Marriott theme park, Redskins stadium once planned in Laurel [History Matters]

By Kevin Leonard

Throughout its history, Laurel's location between two major metropolitan cities has made the town a target for eager developers. Two super-sized projects were proposed, one in the 1970s and one in the 1990s, and both were ultimately defeated after resounding public opposition. Either project would have had a major impact on Laurel's economy and community, had they come to fruition.

Marriott's Great America Park

In 1972 the Marriott Corporation announced ambitious plans to open three Great America theme parks. Two parks, in California and Chicago, were completed, and a third park was planned in Howard County, at the southwest quadrant of Route I-95 and Route 32.

Former Gov. Marvin Mandel participated in the announcement of the massive 850-acre complex, which was to have three separate parks. A theme park would reflect the diverse regions of the U.S. by replicating areas such as Cape Cod, the Old West, rural America and the Klondike. A grand-scale marine park was planned, with observation windows under lakes and tanks, and live shows similar to Sea World. An animal preserve would have allowed visitors to ride trams through jungle settings, observing animals in the "wild."

Read full article here from the Baltimore Sun