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North Chevy Chase, Maryland

North Chevy Chase is a incorporated village in Montgomery County, Maryland, United States. It was established as a special tax district in 1924 and incorporated as a village in 1996. The population was 682 at the 2020 census, up from 519 in 2010.

The town is part of a larger community, colloquially referred to as Chevy Chase, that includes several adjoining settlements in Montgomery County and one neighborhood of Washington, D.C.

History
North Chevy Chase lies on the site of Clean Drinking plantation, a much larger colonial land grant visited by George Washington as reported in his diary.

Residential development of the area began in the early 20th century when William H. Walker laid out a community and began selling lots. The area was crossed by the Chevy Chase Lake & Kensington Railway, a two-mile streetcar line built in 1895 to connect the new town of Kensington to the northern terminus of the Rock Creek Railway streetcar line from the District of Columbia.

In 1924, residents incorporated as a special tax district.

After the streetcar line shut down in 1935, Montgomery County purchased much of the right-of-way, paved it, and opened it in 1940 as Kensington Parkway, the area's main road.

North Chevy Chase was officially incorporated as a village in 1996.

Geography
North Chevy Chase is located in southern Montgomery County at 39.00167°N, -77.07389°W (39.001709, -77.073908). It is surrounded by unincorporated neighborhoods of Chevy Chase and is less than 3 mi north of the District of Columbia.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.12 sqmi, all land.

North Chevy Chase lies immediately south of the Capital Beltway (I-495), just to the east of the interchange with Connecticut Avenue (MD 185). The village is crossed by Kensington Parkway which runs parallel to Connecticut Avenue.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 519 people, 189 households, and 144 families living in the village. The population density was 4718.2 PD/sqmi. There were 195 housing units at an average density of 1772.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 83.8% White, 7.7% African American, 5.4% Asian, 0.8% from other races, and 2.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.6% of the population.

There were 189 households, of which 37.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 69.3% were married couples living together, 5.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 1.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 23.8% were non-families. 18.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.75 and the average family size was 3.17.

The median age in the village was 45.2 years. 27% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 17% were from 25 to 44; 35.9% were from 45 to 64; and 14.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 46.1% male and 53.9% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 465 people, 173 households, and 126 families living in the village. The population density was 4,094.5 PD/sqmi. There were 176 housing units at an average density of 1,549.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 92.47% White, 4.52% African American, 0.22% Native American, 0.86% Asian, 0.22% from other races, and 1.72% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.94% of the population.

There were 173 households, out of which 37.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.0% were married couples living together, 11.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.6% were non-families. 20.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.69 and the average family size was 3.11.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 27.1% under the age of 18, 3.9% from 18 to 24, 24.3% from 25 to 44, 28.2% from 45 to 64, and 16.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.4 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $103,196, and the median income for a family was $106,942. Males had a median income of $72,292 versus $39,583 for females. The per capita income for the village was $43,499. About 1.7% of families and 2.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.5% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

Education
North Chevy Chase is a part of the Montgomery County Public Schools. Zoned schools include Rosemary Hills Elementary School (PreK-2), North Chevy Chase Elementary School (3-6), Westland Middle School, (6-8) and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School.

North Chevy Chase Elementary School is a magnet elementary school. It opened in 1953 as a community school. After closing in the early 1970s the school reopened in 1972, after the formation of Rosemary Hills Primary School, to serve as a magnet for grades 3–6.

Transportation
No state highways directly serve North Chevy Chase. The most significant road serving the town is Kensington Parkway. However, just outside the town limits, Maryland Route 185 (Connecticut Avenue) has an interchange with Interstate 495 (the Capital Beltway), providing easy road access to much of the region.

Government
The village is governed by a citizens committee of five members, including a chairman.

title: North Chevy Chase, Maryland


text:
North Kensington, Maryland

North Kensington is a census-designated place and an unincorporated area in Montgomery County, Maryland, United States. It had a population of 9,497 in 2020.

Geography
As an unincorporated area, North Kensington's boundaries are not officially defined. North Kensington is, however, recognized by the United States Census Bureau and by the United States Geological Survey as a census-designated place.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the place has a total area of 1.5 sqmi, all land.

This residential community is on the East and West sides of Connecticut Avenue, Southeast of Veirs Mill Road, and primarily North of University Blvd. The Montgomery County public schools serving this area are Newport Mill Middle School, Albert Einstein High School and Rockview Elementary School.

Demographics
At the 2000 census there were 8,940 people, 3,527 households, and 2,197 families living in the area. The population density was 5,799.5 PD/sqmi. There were 3,631 housing units at an average density of 2,355.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the area was 67.00% White, 13.31% African American, 0.39% Native American, 8.66% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 6.33% from other races, and 4.24% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 15.08%.

Of the 3,527 households 25.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.8% were married couples living together, 11.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.7% were non-families. 29.8% of households were one person and 10.9% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 3.07.

The age distribution was 21.0% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 32.5% from 25 to 44, 23.7% from 45 to 64, and 16.6% 65 or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.4 males.

The median household income was $65,144 and the median family income was $75,554. Males had a median income of $46,631 versus $40,609 for females. The per capita income for the area was $28,816. About 3.7% of families and 6.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.4% of those under age 18 and 8.1% of those age 65 or over.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: North Kensington, Maryland


text:
North Potomac, Maryland

North Potomac is a census-designated place and unincorporated area in Montgomery County, Maryland, United States. It is located less than 5 mi north of the Potomac River, and is about 20 mi from Washington, D.C. It has a population of 23,790 as of 2020.

The region's land was originally used for growing tobacco, which was replaced by wheat and dairy farming after the soil became depleted. The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal was used by local farmers to ship their grain (or flour made from the grain at the local mills), and two former canal locks are located less than 5 mi away in the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. In addition, infrastructure remains for what was one of the state's leading dairy farms during the first half of the 20th century.

North Potomac did not get an identity of its own until 1989, when the United States Post Office allowed the use of the North Potomac name for what is mostly a collection of housing sub-divisions, farms, and wooded parks. The United States Census Bureau listed a North Potomac in 1970 but not 1980. In 2000, it began recognizing North Potomac as a census designated place. Today, the community benefits from its proximity to workplaces such as the Shady Grove Hospital area and the I-270 Technology Corridor. Washington, D.C. is accessible by automobile or public transportation. The median household income is nearly $160,000, and nearly half of the eligible residents have a graduate or professional degree.

History
Captain John Smith explored the Potomac River in 1608 and mapped the area, including land that would become Montgomery County. The first settlements were established in 1688, and were near Rock Creek and what became Rockville. The next stage of settlements was further west along the Potomac near Darnestown and Poolesville. The land had been occupied by Native Americans of the Piscataway Confederation. Modern-day Darnestown Road, which forms the northern border of North Potomac, was a trail of the indigenous Seneca people and is one of the oldest roads in Montgomery County.

Originally, the land around present-day North Potomac was used by European settlers to grow tobacco and corn. During the 19th century, a network of roads, mills, and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal (a.k.a. C&O Canal) provided farmers with better access to markets. Dufief Mill Road, which runs through the center of North Potomac, leads to the DuFief Mill (established 1850)—one of the mills that were used by farmers in this part of Montgomery County. By 1840, much of the county's soil was depleted. Quakers began introducing improved farming practices and agriculture was revitalized. By 1860, farmers were growing corn, wheat and oats.

In 1878, today's North Potomac was still farmland. The nearest general stores and post offices were in Hunting Hill, Travilah, and Darnestown. The Hunting Hill Post Office and general store was located on Darnestown Road between Muddy Branch Road and Travilah Road, and it also provided wheelwright and blacksmith services. It operated from 1873 until 1929. Darnestown had three country stores, and the Windsor store also served as a Post Office until 1911. Travilah, located closer to the canal, had a general store but no name in 1878. The Travilah Post Office was established in 1883, and the community eventually took that name. Eventually, some of the farmland was sold. During the Great Depression, some farmers became eager to sell their land because of financial hardship. Wealthy individuals began buying property in the Potomac area as part of their search for land where they could ride horses and hunt. Some of this equestrian heritage continues in North Potomac today at the Potomac Horse Center. Mortgage banker Frederick Harting established this training facility, for horses and riders, in the early 1960s. It was purchased by Montgomery County in 1981 and has been the site of horse shows.

Several area farms, such as the 355-acre (144 ha) Maple Spring Farm, continued well into the 20th century. Much of this farm's land was sold in the 1970s and became North Potomac's Dufief subdivision. In 1970, the United States Census Bureau considered North Potomac an unincorporated place that was part of the Darnestown and Travilah areas. By 1989, North Potomac consisted of about 25 housing subdivisions mixed with old farms. About 80 percent of those subdivisions were built since 1983. In late 1989, the United States Postal Service approved the North Potomac name for a region surrounded by the Montgomery County communities of Darnestown, Travilah, Gaithersburg and Rockville. ZIP Codes were not changed, so most of North Potomac uses the 20878 code used by Gaithersburg and part of Darnestown. In 1990, North Potomac began being listed by the Census Bureau as a census-designated place, but census records show no data for 1980. The last major farm in the area is the Hanson Farm, and work began in 2009 for approval to build single-family homes on the farmland.

