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Sykesville, Maryland

Sykesville is a small town in Howard and Carroll counties, Maryland, United States. The town lies 20 mi west of Baltimore and 40 mi north of Washington D.C. The population was 4,436 at the 2010 census. BudgetTravel.com named Sykesville 'Coolest Small Town in America' in June 2016.

History
Prior to European colonization, the area that is now Sykesville was used as a hunting ground by Native Americans from the Susquehannock and Lenape nations. By the late 1800s, many Europeans (predominantly from Germany and Scotland) had settled in Sykesville in pursuit of farming and mining.

The land on which Sykesville sits started out as part of the 3000 acre Springfield Estate, a slave plantation owned by wealthy Baltimore shipbuilder William Patterson. In 1803, Patterson's daughter Elizabeth, married Napoléon Bonaparte's younger brother Jérôme, but when she arrived in Europe as Jérôme's bride, Napoléon refused to let Betsy Patterson Bonaparte set foot on land. Napoléon refused the marriage of the two, and would not let Elizabeth set foot on France's soil. He was determined that Jerome marry into royalty, and sent Betsy back home. Denied by Napoléon, she was never able to see her husband again, leaving her to raise their son alone in the United States. Upon the death of William in 1824, his son George Patterson inherited the estate. In 1825, George Patterson sold 1000 acre of Springfield Estate to his friend and business associate, James Sykes.

A tract of land on the Howard County side of the Patapsco River contained an old saw and grist mill. In 1830 Sykes replaced it with a newer mill and constructed a five-story stone hotel, to take care of railroad personnel and the tourist trade. In 1831 the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O) extended its main line to "Horse Train Stop", since Sykesville had yet to be named. Other businesses moved into the area, including two general stores, new mills, churches and a post office. In 1832 the town managed to gain control of a barn across the Patapsco River, the dividing line between Carroll and Howard County, but the citizens were forced to return the barn under threat of federal troops.

Much of the town was destroyed by a flood in 1868, ending a water rights dispute between the Sykesville mill and the Elba Furnace when both were damaged. The town was rebuilt on the Carroll County side of the river.

The town was incorporated in 1904. A weekly newspaper, the Sykesville Herald, was founded in 1913 and published regularly until the 1980s.

Geography
Sykesville is located at 39.37111°N, -76.9725°W (39.371020, -76.972630).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.58 sqmi, all land.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,197 people, 1,390 households, and 1,025 families residing in the town. The population density was 2,621.1 PD/sqmi. There were 1,420 housing units at an average density of 886.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 92.14% White, 4.88% African American, 0.14% Native American, 1.62% Asian, 0.02% from other races, and 1.19% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.33% of the population. 28% of Sykesville's residents were German, 19% Irish, 13% English, 7% Italian, 3% Polish, 2% Scotch-Irish, and 2% Russian. People of Dutch, Greek, Welsh, French, Scottish, Swiss, Lithuanian, Indian, Korean and Mexican descent each comprised 1% of the population.

There were 1,390 households, out of which 48.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.7% were married couples living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.2% were non-families. 20.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.84 and the average family size was 3.33.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 32.0% under the age of 18, 5.1% from 18 to 24, 37.8% from 25 to 44, 15.7% from 45 to 64, and 9.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.9 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $66,551, and the median income for a family was $75,758. Males had a median income of $50,146 versus $35,669 for females. The per capita income for the town was $24,395. About 2.4% of families and 3.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.6% of those under age 18 and 8.7% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 4,436 people, 1,409 households, and 995 families residing in the town. The population density was 2807.6 PD/sqmi. There were 1,474 housing units at an average density of 932.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 83.3% White, 12.1% African American, 0.2% Native American, 2.5% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.7% of the population. Most Hispanics and Latinos in the town identify as White, with 2% of Sykesville's total population identifying as White Hispanics/Latinos. Non-Hispanics in Sykesville are predominantly White, with 81.3% of the town's total population being non-Hispanic whites. 11.9 of Sykesville is non-Hispanic African-American, less than 1% being Afro-Latino.

There were 1,409 households, of which 45.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.3% were married couples living together, 10.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 29.4% were non-families. 23.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 3.27.

The median age in the town was 37.3 years. 26.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 30.9% were from 25 to 44; 27.8% were from 45 to 64; and 7.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 54.6% male and 45.4% female.

Sites of interest
The ex-Baltimore and Ohio Railroad's Sykesville station was designed by E. Francis Baldwin in the Queen Anne style and built in 1883. The station was the second stop from Baltimore on the original B&O main line. The B&O ended passenger service to Sykesville in 1949. It was the prototype for a well-known model railroad kit.

