(from the Almanac of United States Cities, 1973)

Mayefield was formed from land on the fall line of the Patuxent River owned by the Maye family. A grist mill on the site circa 1811 grew to a small cotton mill by the 1820s. In 1835, coinciding with the opening of the rail line from Baltimore to Washington, the Maye Manufacturing Company was chartered and the mill expanded greatly. The Maye family built housing for close to 300 workers, and a bigger cotton mill. Cotton duck from the mill was shipped down what would become Mayefield’s Main Street then by rail to east coast cities. A substantial dam was built in 1850. As a mill town, Mayefield was somewhat unique in the area, and was surrounded by agricultural endeavors.

The community was originally known as Mayefield Mill, and was a true company town, with a school and shops, and many of the mill workers homes owned until the 1860s by the company. During the 1840s, three historic churches were established in the community: the First United Methodist Church, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, and St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

During the Civil War, Mayefield was a divided community, but with many Southern sympathizers. Union soldiers patrolled the railroad, and for a time there was also a Union hospital. During the latter half of the 19th century, while it still operated its factories, manufacturing played a less important role in the community. Mayefield evolved into an early suburban town. Many of its residents commuted by rail to jobs in Washington or Baltimore. The town was incorporated in 1870 and reincorporated in 1890 to coincide with a new electric power plant and paved streets.

In 1899, Mayefield’s seven-time mayor Richard Deacon succeeded in constructing the first high school in the county, despite several financial obstacles. The original building still stands on the corner of Wisteria and Sixth Streets.

Horse racing has been a major part of Mayefield’s sporting and economic life since the early 1900’s. At one time, Mayefield hosted both Thoroughbred and harness racing tracks. The harness racing track was closed in the 1960’s. The remaining Mayefield Park is a one of the three major Thoroughbred racing tracks in the state.

On May 15, 1972, Governor Willie Blount of Mississippi, running for the presidential nomination of the Democratic Party, was campaigning at a rally in the parking lot of Mayefield Shopping Center, when he was shot and paralyzed by a disturbed, out-of-work janitor.

On June 22, 1972, Mayefield was impacted severely by Hurricane Patrice, which caused the greatest flooding ever recorded in Maryland. Several bridges were destroyed and the dam was at capacity and posed a huge threat.
As of the census of 1970, there were 11,960 people residing in the city. The racial makeup of the city was 64% White, 23% African American, 6% Hispanic or Latino, 4% Asian, and 3% from other races

The city of Mayefield has its own police force. The Mayefield Volunteer Fire Department was formed in 1902. Volunteer staffing is supplemented by five career personnel. The company operates three fire engines. The Mayefield Volunteer Rescue Squad was formed in 1952. Volunteer staffing is supplemented by four career personnel. The company operates one heavy rescue squad, one rescue-engine, three basic life support ambulances, and a swift water rescue team. Mayefield Regional Hospital is located on Free State Road.

Mayefield is governed by a 5-member city council and a mayor. There are two political wards in the city. Two council members are elected from each ward, and a council member is elected at large. Residents vote for all five council members, who must reside in the respective wards they represent. Nonpartisan citywide elections are held every two years on the third Monday in March.

Mayefield has one local newspaper, the Mayefield Messenger, published by Hyatt Maye, a direct descendent of the town’s founding family. In addition, there is one medium-wave AM radio station, WMMD, broadcasting at AM 900.

Mayefield’s Department of Parks & Recreation sponsors seasonal sports leagues for adults, with youth leagues in the area offered by the Mayefield Boys and Girls Club. Events are held among seven city parks, two athletic fields, and one community center. The city also operates a municipal swimming pool and tennis courts.