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GENERAL INFORMATION
Washington County,
Maryland is rich in history. Named after America’s first president
George Washington, Washington County was created in 1776. This was
the first County in the United States to do this. As of now, near
30 counties use the name “Washington County” in other
states.
While Washington
County has many hills and is a mountainous area, it is best known
in Maryland for its agricultural products and livestock. It is the
number one fruit and nut producer in Maryland. Washington County
also produces dairy products. Some of the agricultural other then
fruit that Washington County grows are: corn, wheat, oats, clover,
and barely.
Hagerstown played
a part in the Civil War. Hagerstown did not have plantations so
they voted against secession. But because of the need for food and
supplies the town became very prosperous. In 1863, General McCausland
of the Confederate army came to Hagerstown and demanded large amounts
and clothing. The town has able to supply the money but was unable
to supply the clothing demand.
One of Washington County’s
biggest attractions is the Antietam National Battlefield. This was
the site of the Civil War’s bloodiest battle. In total, 23,381
men died on that day September 17, 1862. The Battlefield is ten
miles from Hagerstown. Today, there are re-enactments, monuments,
a Visitor Center, and maps at the Battlefield. Also present is the
Antietam National Cemetery. Established in 1865, it contains 5037
graves of soldiers.
Washington County’s
Boonsboro also was involved in the Civil War. A small battle occurred
here and the town was also used to nurse hurt soldiers from The
Battle of Antietam. George and William Boone, who were both related
to Daniel Boone, founded Boonsboro in 1774.
The town of Williamsport
also played a part in Civil War history. General Robert E. Lee held
the town briefly before the Battle of Gettysburg. Williamsport gets
its name from Otho Holland Williams who founded. The town was also
a lively port and a center of commerce.
The History
of Washington is not only interesting to the reader, but it also
very important to the Civil War. Washington County is a mix of farms,
lively historic towns, and rolling hills. The history of Washington
County is rich, its landscape is beautiful, and its significance
to Maryland is great.
SCHOOL INFORMATION
Please
click on the apple below to view area school information.
COMMUNITY
INFORMATION
Please
click on the link below to view community information throughout
Washington County directly from the Washington County, Maryland
Convention & Visitors Bureau.
http://www.marylandmemories.org/proof/communities.html
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