The Sykesville Schoolhouse Museum, at 518 Schoolhouse Road, served as a one-room schoolhouse for black children from 1904 to 1938. Although restoration isn't complete, the museum is open for small events.

The Gate House Museum of History, at 7283 Cooper Drive, served as residence for many employees at Maryland's second hospital for the insane. The hospital opened in 1896 and the gatehouse opened in 1904.

The Springfield Hospital Center mental institution is located to the east of the town.

Downtown Sykesville comprises the Sykesville Historic District. At two separate points in time, Union and Confederate Armies marched through the town center.

On the Howard County side - The Howard Lodge (ca. 1750) was the centerpiece of a 2,500 acre slave plantation built for the Dorsey family. The building was once home to Francis Scott Key Jr.

Transportation
The primary method of travel to and from Sykesville is by road, and the main highway serving the town is Maryland Route 32. From Sykesville, MD 32 continues northward to Westminster. In the opposite direction, MD 32 heads south, then curves east, eventually approaching Annapolis. En route, MD 32 interchanges with Interstate 70, Interstate 95 and Interstate 97. The current route of MD 32 through Sykesville is a newer bypass, with the original road now designated Maryland Route 851 through central Sykesville.

The Carroll Transit System runs the South Carroll TrailBlazer (Red Route), which links Sykesville to Eldersburg. The Owings Mills station of the Baltimore Metro SubwayLink in nearby Owings Mills in Baltimore County, is a 20-minute drive by car from Sykesville and provides subway access to downtown Baltimore.

Notable people

 * Sykesville was the birthplace of Frank Brown, the 42nd Governor of Maryland, on August 8, 1846.
 * Christopher Emery, Chief Enterprise Architect of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and former White House Usher, lived in the Howard Lodge as a child.
 * Leo Kanner, child psychiatrist and autism researcher, died there on April 3, 1981.
 * Nan Agle, author of children's books, died at the age of 100 at her home in Sykesville, following a fall.
 * Doug Turnbull, a notable lacrosse player, died in Sykesville.
 * Brandon Copeland, a defensive end who played seven seasons in the NFL.
 * Kyle Snyder, a 2016 Olympic gold medalist wrestler at 97 kg, attended Sykesville Middle School.
 * Barry Fitzgerald, a stock car racing driver, born in Sykesville

title: Sykesville, Maryland


text:
Taneytown, Maryland

Taneytown (, locally also ) is a city in Carroll County, Maryland, United States. The population was 7,234 at the 2020 census. Taneytown was founded in 1754. Of the city, George Washington once wrote, "Tan-nee town is but a small place with only the Street through wch.(sic) the road passes, built on. The buildings are principally of wood." Taneytown has a history museum that displays the history of the city for visitors and citizens to see. The Bullfrog Road Bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

Geography
Taneytown is located at 39.65722°N, -77.17056°W (39.657099, -77.170627).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.05 sqmi, of which 3.04 sqmi is land and 0.01 sqmi is water.

Transportation
The primary means of travel to and from Taneytown is by road. Two primary highways serve the city, Maryland Route 140 and Maryland Route 194. MD 140 follows Baltimore Street through central Taneytown. From the city, MD 140 continues eastward to Westminster and Baltimore, while to the west it traverses Emmitsburg before entering Pennsylvania. MD 194 follows Frederick Street and York Street through the city. From Taneytown, MD 194 continues north to Pennsylvania, while heading south, it proceeds into the Frederick area.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 6,728 people, 2,434 households, and 1,813 families living in the city. The population density was 2213.2 PD/sqmi. There were 2,554 housing units at an average density of 840.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 91.3% White, 4.5% Black , 0.1% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 0.5% from other races, and 2.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.7% of the population.

There were 2,434 households, of which 40.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.3% were married couples living together, 14.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 25.5% were non-families. 20.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.74 and the average family size was 3.14.

The median age in the city was 37 years. 27.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.2% were from 25 to 44; 24.3% were from 45 to 64; and 13.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.5% male and 52.5% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,128 people, 1,786 households, and 1,387 families living in the city. The population density was 1,781.1 PD/sqmi. There were 1,848 housing units at an average density of 641.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.00% White, 1.74% Black, 0.16% Native American, 0.47% Asian, 0.62% from other races, and 1.01% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.50% of the population. 26% of Taneytown's residents were German, 14% Irish, 10% English, 5% Italian, 3% French, 2% Polish, 2% Dutch, and 2% Scottish. People of Scotch-Irish, Lithuanian, Russian, Mexican and Norwegian descent each comprised 1% of the population.

There were 1,786 households, out of which 47.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.1% were married couples living together, 15.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.3% were non-families. 17.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.87 and the average family size was 3.22.