Historic places

The historic DuFief Mill site is located near the intersection of Turkey Foot Road and the Muddy Branch in Muddy Branch Regional Park. John L. DuFief built a mill complex in the 1850s that was about 3 mi from the C&O Canal. A road connected his gristmill, blacksmith's shop, and miller's house to the Pennyfield Lock on the C&O Canal, where he operated a warehouse, barrel house, and wharf. The canal was necessary because the Potomac River was not navigable by ships and barges at Great Falls. Construction of the C&O Canal, which began in the 1830s and was completed in 1850, opened the region to important markets and lowered shipping costs. After DuFief established this mill and its access to the canal, more roads were constructed, which enabled him to serve farmers from as far away as Germantown and Damascus in addition to the local growers.

Three other sites of historic significance remain in North Potomac. The privately owned Maple Spring Barns are located at the intersection of Dufief Mill Road and Darnestown Road, and were part of one of the largest dairy farms in Maryland during the 20th century. The Pleasant View Historic Site consists of the Pleasant View Methodist Episcopal Church (chapel built in 1914), Pleasant View Cemetery, and the Quince Orchard Colored School (built in 1901). All structures are located on the south side of Darnestown Road near the Quince Orchard area. The church's congregation was established around 1868. The Poplar Grove Baptist Church, located on Jones Lane, is the sole surviving 19th century Baptist church of an African-American congregation in Montgomery County. The church was built in 1893 near a tributary of the Muddy Branch, and immersion baptisms are said to have taken place in the tributary during the church's early years.

Geography
As an unincorporated area, North Potomac's boundaries are not officially defined. However, the United States Census Bureau recognized a North Potomac in the 1970 census, and then as a census-designated place (North Potomac CDP) in every census since 1990. As of the 2010 census, North Potomac is located north of the Potomac River in west central Montgomery County, roughly 20 mi from Washington, D.C. It is bordered to the north by Gaithersburg, which lies beyond Maryland Route 28 (Darnstown Road). Rockville, along Glen Road, is on the east border, while the Travilah CDP, mostly along Travilah Road, forms the southern border. The Darnestown CDP along Jones Lane and Turkey Foot Road forms the western boundary. Like North Bethesda, residents have held misconceptions about North Potomac's existence, incorrectly arguing that it is part of Gaithersburg and that the name is a neologism created by realtors.

Between the 1990 and 2000 census, North Potomac gained and lost land. The loss was caused when a portion of the North Potomac territory, plus Potomac territory, was used to create the Travilah census designated place. According to the United States Census Bureau, North Potomac has a total area of 6.6 sqmi, virtually all land. The Muddy Branch and its tributary Rich Branch are streams that run through North Potomac, and the Muddy Branch empties into the Potomac River. The United States Geological Survey lists two features in Montgomery County with North Potomac in all or part of their name. The North Potomac Census Designated Place is listed with an elevation of 390 ft, while the North Potomac Populated Place has an elevation of 256 ft.

Climate
According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, North Potomac has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps. There are four distinct seasons, with winters typically cold with moderate snowfall, while summers are usually warm and humid. July is the warmest month, while January is the coldest. Average monthly precipitation ranges from about 2.5 to 4 in. The highest recorded temperature was 105.0 °F and the lowest recorded temperature was -13.0 °F. There is a 50 percent probability that the first frost of the season will occur by October 21, and a 50 percent probability that the final frost will occur by April 16.

Demographics
As of 2018 estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau, North Potomac has a population of 24,148 with a median household income of $159,232 and a poverty rate of 2.3 percent. The number of housing units in North Potomac is estimated to be 8,168. The median age is 43.4 years, which is higher than the 37.9 median for the United States. 25.5 percent of residents were under the age of 18, while 14.2 percent were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.1 percent male and 51.9 percent female.

The racial makeup of North Potomac was 51.6 percent White alone, 35.8 percent Asian alone, 7.3 percent Black or African American alone, and a 5 percent total for all other categories. Over half of the Asian population is Chinese, while Asian Indians and Koreans also have a significant presence. The educational attainment for the community is above the average for the United States, with 97.8 percent of North Potomac residents eligible being a high school graduate or higher, while the same figure for the United States is 87.7 percent. A graduate or professional degree was attained by 47.6 percent.

In 2017, ranking and review site Niche ranked North Potomac as the best place to live in Maryland and 43rd in the nation out of more than 15,000 places. In 2019, Money Inc. named North Potomac the best place to live in Maryland because of great schools, low crime, and a booming job market.

2010 census
North Potomac is considered part of the Washington, DC–VA–MD Urbanized Area. As of the 2010 U.S. census, its population was 24,410—a ranking of 51 for the state of Maryland. The population density was 3743.9 PD/sqmi. There were 8,178 housing units at an average density of 1254.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the community was 51.9% White, 7.3% African American, 0.2% Native American, 35.8% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander, and 3.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 5.7% of the population.

Government
The western side of North Potomac is in District 2 of the Montgomery County Council, while the eastern side is in District 3. The county council has representatives from each of five districts plus four at-large members. All members are elected at once and serve four-year terms. The North Potomac Citizen's Association is a volunteer organization that keeps state and local governments informed on North Potomac's point of view for issues that affect the community.

North Potomac is served by the Montgomery County Police Department, which has its 1st District–Rockville headquarters on the north side of Darnestown Road in Gaithersburg. Portions of the North Potomac CDP may also be served by the Rockville City Police Department. The Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service Public Safety Headquarters is at the same location as the 1st District police headquarters. Two fire and rescue stations that serve North Potomac are located on Darnestown Road. Station 32 is located at the intersection of Darnestown Road and Shady Grove Road. Station 31 is located further west near Quince Orchard, and is a Rockville Fire Department that provides services for the county.

Economy
The data based on the Census Bureau 2012 Survey of Business Owners lists 2,292 firms in North Potomac. The number of firms with paid employees is 362, and those firms employ 1,579 people. The data are divided using the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), and the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services category (NAICS 54) is the leader in firms (168), paid employees (312), annual payroll $16.2 million, and sales $50.4 million. Other important categories include Health Care and Social Assistance (NAICS 62) and Administrative and Support (NAICS 56).

North Potomac is close to major employers such as Shady Grove Hospital and the technology companies along Interstate 270. Over 25 biotech companies and over 25 technology companies have facilities in the I-270 Technology Corridor in the Rockville, Gaithersburg, or Germantown area. North Potomac residents who commute further distances to work typically use Interstate 270 or the Shady Grove subway station on the Washington Metro system, which serves the region.

North Potomac residents have two shopping centers located within its 2010 census CDP boundaries and several others in the nearby area. The Travilah Square Shopping Center is located at the intersection of Travilah Road and Darnestown Road. It has a grocery store, pizza place, and other stores. The Traville Village Center is located on Traville Gateway Drive near Shady Grove Road and the Universities at Shady Grove. It has space for 25 merchants, and has a grocery store and multiple restaurants. Based on 2012 census data, total retail sales for the North Potomac CDP were $39.0 million.

Transportation
Maryland Route 28, a state highway, connects North Potomac with Rockville and provides access to Interstate 270. Darnestown Road and Route 28 are united along most of North Potomac's northern border. Dufief Mill Road and Quince Orchard Road run through the middle of the community and connect with Darnstown Road. The closest interstate highways are to the north and east. Maryland's Interstate 270 is a major north–south highway that connects with Washington's Capital Beltway (a.k.a. Interstate 495). Interstate 370 and the Intercounty Connector toll road (MD 200) are nearby major east–west highways that connect to Interstate 95.

Portions of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's Metrorail system are located in Montgomery County, and Red Line stations on the west side of the county are closest to North Potomac. Among those west side Metro stations are Shady Grove (Gaithersburg), Rockville, and Twinbrook (south Rockville). At least four Montgomery County Ride-On bus routes run through North Potomac and connect riders with the Traville Transit Center and Universities at Shady Grove, Shady Grove and Rockville Metro stations, Shady Grove Hospital, and Quince Orchard Library via routes on Travilah Road, Dufief Mill Road, and Darnestown Road.

Utilities
North Potomac's electric power is provided by Pepco (Potomac Electric Power Company), which serves much of Montgomery County, portions of Prince George's County, and all of the District of Columbia. Washington Gas provides natural gas service to residents and businesses. The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection provides for curbside garbage, recycling, and yard waste collection and disposal. The Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station, a county waste collection facility located in Rockville, is available for drop off of garbage, recycling, and yard debris. The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) provides water and wastewater treatment for North Potomac. Drinking water comes from the WSSC treatment facility on the Potomac River, while sewage is treated at a plant in the District of Columbia.

