National Register Listing

Hays, Joseph C., House

a.k.a. 103-105 W. Main St.; WA-II-719, WA-II-720

103-105 W. Main St., Sharpsburg, MD
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2006.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture houses residential buildings
Maryland was once a center of the slave trade: Maryland was one of the thirteen colonies that allowed slavery, and by the mid-18th century, it had become a major center of the domestic slave trade. Maryland slave traders sold enslaved people to plantation owners in other southern colonies and to the Caribbean.
Maryland random facts
Washington County, Maryland has a rich and vibrant history that dates back to the early 18th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and the Susquehannock. In 1732, the land that would become Washington County was part of a land grant given to the first president of the United States, George Washington. However, it wasn't until 1776 that the county was officially established.

During the American Revolutionary War, Washington County played a significant role. Many residents of the county enlisted in the Continental Army, and several key battles were fought in the region. One such battle was the Battle of Antietam in 1862, which was the bloodiest single-day battle in American history. The county saw a major influx of soldiers and activity during the war, leaving lasting scars on the landscape.

After the war, Washington County experienced significant growth and development. The arrival of the Cumberland Valley Railroad in the mid-19th century brought increased trade and commerce. The county became an important transportation hub, connecting various regions and facilitating economic growth. Agriculture also thrived in the area, with crops such as wheat, corn, and apples being major contributors to the local economy.

Today, Washington County is a diverse and thriving community. It is known for its historical landmarks, including the Antietam National Battlefield and the C&O Canal, both of which attract tourists from around the world. The county also has a strong agricultural presence, with farms and vineyards dotting the countryside. Additionally, Washington County is home to several educational institutions, including Hagerstown Community College and the University System of Maryland at Hagerstown. Overall, the history of Washington County, MD reflects a rich tapestry of Native American heritage, Revolutionary War significance, and ongoing growth and prosperity.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Washington County, Maryland.

  • 1776 - Washington County, MD is established on September 6th.
  • 1781 - Hagerstown, the county seat of Washington County, is founded.
  • 1814 - The Battle of Hagerstown takes place during the War of 1812.
  • 1827 - The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal begins construction in Washington County.
  • 1842 - The Western Maryland Railroad is founded, enhancing transportation in the county.
  • 1861 - During the Civil War, Washington County is the first in Maryland to vote against secession.
  • 1862 - The Battle of Antietam, one of the bloodiest battles in American history, occurs in Washington County.
  • 1873 - The Maryland Agricultural College (now the University of Maryland) is established in Hagerstown.
  • 1937 - The Appalachian Trail, which passes through Washington County, is completed.
  • 1943 - The Army's Fort Ritchie is established in Washington County.
  • 1975 - The Hagerstown Regional Airport opens for commercial flights.
  • 1984 - The Maryland Symphony Orchestra is founded in Hagerstown.