One of Baltimore's first suburbs, Mount Washington was originally part of a 17th-century land grant owned by Edward Stevenson. The hilly terrain provided a sense of privacy and isolation from the commerce of downtown Baltimore, and the cool summer breezes and cleaner air attracted city dwellers. With the advent of rail transportation, the village of Mount Washington evolved into a summer retreat in the mid-1800s. Shortly thereafter, it blossomed into an independent community of year-round residents who love the rural setting but may enjoy the urban amenities of downtown just minutes away. The nearby communities of Pimlico and Pikesville were established by Jewish families who migrated from the downtown area. The communities featured in Around Mount Washington have managed to retain elements of rural charm that originally attracted visitors in the 19th century.