Healthcare
The nearest general hospital is the Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center in Rockville. This medical facility has a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Education
North Potomac is served by Montgomery County Public Schools. Public high school students in North Potomac attend either Thomas S. Wootton or Quince Orchard high schools. Quince Orchard High School is located at the intersection of Quince Orchard Road and Darnestown Road, placing it on the northwest side of the North Potomac CDP. Wootton High School is located in Rockville, on the east side of the North Potomac CDP. Area residents have cited the Wootton school cluster as a factor in their home buying decision. In 2019, U.S. News & World Report ranked Wootton High School 2nd highest in Maryland and 125th in the nation. Each of the two high schools has two feeder middle schools. Multiple elementary schools contribute to the middle schools, and several are located within the North Potomac CDP.

Higher education
The Universities at Shady Grove is located within North Potomac and offers select degree programs from nine public Maryland universities. Instead of being a university itself, this campus partners with other universities and offers courses for 80 upper-level undergraduate, graduate degree, and certificate programs. The participating universities handle admissions. Johns Hopkins University has a campus in Rockville near the Universities at Shady Grove. Montgomery College has a campus close to North Potomac in Rockville and a training center in Gaithersburg. Three Montgomery College campuses and online classes serve about 54,000 students offering associate degrees and courses that will transfer to other institutions.

Public library
Several libraries are located in North Potomac or only a few miles away. Quince Orchard library is part of the Montgomery County Public Library system and is located across the street from Quince Orchard High School in North Potomac. Priddy Library is part of the University of Maryland Libraries system and is located at the Universities at Shady Grove in North Potomac. Rockville Memorial Library, also part of the county library system, is located in Rockville three blocks from the Rockville Metro station. While the Rockville Memorial Library celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2001; Quince Orchard Library was only a year old at that time. The Priddy Library opened in 2007.

Arts
North Potomac does not have art centers of its own, but some museums can be found in adjacent communities. The Beall–Dawson House, built circa 1815, contains exhibits on life in 19th century Rockville. The Gaithersburg Community Museum is located in an old Baltimore and Ohio Railroad complex in Olde Town Gaithersburg, and focuses on educating children about Gaithersburg history. Glenstone Modern Art Museum is south of North Potomac near the intersection of Travilah Road and Glen Road. The Strathmore Music and Arts Center in North Bethesda has a concert hall and art exhibits.

Parks and recreation
Nancy H. Dacek North Potomac Recreation Center is located on Travilah Road adjacent to the county's Big Pines Local Park. The center has a gym, basketball court, and other recreation facilities. The Potomac Horse Center, at the intersection of Dufief Mill Road and Quince Orchard Road, offers equestrian training and holds horse shows. The Westleigh Recreation Club, located on Dufief Mill Road, is a private pool and tennis club.

The Montgomery County Park System has over 200 mi of hiking trails. Among those trails is the Muddy Branch Greenway Trail, which passes North Potomac's Potomac Horse Center on a 9-mile (14 km) route between Darnestown Road and Blockhouse Point Conservation Park. Construction of the Powerline Trail (a.k.a. Pepco Trail) began in 2018, and this trail will connect North Potomac (Muddy Branch Stream Valley Park) with the South Germantown Recreation Park, which is the home of the Maryland SoccerPlex.

Four of North Potomac's five county parks range in size from 10 to 15 acres (4 to 6 ha). These parks typically have sports facilities, a playground, and a picnic area. A fifth park, Muddy Branch Stream Valley Park, is 876 acres and contains the Muddy Branch Greenway Trail.

In addition to parks and trails maintained by the county, many housing divisions have locally maintained playgrounds, parks, and short hiking trails. Examples are the Dufief Hiking Trail in the Dufief neighborhood and the unnamed paths and playgrounds in Potomac Crossing. Some housing divisions have their own pool in addition to other recreation facilities.

The Pennyfield Lock House (Lock #22) is located near North Potomac along the C&O Canal and is part of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. The 630-acre (250 ha) Blockhouse Point Conservation Park is also located along the Potomac River and C&O Canal. The Maryland SoccerPlex is located less than 10 mi away and has indoor and outdoor facilities for soccer and other activities.

title: North Potomac, Maryland


text:
Poolesville, Maryland

Poolesville is a U.S. town in the western portion of Montgomery County, Maryland. The population was 5,742 at the 2020 United States Census. It is surrounded by (but is technically not part of) the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve, and is considered a distant bedroom community for commuters to Washington, D.C.

The name of the town comes from the brothers John Poole, Sr. and Joseph Poole, Sr. who owned land and slaves in what is now Poolesville. Due to an historical anomaly, until 2010 the legal name of the town was "The Commissioners of Poolesville". Residents overwhelmingly voted to formally change the name to "The Town of Poolesville" in the November 2010 general election.

History
In 1760, brothers John Poole, Sr. and Joseph Poole, Sr. purchased 160 acre acres in the area that is now Poolesville. Thirty-three years later, John Poole, Jr. used a 15 acre tract that he inherited from his father to build a log store and subdivided the tract, selling portions to a number of other merchants. The settlement grew from there and was incorporated in 1867.

During the Civil War, Union military leaders realized that the shallow fords of the Potomac River posed a threat to the capital city. At certain times of the year, the Potomac River is shallow enough to cross and thus thousands of troops were moved to both Darnestown and Poolesville. The Corps of Observation was established just outside Poolesville and soldiers were stationed near the river to monitor potential Confederate incursions into Maryland. During the winter of 1861–1862, it is estimated that 20,000 Union troops were stationed in or around the town. There were no battles fought in Poolesville; however, the infamous Battle of Ball's Bluff was fought nearby on October 21, 1861. Hundreds of Union soldiers who were stationed in Poolesville were killed in this battle that was badly managed by inexperienced Union generals.

There were several Confederate raids into the town during the war, and the Confederate Army invaded Maryland by crossing the Potomac near Poolesville in 1862 and 1864. The old Poolesville Methodist Church cemetery contains the remains of approximately twenty soldiers who either were killed in action at Ball's Bluff or who died of illness while in camp.

The Seneca Schoolhouse, a small one-room schoolhouse of red sandstone, was built in Poolesville in 1866 to educate the children of the stone cutters who worked at the Seneca Quarry. Operating as the Seneca Schoolhouse Museum, it provides tours to schoolchildren so that they can experience a typical school day as it would have been on March 13, 1880.

The Kunzang Palyul Choling Buddhist temple opened in Poolesville in 1985.

The Poolesville Historic District was listed in 1975 on the National Register of Historic Places.

In December 2020, White's Ferry, a ferry service west of the town across the Potomac River that a number of citizens have depended on for their livelihoods, ceased service due to a legal conflict between the ferry and Rockland Farm over ownership of land on the banks of the river. As of April 2024, the ferry has not yet reopened due to the legal conflict, though the owners have offered to donate the ferry to the Montgomery County government.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 3.95 sqmi, of which 3.93 sqmi is land and 0.02 sqmi is water.

Poolesville lies off Montgomery County's main axis of suburban development along the Interstate 270 and Maryland State Route 355 corridor, separated from the contiguous Maryland suburbs of Washington by the rural lands of the county agricultural reserve, where new housing and commercial starts are restricted.

Government
Poolesville is governed by five commissioners elected in staggered 4-year terms. Commissioners are not paid. The commissioners elect among themselves a president (known informally as "the mayor") and vice president. A Town Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the town. Six Boards and Commissions assist the commissioners: the Planning Commission, Parks Board, Board of Elections, Sign Review Board, Board of Zoning Appeals, and Ethics Commission.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,151 people, 1,601 households, and 1,402 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,333.8 PD/sqmi. There were 1,630 housing units at an average density of 422.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town in 2000 was 93.57% White, 2.85% African American, 0.49% Native American, 1.09% Asian, 1.4% from other races, and 1.28% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.68% of the population.

There were 1,601 households, out of which 56.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 75.6% were married couples living together, 9.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 12.4% were non-families. 9.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 2.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.22 and the average family size was 3.44.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 35.0% under the age of 18, 5.6% from 18 to 24, 32.2% from 25 to 44, 24.0% from 45 to 64, and 3.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.2 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $85,092, and the median income for a family was $88,916. Males had a median income of $60,596 versus $42,051 for females. The per capita income for the town was $30,211. About 2.5% of families and 2.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.0% of those under age 18 and 7.5% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 4,883 people, 1,602 households, and 1,348 families residing in the town. The population density was 1242.5 PD/sqmi. There were 1,663 housing units at an average density of 423.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 88.4% White, 5.2% African American, 0.5% Native American, 2.1% Asian, 1.4% from other races, and 2.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.0% of the population.

