Proudly the Oldest Hardware Store in Maryland.

Two locations to serve the community. Ellicott City and Columbia.

Family-Owned by Maryland Locals Since 1845

Clarks ACE Hardware is a local family-owned business that has been in business for 175 years.

In 1845, John L. Clark opened Clarks Farm Supplies in Ellicott City, Maryland. Little did he know that seven generations of Clarks later, his hardware store legacy would live on as Clarks ACE Hardware, still located in Ellicott City and now the 3rd oldest family hardware store in America.

What has sustained Clarks for 175 years in the business is a strong family work ethic, a total dedication to customer service, adapting quickly to changes in the hardware business, and the ability to adopt new technology. Today, Margaret Clark is the seventh generation owner and leverages the latest technology to ensure that Clarks ACE Hardware’s Columbia and Ellicott City locations are stocked with the products that her customers need. She finds opportunities to give back to the community and provide the items customers need. In 2020, Clarks Hardware has already donated over $100,000 to different causes, including donating PPE to the local hospitals.