals and employees are required to submit to any test (whether it is a drug test, alcohol test or both) that a supervisor requests based on reasonable suspicion. Reasonable suspicion means that one or more trained supervisors reasonably believes or suspects that you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Supervisors cannot require testing based on a hunch or guess alone; their suspicion must be based on observations concerning your appearance, behavior, speech and smell that are usually associated with drug or alcohol use
What is return to duty DOT Drug Testing in Catonsville, MD ?
If you have violated the prohibited drug & alcohol testing rules, you are required to take a return to duty drug and/or alcohol test before being allowed to return to a safety-sensitive function for any DOT regulated employer. You may also be subject to unannounced follow-up testing for at least 6 times in the first 12 months following your return to active safety-sensitive service.
Return-to-duty tests must be conducted under direct observation.
What is DOT post accident drug testing Catonsville, MD ?
If you are involved in an event (accident, crash, etc.) meeting certain criteria of the DOT agency, a post-accident drug test will be required. In most cases you will then have to take a drug and alcohol test if you are involved in a qualifying crash. Each DOT agency may have specific rules with regards to what is a post-accident test, for example, the FRA requires a blood specimen for drug testing and an alcohol test.
If you are involved in a qualifying accident, you are required to remain available for this testing and are not permitted to refuse testing.
Remember: Safety-sensitive employees are obligated by law to submit to and cooperate in drug & alcohol testing mandated by DOT regulations.
What is DOT follow up drug testing Catonsville, MD ?
DOT follow up testing occurs when an individual has violated the drug and alcohol testing rules. The amount of follow-up testing you receive is determined by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) and may continue for up to 5 years. This means the SAP will determine how many times you will be tested (at least 6 times in the first year), for how long, and for what substance (i.e. drugs, alcohol, or both). Your employer is responsible for ensuring that follow-up testing is conducted and completed. Follow up testing is in addition to all other DOT required testing and all follow-up tests will be observed. For more information on the SAP process or to locate a Substance Abuse Professional in Catonsville, MD simply call us at (800)221-4291
When you need a test, choose the best!
DOT Drug Testing Services Catonsville, MD
(800)221-4291
For more information regarding the effects of drug abuse - Click Here
For more information on a drug free work place - Click Here
Handy Resources
Comprehensive Online Resources for Drug Testing
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Provides comprehensive information on drug testing and its role in substance use disorder treatment.
- FDA: Drug Testing
Explains the FDA's role and regulations concerning drug testing for consumers.
- PDR.net
Provides detailed drug information and safety updates through a mobile-friendly platform.
- BeSafeRx - FDA
Resource by the FDA to help consumers identify and choose safe online pharmacies.
- SAMHSA: Drug Testing Resources for the Workplace
Resources and guidelines for drug testing in the workplace.
- Drugs.com
Provides drug information, side effects, and interactions for consumers and professionals.
- Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST)
Online version of the DAST to help individuals assess whether they have a drug problem.
- Merck Manuals
Consumer-friendly medical resource providing comprehensive information on a wide array of health topics, including drug testing.
- SAMHSA Store
Provides access to resources and publications on substance use prevention and treatment.
- National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)
Information on state boards of pharmacy and regulations, including those related to drug testing.
- CDC: Workplace Health Promotion
CDC's resources on substance use and drug testing in the workplace.
- Mayo Clinic: Drug Testing
General information about the procedures and types of drug tests.
- MedlinePlus: Drug Testing
Offers information about various drug tests and their uses in medical diagnosis and treatment.
- University of Rochester Medical Center Health Encyclopedia
Provides a detailed entry on drug testing, including how tests are conducted and what they detect.
- World Health Organization (WHO)
International guidelines and information on public health, including substance abuse and drug testing.
- Healthline: Drug Testing
Consumer health site offering information on how drug tests work and what they look for.
- WebMD: Drug Testing
Provides a patient-oriented overview of drug testing and its purposes.
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)
Provides a vast database of scientific studies, including research on drug testing and its effectiveness.
AI Overview
Understanding DOT Drug Testing
DOT drug testing is a regulatory requirement enforced by the United States Department of Transportation to ensure that operators and safety-sensitive personnel in the transportation industry are compliant with federal drug-free workplace laws. This testing applies to millions of transportation professionals across various sectors, including aviation, trucking, railways, public transit, and pipelines.
Regulated Entities and Individuals
- Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers: Includes anyone operating commercial vehicles that require a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
- Aviation Professionals: Applies to pilots, air traffic controllers, flight attendants, and aircraft maintenance personnel.