There were 1,602 households, of which 45.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 71.0% were married couples living together, 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 15.9% were non-families. 12.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.04 and the average family size was 3.30.

The median age in the town was 41.5 years. 27.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 19.2% were from 25 to 44; 38.4% were from 45 to 64; and 6.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 49.2% male and 50.8% female.

Education
Poolesville is served by Montgomery County Public Schools. Three schools are located in Poolesville: Poolesville High School, John Poole Middle School, and Poolesville Elementary School. Monacacy Elementary School in Dickerson also feeds into John Poole MS.

Transportation
Two state highways serve Poolesville. Maryland Route 107 extends southeast from the center of town, joining Maryland Route 28 on its way to Rockville. Maryland Route 109 proceeds northeast from the center of town, intersecting MD 28 on its way to Interstate 270 in Hyattstown.

Notable people

 * Tony Lo Bianco, Actor
 * Thomas Plater, U.S. Congressman for Maryland's 3rd District, 1801–1805, died in Poolesville.
 * Ann Ritonia, Episcopal bishop and former Rector of St. Peter's Parish, now serving as Bishop Suffragan for Armed Services and Federal Ministries.
 * Elijah V. White, (1832–1907) Confederate commander of the 35th Battalion of Virginia Cavalry (White's Commanches) during the American Civil War. White was born in the area of Poolesville.
 * Edward Pinkney Wroth, (1889–1946), former Rector of St. Peter's Parish, third bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania.

title: Poolesville, Maryland


text:
Potomac, Maryland

Potomac is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Montgomery County, Maryland, United States. As of the 2020 census, it had a population of 47,018. It is named after the nearby Potomac River. A part of the Washington metropolitan area, many Potomac residents work in nearby Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia.

History
The land that is now Potomac was first settled by Edward Offutt in 1714 after he was granted a 600 acre land grant of a region known as Clewerwell by Lord Baltimore. His grant of land was by the Tehogee Indian Trail, an Indian trade route built by the Canaze Native American nation in 1716. Throughout the 18th century, what became known as "Offutts Crossroads" was a small, rural community which served planters and travelers. In the 19th century, a few small dwellings had been built along with a tavern established in 1820. By the time of the Civil War, the community contained two general stores, a blacksmith shop, and a post office which served a community of 100.

Offutts Crossroads was renamed "Potomac" in 1881 by John McDonald. An Irishman and veteran of the Civil War, McDonald settled in Potomac around that time. He petitioned for the name change since postal officials were asking for brief names and there were already several other communities in the area with the name "crossroads".

By the turn of the 20th century, Potomac was growing. Thomas Perry, an operator of a nearby general store, built a house on the corner of Falls and River Roads in 1902. More residential structures were built on the northern section of Falls Road throughout the 1920s and 1930s. During the 1950s, Potomac was one of many communities in Montgomery County to experience suburbanization because of its proximity to Washington, D.C. Potomac quickly transformed from a rural farming community to a suburban community from the mid- to late 20th century.

Numerous original buildings within Potomac Village have been demolished for the construction of strip malls and modern office buildings. However, in the surrounding area, many of the old farmhouses remain, though some are confined within suburban developments. The Perry Store has been restored and still stands as part of a bank, although the building was moved 21 feet in 1986 to allow for a project to widen the intersection of Falls and River Roads.

Geography
Potomac's geographical focal point is Potomac Village, a small cluster of shops and businesses at the intersection of Maryland State Highway 189 (Falls Road) and Maryland State Highway 190 (River Road) northwest of Washington, D.C.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Potomac has a total area of 26.6 sqmi, of which 25.2 sqmi are land and 1.4 sqmi, or 5.33%, are water. It includes the ZIP Code 20854 for properties and 20859 for US Post Office Boxes.

Climate
The climate is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally cool to cold winters with light snow. According to the Köppen climate classification system, Potomac has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

Demographics
As of the 2010 census, there were 44,965 people living in Potomac, including 16,093 households. The population density was 1,790 PD/sqmi. There were 16,642 housing units at an average density of 633.9 /sqmi. A 2017 ACS 5-Year Population Estimate cited 45,780 people living in Potomac.

As of 2010, the racial makeup of the CDP was 75.8% White, 4.6% African American, 0.1% Native American, 15.9% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.90% from other races, and 2.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race were 6.4% of the population.

Of the 16,093 households, 38.4% included children under the age of 18, 74.8% were married couples living together, 6.6% had a female householder and 16.8% were non-families. Fourteen percent of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.9% were persons living alone who were 65 or older. The average household size was 2.84 and the average family size was 3.10.

In 2019, the median property value in Potomac, MD was $893,000, and the homeownership rate was 87.6%.

In Potomac, the age distribution was 25.3% under the age of 18 (2010), 4.6% from 18 to 24, 21.3% from 25 to 44, 34.0% from 45 to 64 and 13.8% who were 65 or older. The median age was 44. For every 100 females, there were 91.6 males. For every 100 females 18 or older, there were 87.3 males.

Income
The median income for a household in the CDP was $187,568 in 2017 dollars. Men had a median income of more than $100,000; women, $78,442. About 2.5% of families and 3.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.6% of those under the age of 18 and 3.6% of those 65 and older.

Arts and culture
Potomac has a branch of the Montgomery County Public Libraries.

Public schools
Schools operated by Montgomery County Public Schools in Potomac include:

 * Bells Mill Elementary
 * Beverly Farms Elementary
 * Cabin John Middle School
 * Cold Spring Elementary
 * Herbert Hoover Middle School
 * Potomac Elementary
 * Stone Mill Elementary
 * Travilah Elementary
 * Wayside Elementary
 * Winston Churchill High School

Private schools

 * Bullis School
 * German School Washington, D.C.
 * McLean School of Maryland
 * Norwood School
 * The Harbor School

Religious schools

 * Connelly School of the Holy Child
 * Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School
 * St. Andrew's Episcopal School
 * The Heights School

In popular culture

 * In 2016, the television show The Real Housewives of Potomac premiered, chronicling the lives of two Potomac housewives and four women from neighboring towns. Some residents disputed its portrayal in the show.
 * Darren Star created the television series Beverly Hills, 90210 based on his experience as a student at Winston Churchill High School in Potomac.

title: Potomac, Maryland


text:
Redland, Maryland

Redland is a census-designated place and an unincorporated area in Montgomery County, Maryland, United States. It had a population of 18,592 as of the 2020 census.

Geography
As an unincorporated area, Redland's boundaries are not officially defined. Redland is, however, recognized by the United States Census Bureau and by the United States Geological Survey as a census-designated place.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the place has a total area of 7.0 sqmi, of which 6.9 sqmi is land and 0.1 sqmi (1.86%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 16,998 people, 5,272 households, and 4,423 families living in the area. The population density was 2,474.3 PD/sqmi. There were 5,425 housing units at an average density of 789.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the area was 55.04% White, 15.75% African American, 0.35% Native American, 15.94% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 8.6% from other races, and 4.29% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 15.1% of the population.

There were 5,272 households, out of which 44.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 68.3% were married couples living together, 11.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 16.1% were non-families. 11.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 2.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.22 and the average family size was 3.46.

In the area, the population was spread out, with 29.7% under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 30.2% from 25 to 44, 25.8% from 45 to 64, and 6.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.2 males.

The median income for a household in the area was $80,821, and the median income for a family was $82,146. Males had a median income of $52,776 versus $37,482 for females. The per capita income for the area was $27,542. About 4.0% of families and 5.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.5% of those under age 18 and 10.4% of those age 65 or over.

title: Redland, Maryland


text:
Leisure World, Maryland

Leisure World is a census-designated place and unincorporated area in Montgomery County, Maryland, United States. It is an age-restricted, gated development primarily inhabited by retirees. As of the 2020 census it had a population of 9,215. Leisure World was known as the Rossmoor census-designated place for the 2000 census.

Development
In 1963, developer Ross Cortese applied for a zoning amendment in order to build a 1,000-acre community of semi-detached homes, townhouses, and apartment buildings south of Norbeck, Maryland. Cortese's company had acquired the option to buy the 1,000 acres of land, formerly known as the Nash tract, for $5,000,000, and Cortese expected it would cost another $750,000 to build the development according to the plans. The development would be restricted to residents who are at least 52 years old. Cortese planned to build clubhouses, a swimming pool, riding stables, an auditorium, a shopping center, medical facilities, a hotel for guests, an 18-hole golf course, and an 8-acre lake at the site. Sixty-five percent of the area would be undeveloped green space. The entire site would be surrounded by a wall, and full-time security guards would restrict access. According to the plans, co-op homes would be available for between $15,000 and $18,000, payable with a $1,000 down payment and monthly payments thereafter of between $140 and $180. Cortese had already built Rossmoor Leisure World at Seal Beach, California, in 1961, and he was then building Leisure World Laguna Hills in Laguna Hills, California, and another Leisure World in Walnut Creek, California.

