Dr. James Hall constructed Claremont Overlook in 1858. It is an outstanding and rare example of an architect-designed home in the Italianate style. A one-story brick outbuilding behind the house likely served as a kitchen and may predate the main house.

According to Howard County Tourism, Inc., the site, which overlooks the Thomas Viaduct and Patapsco River, was the only Civil War fort/battery in Howard County. During the Civil war, Maryland was mostly sympathetic to the southern cause. If Maryland had been allowed to secede with the rest of the Southern states, the capital of Washington would be located behind enemy lines. To secure the state, Lincoln sent General Benjamin Butler to occupy important positions throughout the state. On May 5th, 1861, General Butler sent the 8th New York and 6th Massachusetts Regiments and Cook's Battery to protect the railroad property from attack or sabotage by the South.

Currently, the site is being considered for residential development.