National Register Listings in
Washington County, Maryland

Antietam Hall Antietam Iron Furnace Site and Antietam Village Antietam National Battlefield B & O Bridge B & O Railroad Potomac River Crossing Baker Farm Bell-Varner House Boonsboro Historic District Bowman House Brightwood Cedar Grove Chapline, William, House Clagett, Robert, Farm Colonial Theatre Cool Hollow Home Ditto Knolls Donnelly, Daniel, House Dorsey-Palmer House Doub Farm Doub's Mill Historic District Elliot-Bester House Elmwood Fiery, Joseph, House Fort Frederick State Park Funk, Jacob M., Farm Funkstown Historic District Garden Hill Geeting Farm Good-Hartle Farm Good-Reilly House Hager House Hagerman, William, Farmstead Hagerstown Armory Hagerstown Charity School Hagerstown City Park Historic District Hagerstown Commercial Core Historic District Hagerstown Historic District Hays, Joseph C., House Highbarger, Jacob, House Hills, Dales, and the Vineyard Hitt's Mill and Houses Hoffman Farm Hogmire-Berryman Farm Houses At 16-22 East Lee Street Huckleberry Hall Ingram-Schipper Farm John Brown's Headquarters Keedy House Keedysville Historic District Kefauver Place Lantz-Zeigler House Lehman's Mill Historic District Leitersburg Historic District Long Meadows Magnolia Plantation Mannheim Maples, The Marsh Mills Maryland Heights, Spur Battery Maryland Theatre McCauley, Henry, Farm Mount Airy Nicodemus Mill Complex Oak Hill Historic District Old Forge Farm Old Washington County Library Packhorse Ford Paradise Manor Piper House Plumb Grove Potomac-Broadway Historic District Price-Miller House Rockland Farm Rockledge Rohrer House Rose Hill Search Well Sharpsburg Historic District Snively Farm South Prospect Street Historic District Sprechers Mill House Springfield Farm St. Mark's Episcopal Church-Lappans Tammany Tolson's Chapel Trovinger Mill Valentia Washington County Courthouse Washington Monument Western Maryland Railway Station Western Maryland Railway Steam Locomotive No. 202 Williamsport Historic District Willows, The Wilson School Wilson's Bridge Wilson, Rufus, Complex Wilson-Miller Farm Woburn Manor
Maryland was the first state to pass a law requiring free public education: In 1827, Maryland became the first state to pass a law requiring free public education for all children. The law was initially aimed at poor children, but eventually expanded to include all children regardless of their economic status.
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 concise overview of the key events in the history 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.