The Montgomery County Council approved the zoning amendment by a vote of 3 to 1, with 3 abstentions. The one dissenting council member was Kathryn E. Diggs, who said she was skeptical that the development would be economically successful. Local citizen groups opposed building the development because they preferred the area to remain zoned for low-density development. The Council had been planning to extend Connecticut Avenue through the area, but the Council put that action on hold because of the proposed development. Within a few months, Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission approved 28,000 feet of water and sewer lines for the development. The architecture firm of Collins & Kronstadt designed the housing units and the community buildings. Thurman D. Donavan designed the landscaping, which received an award by the industrial landscaping committee of the American Association of Nurserymen in November 1966. A large rotating globe was installed at the front gate.

Leisure World's sales office and model homes opened in August 1965; Loy Sigmon was the interior designer of the original seven model homes. J. Robert Conybeare served as general sales manager, and Angus T. Johnson was named the first administrator of the community.

The community was marketed to people who wanted to stay active while living there. While residence was restricted to people at least 52 years old (later reduced to 50 years old), proof of age was not originally required. Leisure World allowed people of all races to live in the community.

The community facilities were held in trust by the Foundation of Leisure World, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, with former Under Secretary of the Navy Kenneth E. BeLieu as its first president. Homes were sold as co-ops, with prices starting at $15,000 and ongoing monthly maintenance payments of at least $85. Within six months, 400 home units had been pre-sold.

Shopping center
Plans for Leisure World's 100,000-square-foot shopping center were announced in October 1965. The plan was to sell 9,200 residential units within five years, enough space for approximately 15,640 people to live. Commercial leases were signed with Safeway, Peoples Drug Stores, Hot Shoppes cafeteria-style restaurant, and Maryland National Bank for space at the adjoining shopping center. The Interfaith Meeting House broke ground on October 22, 1965, with plans for a capacity for 500 people.

First residents
The first residents moved in on August 15, 1965. The community held a welcoming ceremony at the eighteenth hole of the golf course for the first residents. The first residents lived in twelve units on Gleneagles Drive. The first nine holes of the golf course opened June 1, 1966.

Slowdown on sales
In early 1967, Leisure World changed its marketing focus from that of a retirement community to that of a country club community for adults. Sales of units at Leisure World were suspended in September 1967 after a tight mortgage market significantly increased prices and lower than expected interest. Sales resumed on January 1, 1968. Sales were still slow, the developer's carrying costs on the remaining vacant land were large, and the U.S. state of Maryland had prohibited further development in the area until a new sewage treatment plant was built, all of which temporarily prevented additional construction. The developer said it would need to develop the remaining vacant land eventually, as the additional residents were needed in order to support the common facilities by way of monthly maintenance fees. In October 1974, Leisure World canceled the sales contracts for 480 semidetached homes and low-rise apartments because inflation had increased construction costs and it was no longer certain when the units would actually be built. Five months later, Leisure World offered the units for sale again at increased prices. In September 1976, the developer agreed to build the 300,000-gallon wastewater treatment plant. Almost one year later, the developer sued the state of Maryland, saying Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission failed to complete a 1965 contract to provide water and sewer connections to the area because the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene had ordered a halt to sewer connections in 1973. The developer also said it was strong-armed into building a sewage treatment facility by the Montgomery County government in order to avoid significant financial losses.

John E. Byrne, Jr., manager of Leisure World, agreed to buy Leisure World from Ross Coriese in August 1968, but the sale was not completed. In April 1969, Crane Company agreed to buy Leisure World from Coriese. That agreement was broken four months later by mutual consent. In February 1970, Zero Manufacturing Company agreed to buy Rossmoor Corporation, the developer of Leisure World.

Fires
On March 1, 1968, there was a fire in a model two-story townhouse on Gleneagles Drive at Leisure World. Approximately 100 firefighters reported to the fire. The fire caused damage to four townhouses, estimated at $100,000. There was one injury; Chief Sidney Bailey of Sandy Spring Fire Department was treated for burns to the eye. A fire killed a woman in her home on Chiswick Court in October 1969. In May 1976, there was a fire in a three-story apartment building on Glen Eagle Drive. One-hundred firefighters reported to the fire. The only injury was a firefighter with a broken thumb. The fire destroyed twelve homes, and those twelve families had to move in with friends and families. In November 2020, an early morning fire left one person dead and displaced 40 other residents.

Changes in plans
Leisure World asked Montgomery County for approval to reduce its resident age minimum from 50 to 40 years old, but Montgomery County disapproved the change. On August 12, 1968, Leisure World asked Montgomery County Planning Board to remove the age limit altogether, but the Montgomery County Planning Board disapproved the change. On August 23, 1968, Leisure World made another request to drop the age limit for almost half the land, and Montgomery County Planning Board disapproved the request again. Montgomery County Planning Board had agreed to change the land's zoning from low density to higher density on the condition that all residents would be of age 50 or older and, in a vote of 4–1, Montgomery County Planning Board would not let Leisure World out of its agreement. On December 31, 1968, the Montgomery County Council voted to allow the change to the age limit for about 40 percent of the land, despite the objections by the Montgomery County Planning Board. A part of the negotiation, Leisure World agreed to develop the unrestricted portion of land as a separate development. In February 1971, three families living nearby filed a lawsuit to prevent construction of about 2,500 homes. The plaintiffs contended that the population of the 2,500 homes without age restrictions would be much larger than originally intended because many of the units would be occupied by families. The plaintiffs said that the additional residents would cause an increase in public service costs and a decrease in their property values.

Geography
As an unincorporated area, Leisure World's boundaries are not officially defined, but are unofficially defined by a fence around the community.

Leisure World is, however, recognized by the United States Census Bureau and by the United States Geological Survey as a census-designated place.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the place has a total area of 1.1 sqmi, all land.

2015
Of the population between 2011 and 2015, 23% speak a language other than English at home.

As of 2015, of people age 25 or older, 92% had graduated from high school, and 46% had earned a bachelor's degree.

Of residents age 16 or older, 26% were working in the civilian labor force. Their mean travel time to work was 33 minutes. The median household income was $53,175. Of the population, 7% were below the poverty level.

2010
As of the census of 2010, there were 8,749 people living in 5,803 households in the area. The average household size was 1.57. The population density was 7,997 people per square mile.

The racial makeup of the area was 75% White, 17% African American, 0.1% Native American, 4% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, and 2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7% of the population. 71% were white and not Hispanic or Latino.

The population included 1,444 veterans. Foreign-born persons consisted of 23% of the population.

In the area the population was spread out, with 4.5% under the age of 18, 22.6% from age 18 to 64, and 72.9% who were 65 years of age or older. Of the population, 62.5% were female.

2000
As of the census of 2000, there were 7,569 people, 4,857 households, and 1,792 families residing in the area. The population density was 6,918.0 PD/sqmi. There were 5,347 housing units at an average density of 4,887.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the area was 83.15% White, 11.57% African American, 0.04% Native American, 1.74% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 1.81% from other races, and 1.66% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.43% of the population.

There were 4,857 households, out of which 3.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 32.4% were married couples living together, 3.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 63.1% were non-families. 61.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 56.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.53 and the average family size was 2.33.

In the area the population was spread out, with 5.2% under the age of 18, 1.8% from 18 to 24, 6.8% from 25 to 44, 9.7% from 45 to 64, and 76.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 77 years. For every 100 females, there were 52.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 50.9 males.

The median income for a household in the area was $45,945, and the median income for a family was $63,773. Males had a median income of $54,408 versus $36,038 for females. The per capita income for the area was $37,761. About 1.0% of families and 4.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 4.1% of those age 65 or over.

title: Leisure World, Maryland


text:
Somerset, Maryland

Somerset is an incorporated town in Montgomery County, Maryland, United States, located near the border with Washington, D.C. The population was 1,187 at the 2020 census.

History
The land that would become Somerset was originally a part of the 3,124-acre Friendship Tract patented by Benedict Calvert, 4th Baron Baltimore, to Col. Thomas Addison and James Stoddart in 1711. By 1811, a 211-acre portion of that tract, dubbed Friendship, was owned by Richard Williams, a farmer.

In 1890, John Beall and Ralph Walsh sold 50 acres to five scientists who worked at the U.S. Department of Agriculture: Charles A. Crampton, Harvey W. Wiley, Daniel E. Salmon, Miles Fuller, and Horace Horton, who had established the Somerset Heights Colony Company. Their plans were described in the Washington Evening Post's May 17, 1890, issue: "...the scientific men of the Dept. of Agriculture...selected a tract of 50 acres of rolling land adjoining the property of General Drum just across the DC line in Mont. County. The Company will begin operations by providing the property with good system of sewerage, a bountiful supply of water and electric lights from Georgetown and Tenallytown Electric Railway Company. The lots are to contain not less than one acre...suburb fashioned after the very pleasant ones of Boston and other northern cities."

