Introduction to Hagerstown, Maryland
Hagerstown is situated next to the Potomac River near the edge of the Appalachian Mountains in Washington County. It's the industrial and commercial center for the region. The city is known as the "Hub City" due to the substantial number of railroads as well as roads that serve the city. Visitors will notice a big city type of nightlife. The Western Maryland Blues Fest is a significant event for the city, attracting thousands of people annually.
History
The town was established in 1762 by Jonathan Hager, a volunteer Captain of Scouts in the French and Indian War. Due to being strategically located on the border area of the North and the South during the Civil War, it was a primary staging location and supply base. Doctors and citizens of the town provided health care for Confederate and Union soldiers at a variety of locations in the city during the war. Smallpox was a major problem due to soldiers returning from the war and spreading the disease. Beginning in 1931 and until 1984 Fairchild Aircraft was the major employer. The city was known as the "Home of the Flying Box Car" due to the significance of the company for the town as well as the nation.
Transportation
Transportation is provided by County Commuter buses. The city is served by the Hagerstown Regional Airport. The major airports that provide transportation include the Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Harrisburg International Airport and the Washington Dulles International Airport.
Historic Sites
Hagerstown is located in the Historic Highlands. The area offers numerous noteworthy sites from the Civil War.
- Antietam National Battlefield is the location of one of the bloodiest days in the history of the country
- South Mountain State Battlefield is located in Washington County
- Gettysburg Battlefield
- Monocacy Battlefield
- Harpers Ferry Battlefield
- Fort Frederick State Park is home to a restored fort that was utilized during the French and Indian War
- Washington Monument State Park is nearby and was made in tribute to President George Washington
Attractions
- The Washington Museum of Fine Arts
- Hager House and Museum
- Western Maryland 202 Locomotive Display and Museum
- Mansion House Art Gallery
- Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum
- Discovery Museum
- Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park Headquarters
- Maryland Theatre
- Augustoberfest
- Alsatia Mummers' Parade is a prominent nighttime Halloween parade
- Hagerstown City Park
Activities
The area is popular for mountain biking, fishing, canoeing and other outdoor activities. The Appalachian Trail as well as the C&O Canal Towpath are located close to the town. The Hagerstown Suns participate in minor league baseball games. The well known Hagerstown Speedway is a popular dirt-track racing site.
Higher Education
The city is home to The University System of Maryland at Hagerstown, Kaplan College and Hagerstown Community College. Mount Saint Mary's University has a campus in the town.
