The Patterson Viaduct was one of three (along with the Carrollton Viaduct and Oliver Viaduct) constructed for the first phase of the railroad, which ran  between Baltimore and Ellicott's Mills (today's Ellicott City). Similar in construction to the Carrollton Viaduct, the Patterson Viaduct was named for B&O director and well known civic leader and merchant William Patterson, who also donated land for Patterson Park in east Baltimore.
The Patterson Viaduct, along with the Carrollton and Oliver Viaducts, formed part of the initial railroad line between Baltimore and Ellicott's Mills (now Ellicott City).  It was named after William Patterson, a prominent figure in Baltimore who donated land for Patterson Park.