Five early streets were arranged; they remain to this day: Dorset Avenue, Warwick Place, Surrey Street, Cumberland Avenue, and Essex Avenue, after the English counties.

The first home was built in 1893 on Dorset Avenue and occupied by Crampton, assistant chief of the Bureau of Chemistry. He was followed by Wiley, chief of the Bureau of Chemistry and father of the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906; Salmon, chief of the Bureau of Animal Industry and discoverer of salmonella, who built Clover Crest; Fuller, chief clerk of the Bureau of Animal Industry and the partnership's business manager; and E. A. deSweinitz, chief of the Biochemic Division of the Bureau of Animal Industry, who took over Horton's shares.

The house built by Wiley and later owned by Arthur Cuming Ringland would be named the Wiley-Ringland House and added to the National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places in 2000. The home built by Salmon, later named the Salmon-Stohlman House, was added to the National Park Services' National Register of Historic Places in 2002.

By 1905, there were 35 residences. Marketed as an area of "tranquility and refinement", the original Town was plagued by inadequate water drainage, a makeshift sewage system, and the absence of local fire protection and schools. These problems prompted the local citizens to petition the State of Maryland for incorporation into a township so that taxes could be levied to provide these basic services. The Town Charter was issued on April 5, 1906, forming the community of Somerset Heights and the surrounding areas into the Town of Somerset.

54 of the original residences now form the Somerset Historic District located within the Town. 31 of these residences are considered primary resources having been built prior to 1905. This Historic District has gone through four phases of development that represent the changing styles of the Town. 1893-1904 was marked by large frame Victorian and Queen Anne houses, 1900-1915 by smaller bungalows and craftsmen houses, 1915-1940 by brick and frame Colonial Revival houses, and 1940-present by Modern and Neo-Colonial houses.

The first Town Council was elected on May 7, 1906, and Crampton was elected as the first mayor. Crampton was succeeded as mayor by Jesse Swigart, elected in 1910; Warren W. Biggs in 1912, and Charles S. Moore in 1916. Moore was followed by J. William Stohlman in 1919, W. B. Horne in 1938, and Irvin M. Day in 1940.

The Bergdoll family based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania owned a large tract of land directly south of Somerset and in 1943 sought to build apartments by seeking a zoning change. After the family was denied, the Bergdoll Estate held three auctions in 1946 and 1947 for the land which became part of Somerset. This land would become unofficially known as Lower Somerset or New Somerset and the expanded street grid added Falstone Avenue, Grantham Avenue, Trent Street, Uppingham Street, and Greystone Street. The original street grid would unofficially become known as Upper Somerset or Old Somerset. The lots of the former Bergdoll tract were placed under racial covenants barring their sale to non-white people. Such racist restrictions were rendered unenforceable by the Fair Housing Act of 1968.

William F. Betts was elected mayor in 1954, followed by Frederick W. Turnbull in 1956, and Warren jay Vinton in 1958. Vinton was followed by Jerald F. Goldberg in 1969, Walter J. Behr in 1975, A. Eugene Miller in 1982, and Walter J. Behr who was reelected in 1986.

In 1988, Town residents voted in a referendum to de-annex a parcel of land containing three large apartment buildings under construction, to avoid having the Town Council and services shift from representing the single-family homeowners to becoming representative of a condo community. Residents of the Somerset House complex would have out-numbered the single-family home dwellers by 3–1. The complex was constructed on the last large undeveloped woodlot in Somerset, and construction had been blocked by legal challenges for over two decades.

The current mayor of Somerset is Jeffrey Z. Slavin who was elected in 2008.

Geography
Somerset is located in southern Montgomery County. It is bordered to the north by Village of Drummond, to the east by Chevy Chase Village, to the south by Village of Friendship Heights and Friendship Heights, and to the west by the Kenwood neighborhood of Bethesda. The District of Columbia is less than a mile to the southeast.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Town has a total area of 0.28 sqmi, all land. The town is drained by the Little Falls Branch and its tributary, Willetts Branch, flowing to Dalecarlia Reservoir and the Potomac River just inside the border of the District of Columbia.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,216 people, 407 households, and 347 families living in the town. The population density was 4342.9 PD/sqmi. There were 423 housing units at an average density of 1510.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 91.7% White, 0.7% African American, 3.9% Asian, 1.0% from other races, and 2.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.8% of the population.

There were 407 households, of which 44.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 76.2% were married couples living together, 6.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 14.7% were non-families. 10.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.99 and the average family size was 3.18.

The median age in the town was 45.5 years. 31% of residents were under the age of 18; 4.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 13.4% were from 25 to 44; 33% were from 45 to 64; and 17.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 48.5% male and 51.5% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,124 people, 406 households, and 326 families living in the town. The population density was 4,001.0 PD/sqmi. There were 419 housing units at an average density of 1,491.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 94.04% White, 0.89% African American, 3.38% Asian, 0.89% from other races, and 0.80% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.94% of the population.

There were 406 households, out of which 38.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 74.1% were married couples living together, 4.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.7% were non-families. 16.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.77 and the average family size was 3.05.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 28.1% under the age of 18, 3.5% from 18 to 24, 16.5% from 25 to 44, 32.7% from 45 to 64, and 19.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.5 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $144,523, and the median income for a family was $149,057. Males had a median income of $100,000 versus $80,762 for females. The per capita income for the town was $82,368. None of the families and 2.7% of the population were living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and none of those over 64.

Education
Montgomery County Public Schools serves Somerset. Residents are zoned to:
 * Somerset Elementary School
 * Westland Middle School
 * Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School

Transportation
No state highways directly serve Somerset. The most significant road within the Town limits is Little Falls Parkway. Maryland Route 190 (River Road) passes just southwest of the Town limits, and Maryland Route 355 (Wisconsin Avenue) is located just east of the town limits. Both connect southeastward to Washington, D.C., and northwestward to the nearest Interstate highway, Interstate 495 (the Capital Beltway). Roughly half a mile away is the Washington Metro's Friendship Heights Metro Station.

title: Somerset, Maryland


text:
South Kensington, Maryland

South Kensington is a census-designated place and an unincorporated area in Montgomery County, Maryland, United States. It had a population of 8,829 in 2020.

Geography
As an unincorporated area, South Kensington's boundaries are not officially defined. South Kensington is, however, recognized by the United States Census Bureau and by the United States Geological Survey as a census-designated place.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the place has a total area of 2.1 square miles (5.5 km$2$), all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 7,887 people, 3,061 households, and 2,170 families residing in the area. The population density was 3,699.2 PD/sqmi. There were 3,120 housing units at an average density of 1,463.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the area was 92.08% White, 2.42% African American, 0.15% Native American, 2.83% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.95% from other races, and 1.52% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.88% of the population.

There were 3,061 households, out of which 33.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.9% were married couples living together, 6.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.1% were non-families. 23.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 2.99.

In the area, the population was spread out, with 24.1% under the age of 18, 3.0% from 18 to 24, 28.7% from 25 to 44, 26.4% from 45 to 64, and 17.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.2 males.

The median income for a household in the area was $102,048, and the median income for a family was $111,753. Males had a median income of $73,558 versus $52,260 for females. The per capita income for the area was $44,755. About 1.4% of families and 1.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.0% of those under age 18 and 2.4% of those age 65 or over.

title: South Kensington, Maryland


text:
Travilah, Maryland

Travilah is a United States census-designated place and an unincorporated area in Montgomery County, Maryland. It is 17.28 sqmi located along the north side of the Potomac River, and surrounded by the communities of Potomac, North Potomac, and Darnestown—all census-designated places. It had a population of 11,985 as of the 2020 census.

Within the Travilah census-designated place at the intersection of what are now Travilah Road and Glen Road, the small rural community of Travilah existed in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The community had its own post office, general store, school, town hall, church, and a few homes. The crossroads was popular with area farmers because it was close to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal (C&O Canal) and at least two mills. The name Travilah comes from Travilah Clagett, who was the community's first postmaster in 1883.

In 2000, the United States Census Bureau began recognizing the area around the original Travilah crossroads community as a census designated place. Much of this tranquil community is simply large homes on large tracts of land with numerous parks and nature preserves mixed in. The community is within driving-distance of Washington, D.C., and the I-270 Technology Corridor. Travilah has a median household income of about $235,000.

Geography
As an unincorporated area, Travilah's boundaries are not officially defined. However, the United States Census Bureau began recognizing a Travilah census-designated place (Travilah CDP) in the 2000 Census when the new Travilah CDP was created using portions of the Potomac and North Potomac CDPs. According to the state of Maryland, "The boundaries for CDPs often are defined in partnership with state, local, and/or tribal officials and usually coincide with visible features or the boundary of an adjacent incorporated place or another legal entity." The boundaries of the Travilah CDP are currently those used in the 2010 Census. The Travilah CDP is surrounded by the Darnestown CDP, the North Potomac CDP, the city of Rockville, the Potomac CDP, and the Potomac River—and the old crossroads community of Travilah is located in the west central portion of the CDP.