- Railroad Operators: Covers those who operate trains, prepare vehicles for service, and dispatch operations on the railway.
- Public Transit Workers: Encompasses bus drivers, mechanics, and any staff responsible for the safety of public transport operations.
- Pipeline Operators: Includes individuals involved in the operation and maintenance of pipeline facilities.
What Substances Are Tested?
The DOT drug testing program focuses on several major classes of drugs:
- Amphetamines and Methamphetamines
- Opiates, including heroin, codeine, and morphine
- Cocaine
- THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), found in marijuana
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
Procedure of DOT Drug Testing
The testing process is standardized to prevent tampering and ensure consistent results:
- Sample Collection: Urine samples are collected under strict conditions to ensure that they are not tampered with or substituted.
- Screening Tests: Initial screenings are conducted using immunoassay techniques. If a test is positive, further confirmation is required.
- Confirmation Tests: Confirmatory testing using more precise methods like Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) confirms the presence of specific drugs.
- Review Process: An MRO reviews confirmed positive results to determine if there is a legitimate medical explanation before reporting the result to the employer.
Implications of Non-Compliance
Non-compliance with DOT drug testing regulations can lead to significant consequences:
- Removal from Safety-Sensitive Duties: Employees testing positive are immediately removed from their safety-sensitive duties.
- Rehabilitation and Return-to-Duty Testing: Before returning to duty, employees must undergo an evaluation by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), complete any prescribed treatment, and have negative results on follow-up tests.
- Employment Consequences: Additional consequences may include job suspension, termination, or other disciplinary actions based on the employer’s policies.
DOT drug testing serves as a critical safeguard in the transportation industry, promoting a safe and responsible work environment while ensuring public safety and compliance with federal regulations.
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Local Area Info: Catonsville, Maryland
Catonsville is a census-designated place (CDP) in Baltimore County, Maryland, United States. The population was 41,567 at the 2010 census. The community lies to the west of Baltimore along the city's border. Catonsville contains the majority of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), a major public research university with close to 14,000 students.
Before European colonists settled in present-day Catonsville, the area was occupied by the Piscataway tribe. These Native Americans had good relations with the first European settlers in the area, but wars and diseases caused their population to decline. The remainder of the tribe’s population gradually dispersed. In the early 1700s, colonists slowly settled in the area, and roads were built. The first of these settlements in the present-day Catonsville area was Johnnycake Town, settled in the 1720s. Johnnycake Town was named after the kind of cornbread sold to travelers at the local tavern. Although Johnnycake Town has since disappeared from maps, its main roads, Johnnycake and Rolling Road, still exist today. Rolling Road was used to transport tobacco from plantations south to the Patapsco River on horse-drawn wagons. In 1787, the Ellicott family built a road, called the Frederick Turnpike, to transport goods from their flour mill, Ellicott Mills, to the Baltimore harbor. The turnpike was built just south of where Johnnycake Town was. Charles Carroll, who was the last surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence, owned land next to the newly built road. He instructed his son-in-law, Richard Caton, to develop the area along the road. He gave his name to the community and called it “Catonville”, although the name was changed to “Catonsville” in the 1830s. For decades, the village remained as a quiet farming community. Businesses sprang up along the Frederick Turnpike to cater to travelers traveling from Ellicott City to the Baltimore harbor. Naturally, Catonsville served as a layover stop for the travelers, and the town increasingly grew and developed. The pleasant surroundings attracted wealthy Baltimorean merchants, who, eager to escape the summer heat, built large Victorian and colonial summer homes there. Many of these homes still stand today. Starting in 1862, horsecar services connected Catonsville to Baltimore, and in 1884, the Catonsville Short Line railroad was built, providing 8 roundtrip trains to Baltimore daily. This allowed people to live in Catonsville but commute to work in Baltimore. Commuter traffic exploded in the 1890s with the construction of electric streetcar lines and fancy housing developments. Catonsville had become one of the first commuter suburbs in the United States. Baltimore had tried to annex Catonsville, although their attempts have all been failures. Their last attempt was in 1918. Homes of all sizes were being constructed rapidly until the 1950s when much of land around the Frederick Turnpike had been converted into housing.
In 2002, the Maryland legislature issued a proclamation declaring Catonsville to be "Music City, Maryland", because of the concentration of musical retail stores, venues and educational facilities in the area. Life Sounds Great is a series of compilation albums highlighting Catonsville musicians.