Trojan Boat Company on the Elk River

The Trojan Boat Company opened a manufacturing plant on Oldfield Point Road, a short distance below Landing Lane in Elkton in the spring of 1965. The Lancaster PA company had acquired 26 acres of land at the top of the Elk River for its 30,000 square-foot industrial structure, which was built by a Philadelphia firm, Trobo Realty. When it opened plans called for 40 to 50 men to be employed at the Elkton operation, according to the Cecil Whig. A 42-foot leisure boat, as well as 31- and 36-foot craft, were to be built there. While smaller boats were also manufactured in Lancaster, Elkton was the only location where the 42-foot boat was made.

Trojan launched its first “pleasure craft” into the Elk River on July 30, 1965. The plant and launch area were on the River a short distance below Elk Landing and the river had been dredged in that area to accommodate launches. Several members of the Economic Development Commission were on hand for the occasion as the commission was instrumental in bringing the industry to Cecil County.

The original Trojan Boat Company of Lancaster, PA ended production in 1992, hampered by a new luxury tax on boats, changing customer preferences, and modernization of the industry. The Elkton plan closed at the end of 1989. It has also been hampered by silting in the river.