According to the 2000 Census, the Travilah CDP is part rural and part urban. The urban portion had a 2000 population of 6,894 on 11.71 sqmi, while the rural portion has a 2000 population of 548 on a land area of 2.66 sqmi. An additional 1.19 sqmi of non-land is located in the rural section. The 2010 Census shows a total population of 12,159 in 3,950 housing units on a land area of 15.83 sqmi and total area of 17.28 sqmi. Using 2010 Census Data, Travilah has a GIS ID of 303 and a FID of 302. The State FIPS code is 24 and the Place FIPS is 78650. The ANSI Code for Travilah is 02390400 and the Place Identifier is 2478650.

The United States Geological Survey lists six features in Montgomery County with Travilah in all or part of their name. The Travilah Census Designated Place has an ID of 2390400 and an elevation of 233 feet. It has a latitude of 390325N and a longitude of 0771445W—a location of 39.05694°N, -77.24583°W. The feature named Travilah, different from the Travilah Census Designated Place, is a populated place and has an elevation of 358 with a latitude of 390457N and a longitude of 0771547W. Other features listed are Travilah Acres, Travilah Elementary School, Travilah Meadows, and Travilah Square Shopping Center.

The three ZIP Codes for the Travilah CDP are 20854 (Potomac), 20878 (Gaithersburg/North Potomac), and 20850 (Rockville). A large portion of the territory uses the Potomac ZIP code, but the northern portion uses the Rockville and Gaithersburg codes. As examples, Greenbrier Park, the Glenstone Museum, and Pennyfield Lock all have Potomac ZIP Codes of 20854 and are in the Travilah CDP.

Rivers and streams
Because the state of Maryland controls the Potomac River, the Travilah CDP includes portions of the Potomac River in addition to the C&O Canal. Several streams flow through Travilah and into the Potomac River. On the west edge of the CDP, the Muddy Branch flows to the Potomac and forms the western border for the Travilah CDP. The Watts Branch, Sandy Branch, and Greenbrier Branch flow through the middle of the CDP. The Piney Branch flows on the east edge of the CDP forming part of the eastern border.

Climate
According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, the region close to North Potomac has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps. There are four distinct seasons, with winters being cold with moderate snowfall, while summers can be warm and humid. July is the warmest month, while January is the coldest. Average monthly precipitation ranges from about 2.5 to 4 in. The highest recorded temperature was 105.0 °F and the lowest recorded temperature was -13.0 °F. There is a 50 percent probability that the first frost of the season will occur by October 21, and a 50 percent probability that the final frost will occur by April 16.

Demographics
The 2010 Census shows Travilah with a population of 12,159 in 3,950 housing units, and a land area of 15.83 sqmi out of a total of 17.28 sqmi. It has an average population density of 768.1 /sqmi, which is much lower than the comparable figure for Maryland's largest city (Baltimore) and Montgomery County's largest city (Rockville)—which are 7,671.9 /sqmi and 4,530.6 /sqmi, respectively. Similarly for housing unit density, Travilah is 249.5 /sqmi while Baltimore and Rockville are 3,665.5 /sqmi and 1,865.2 /sqmi, respectively.

The latest census data for 2018 show a Travilah population of 11,633 with a median household income of $235,669 and a poverty rate of 1.6 percent. The number of housing units in Travilah are estimated to be 3,784, and owner–occupied housing units account for 93 percent of housing for workers. The median age is 47.3 years, which is higher than the 37.9 median for the United States. Nearly 76 percent of the population is aged 18 or older. The community has slightly more elderly people than the United States average, as 17 percent are aged 65 or older while the United States average is 15 percent.

The racial makeup of Travilah is 56.2 percent White alone, 35.4 percent Asian alone, 3.4 percent Black or African American alone, and a 5 percent total for all other categories. Over half of the Asian population is Chinese, while Asian Indian and Korean ethnic groups also have significant populations. English is the only language spoken at home for 55 percent of the population, while 22 percent speak Asian and Pacific Island languages. A total of 45 percent speak a language other than English at home, while the average for the United States is 22 percent. The educational attainment for the community compares favorably to the average for the United States, with 97.3 percent of Travilah residents eligible being a high school graduate or higher, while the same figure for the United States is 87.7 percent. A graduate or professional degree was attained by 53.0 percent.

Government
Citizens of Travilah are part of either District 1 or District 3 in the Montgomery County Council. The county council has representatives from each of five districts plus four at-large members. All members are elected at once and serve four-year terms.

Economy
In 2011, Potomac (and a portion of Travilah) was described as a place "dotted with massive houses that sit on vast plots of land" or with "jaw dropping houses". In 2019, Bloomberg News listed Potomac and Travilah among the top 50 wealthiest places in America. Travilah was ranked 24th, and had been ranked 25th in the previous year. A 2018 article in USA Today said Travilah "is the wealthiest town in the wealthiest state" and "only town in Maryland where over half of all homes are worth over $1 million".

The median household income in Travilah is $235,669. The median earnings for male full–time, year–round workers is $144,298 based on 2018 data. Median earnings for female full–time, year–round workers is $108,984—more than double the United States average of $41,690. The most common means of transportation to work is driving alone, and 68 percent of the workers do that, while 13 percent carpool. The average commuting time is 34 minutes, higher than the U.S. average of 27 minutes. About 12 percent of Travilah residents work at home. The distance from Travilah to Washington DC is less than 20 mi, and from Travilah to Shady Grove Hospital and Interstate 270 (and its technology corridor) is under 10 mi.

Much of Travilah's wealth has been attributed to "high-paying government and contracting jobs in and around the nation's capital". Of the civilian employed workforce aged 16 or higher, 52 percent are employees of private companies, 21 percent are government workers, and 13 percent are employed in their own business. The Professional, Scientific, Management, Administrative, and Waste Management Services category accounts for about 25 percent of employees, while the Educational Services, and Healthcare and Social Assistance category accounts for about 21 percent of employees. Public Administration accounts for an additional 12 percent; and Finance and Insurance, and Real Estate and Rental and Leasing accounts for 11 percent.

Travilah residents are attracted to the area because of its serenity, schools, and proximity to Washington. There are few shopping centers in the area. The Potomac Oak Center is a small shopping center within the Travilah CDP that is a favorite of area cyclists. The Potomac Village Shopping Center is just outside of Travilah on River Road on the west side of the Potomac CDP. North Potomac and Rockville also have shopping and other businesses. Based on 2012 Census data, total healthcare and social assistance receipts for the Travilah CDP totaled to $15.6 million, and accommodation and food service sales totaled to $11.6 million. Total merchant wholesaler sales were $10.4 million, and total retail sales were $8.9 million.

Roads and highways
Maryland Route 190, a state highway known as River Road, is an important highway for the southern portion of Travilah that runs along the Potomac River and connects with Interstate 495 (Capital Beltway)—the highway that circles Washington, DC. River Road can also be used to connect to the Clara Barton Parkway for another route to Washington. Both highways are part of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Scenic Byway. Washington is less than 20 miles away, and the drive to Washington for some residents using the Clara Barton Parkway takes only 30 minutes.

In northern Travilah, residents can use Piney Meetinghouse Road to connect to Shady Grove Road and then Interstate 270 or Interstate 370 and the Intercounty Connector toll road (MD 200). On the western side of Travilah, Travilah Road connects River Road in the south to Darnestown Road and Shady Grove Road in the north. Maryland's Interstate 270 is a major north–south highway in the area. Interstate 370 and the Intercounty Connector are major east–west highways that connect to Interstate 95.

Public transportation
Portions of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's (a.k.a. "Metro" or "Metrorail") subway system are located in Montgomery County, and Red Line stations on the west side of the county are closest to Travilah. Among those west side Metro stations are Shady Grove (Gaithersburg), Rockville, Twinbrook (south Rockville), North Bethesda, and Grosvenor-Strathmore (North Bethesda). Montgomery County's Ride-On bus route 301 runs from Tobytown Drive (Travilah CDP near River Road) to the Rockville Metro station, and has stops along its route at Travilah's Glenstone museum and at the intersection of Travilah and Glen Roads (Potomac Oak Shopping Center) through the west side of Travilah. This route also has a stop at the Shady Grove Hospital. Ride-On bus route 67 runs from the Universities at Shady Grove (Traville Transit Center) to the Shady Grove Metro station, and has a stop on Piney Meetinghouse Road along a route that proceeds through North Potomac on Travilah Road and Dufief Mill Road.

Education
Travilah is served by Montgomery County Public Schools. Depending on the location in the Travilah CDP, public high school students attend Winston Churchill, Thomas S. Wootton, or Northwest. Churchill High School has been ranked as the top school in Maryland and one of the top 500 in the nation. For Travilah Residents that attend Churchill (which has a Potomac address) Herbert Hoover Middle School feeds into that school, and Potomac or Wayside Elementary feed into Hoover. Wootton High School has a Rockville address. Area residents have cited the Wootton school cluster as a factor in their home buying decision. In 2019, U.S. News & World Report ranked Wootton High School 2nd highest in Maryland and 125th in the nation. For most Travilah residents that will attend Wootton, Robert Frost Middle School feeds into Wootton, and Travilah Elementary School feeds into Frost. A small area in the Travilah CDP that is in the Wootton district attends Stone Mill Elementary and Cabin John Middle School. Travilah residents that live in the extreme southwest portion of the CDP start at Darnestown Elementary School, then go to Lakelands Park Middle School and Northwest High School. Northwest High School is a "county powerhouse" in football, winning state championships in 2013 and 2014. Bullis is a private school located in Potomac on Falls Road that serves elementary, middle, and high school students. Other private school options are available in Rockville, Bethesda, and North Bethesda.

Higher education
Travilah residents have higher education opportunities in nearby Rockville plus larger universities such as Georgetown University, American University, George Washington University, Catholic University, University of Maryland, and others located farther away. The Universities at Shady Grove is located close to the Travilah CDP and uses a Rockville address. It offers select degree programs from nine public Maryland universities. This unique partnership with University System of Maryland universities enables 80 upper-level undergraduate, graduate degree and certificate programs to be made available to about 3,000 students. Johns Hopkins University has a campus in Rockville located close to the Universities at Shady Grove. Montgomery College has a campus in Rockville and a training center in Gaithersburg. Three Montgomery College campuses and online classes serve about 54,000 students who can earn an associate degree or advance their education.

Public library
Potomac Library, constructed in 1985 by the county as part of the Montgomery County Public Library system, is located in Potomac near the southeast portion of the Travilah CDP. Two more nearby libraries are also in the county library system. The Quince Orchard Library is located on Quince Orchard Road in North Potomac, and Rockville Memorial Library is located two blocks from the Rockville Metro station. The Quince Orchard Library began operations around 2000, while the Rockville library began in 1951. Priddy Library is part of the University of Maryland Libraries system and is located at the Universities at Shady Grove in North Potomac. The Priddy Library opened in 2007 and is available to the public.

History
The Travilah community has a long history that dates back to the 1800s at a crossroads at what is now Travilah Road and Glen Road. A small unnamed agricultural community grew at this intersection in the mid-1800s because it was less than 2 mi from the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal (a.k.a. C&O Canal). The intersecting roads also led to mills that were located within a few miles of the intersection, and many of the area farms produced the wheat used by the mills to make flour.

The community had a general store in 1882 that may have existed as early as the 1840s. In 1883, the unnamed community was assigned a Post Office. Travilah Clagett was the first postmaster, and the United States Post Office used the name Travilah to identify the unnamed location. The Clagetts were prominent land owners in this portion of Montgomery County. Clagett served as postmaster for about half the year, and died from tuberculosis before the year was over.

In addition to the general store, the crossroads had a blacksmith, church, schoolhouse, and town hall. The Travilah Baptist Church was built in 1894 and had over 300 members in 1976. It was destroyed by fire in 1980. A Travilah Elementary School exists today at the intersection of Dufief Mill Road and Travilah Road in North Potomac, but it should not be confused with the one-room schoolhouse formerly located at the Travilah crossroads that closed in 1943 (and later burned down). The original schoolhouse was built in 1865. A town hall was built in 1910, and the building still exists today although it is privately owned. The general store, which eventually was also a gas station, closed in 1967.

A small corner shopping center, built in 1979, is located at the Travilah Road-Glen Road intersection. The center was originally named Glenvilah Shopping Center, but was renamed Potomac Oak Center in honor of the historic Travilah Oak tree located there close to Travilah Road. Several homes were also located in the area and a large 150-year-old farmhouse remains across from the shopping center.

Historic sites
Montgomery County has a long history that began over 300 years ago. The Travilah area has some historic sites, although some are privately owned. For example, the original Travilah Town Hall, built in 1910, still stands—but it is privately owned. The historic Travilah Baptist Church, built in 1894, burned down in 1980.

Harrison and Ada Ward Farm
The Harrison and Ada Ward Farm was built around 1885, and prospered in part because it was located not far from the Pennyfield Lock on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal on what is now Travilah Road. The farm originally grew wheat, corn, and hay, and later raised dairy cows. The farm's bright red bank barn, which has exceptional architectural detail, is located right next to the road.

Pennyfield Lock House
The Pennyfield Lock House (Lock #22) is located in the western portion of the Travilah CDP in the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. The lock house was built around 1830, and its lock was completed around 1831. John L. DuFief built a mill around 1850 on the Muddy Branch, and it had a road that connected to the Pennyfield Lock. His mill had the capacity to manufacture 10–12,000 barrels of flour per year, and a network of roads grew that enabled farmers to get their crops to the mill and canal. The DuFief Mill was about 1.7 mi from the Travilah crossroads, and an alternative mill (Glen Mill) was 3.3 miles away. The small community of Travilah thrived because of its crossroads location and proximity to the canal. The canal was completed as far north as Cumberland, Maryland, by 1850 (and never did reach the Ohio River), and one fourth of its 185 mi are in Montgomery County. By 1859, about 83 barges per week were using the canal to transport coal, grain, flour, and farm products to Washington and Georgetown.

Swain's Lock House
Swains Lock House (Lock #21) is located in the eastern portion of the Travilah CDP in the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. The lock and lock house were built in 1831. The house is one of the largest canal lock houses, and made from oversized sandstone bricks. Jesse Swain was lock keeper beginning in 1907, and had been a canal boatman. His father (John) had helped with the canal construction, and his grandson (Fred) has lived in the house and operated an onsite concession stand into the 21st century. At least two Swain children, and a cousin, were born in the house. The family lived in the house until 2006, when the National Park Service took over maintenance. Today, picnic tables are located between the Potomac River and the lock and lock house.

Tobytown cemetery
The Tobytown Cemetery, which is located off River Road near the Pennyfield Lock, is the only remaining relic associated with the black community of Tobytown that was established in 1875 by former slaves. The community was established by William Davis, Ailsie Martin, and Emory Genus, and is believed to be named for Ailsie Martin's son—Tobias Martin. The cemetery contains about 25 gravestones for early settlers and family members. Most of the stones are unmarked, which is typical for early African American cemeteries.

Travilah Oak
The Travilah Oak, a white oak tree estimated to be 275 to 300 years old, is located at the intersection of Travilah and Glen roads in Maryland. In 2006, the tree was listed as having a height of 98 ft, a crown spread of approximately 100 ft, and a circumference of 17.5 ft. A small park, open to the public, surrounds the huge tree. The crossroads was once the community of Travilah, and consisted of a general store, a town hall, a few homes, and a church.

Travilah Town Hall
The Travilah Town Hall was built around 1910, and the building was used for meetings and entertainment. The corporation formed to construct the building defaulted on its mortgage in 1918, and it became privately owned although it continued to be used for community purposes. Although the building has historical significance, it is currently privately–owned.

Culture, recreation, and wildlife
Travilah has been called one of the best places to live in Maryland by multiple sources. In addition to its highly rated schools, proximity to desirable workplaces, tranquility, and history, it has numerous parks and a museum. Glenstone Modern Art Museum is located in Travilah on Glen Road not far from the historic Travilah crossroads at the intersection of Travilah Road and Glen Road. It is a private art museum owned by a couple considered "among the world's top art collectors". Visitors are admitted every 30 minutes and therefore should have reservations.

Parks

 * Adventure Conservation Park – undeveloped 14 acre
 * Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Park – historic canal 184.5 mi with falls, trails, campgrounds
 * Glen Hills Local Park – 25.2 acre sports and picnic area
 * Greenbrier Local Park – 25 acre playground, sports and picnic area
 * Muddy Branch Stream Valley Park – 876 acre and 9 mi of trails
 * Pennyfield Lock Neighborhood Conservation Area – 1.9 acre with boat ramp
 * Serpentine Barrens Conservation Park – 350 acre horseback limited to park edge
 * Tobytown Neighborhood Park – playground, tennis, basketball
 * Watts Branch Stream Valley Park – 438 acre undeveloped

Wildlife
The Travilah area has a population of white-tailed deer that is managed by Montgomery County. Other animals common in the area include red foxes and eastern gray squirrels. The county has Canada geese, hawks, owls, woodpeckers, blue jays, crows, and other birds that stay year-round. Birds such as the Carolina wren, house finch, American goldfinch, eastern bluebird, and northern cardinal can be found at bird feeders.

title: Travilah, Maryland