In the city the population was spread out, with 34.1% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 35.4% from 25 to 44, 15.7% from 45 to 64, and 7.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $42,820, and the median income for a family was $49,615. Males had a median income of $31,862 versus $24,261 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,258. About 9.0% of families and 11.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.7% of those under age 18 and 10.0% of those age 65 or over.

History
Taneytown was founded in 1754 and became the seat of Taneytown Hundred in colonial Frederick County. Taneytown takes its name from Raphael Taney, a recipient of one of the first land grants in the area, though Taney likely never lived in the city that bears his name. U.S. Supreme Court Justice Roger Brooke Taney, author of the Dred Scott decision, born in 1777, shares a common ancestor with him, but likely never visited the town or had any connection. When Carroll County was formed on 19 January 1837, Taneytown Hundred and Taneytown were included.

The community's proximity to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and its location on the principal road from Gettysburg to Washington, D.C., led to its figuring in the Battle of Gettysburg, although no combat occurred there.

Much of the city was added to the National Register of Historic Places as the Taneytown Historic District in 1986.

There is a Steve Earle song called "Taneytown" on his album El Corazon.

Notable people
Taneytown was home to Fr. Demetrius Augustine Gallitzin, Catholic priest, missionary, and Russian prince during the late 18th century.

Taneytown was the headquarters of Union Army General George Meade for a period during the American Civil War. Fellow Civil War general Jacob G. Lauman was born in Taneytown.

Congressman Joseph A. Goulden of New York was from a family with a house in Taneytown, where he usually stayed during the summer. Goulden was present in Gettysburg when Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address, and Goulden heard the speech in person.

Actor Fred Gwynne, star of TV's The Munsters, died in Taneytown on July 2, 1993, after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Explorer Rogers Birnie was born in Taneytown in 1851. Shortly after his birth his family moved to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

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

title: Taneytown, Maryland


text:
Union Bridge, Maryland

Union Bridge is a town in Carroll County, Maryland, United States. The population was 936 at the 2020 census.

Much of the town was added to the National Register of Historic Places as the Union Bridge Historic District in 1994.

Geography
Union Bridge is located at 39.56861°N, -77.1775°W (39.568550, -77.177618).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.05 sqmi, of which 1.04 sqmi is land and 0.01 sqmi is water.

Transportation
The primary method of travel to and from Union Bridge is by road. The only primary highway serving the town is Maryland Route 75, which follows Green Valley Road and Main Street through Union Bridge. From Union Bridge, MD 75 connects southward to Libertytown and New Market, and turns eastward to New Windsor.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 975 people, 394 households, and 251 families living in the town. The population density was 937.5 PD/sqmi. There were 429 housing units at an average density of 412.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 91.7% White, 5.1% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.7% from other races, and 2.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.4% of the population.

There were 394 households, of which 34.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.2% were married couples living together, 13.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 36.3% were non-families. 29.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 3.06.

The median age in the town was 39.2 years. 23.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.3% were from 25 to 44; 26.2% were from 45 to 64; and 15.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 48.6% male and 51.4% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 989 people, 372 households, and 265 families living in the town. The population density was 1,163.1 PD/sqmi. There were 409 housing units at an average density of 481.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 92.82% White, 5.56% African American, 0.40% Native American, 0.10% Asian, and 1.11% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.51% of the population.

There were 372 households, out of which 36.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.0% were married couples living together, 13.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.5% were non-families. 22.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.66 and the average family size was 3.11.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 28.9% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 30.3% from 25 to 44, 21.3% from 45 to 64, and 13.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.1 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $36,250, and the median income for a family was $37,500. Males had a median income of $31,563 versus $20,083 for females. The per capita income for the town was $17,827. About 10.6% of families and 13.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.8% of those under age 18 and 5.7% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * John Hanson Farquhar, U.S. Representative for Indiana
 * Bill Oakley, former co-executive producer and head writer for The Simpsons and Mission Hill
 * William Henry Rinehart, noted sculptor

title: Union Bridge, Maryland


text:
Westminster, Maryland

Westminster is a city in and the county seat of Carroll County, Maryland, United States. The city's population was 19,960 at the 2020 census. Westminster is an outlying community in the Baltimore metropolitan area, which is part of the greater Washington–Baltimore combined statistical area.

History
William Winchester (1706-1790) purchased approximately 167 acres of land in the area in 1754, which became known as White's Level and later the town of Winchester. In 1768, The Maryland General Assembly changed the name of the town to Westminster to avoid confusion with Winchester, Virginia.

On June 28, 1863, the Civil War skirmish of Corbit's Charge was fought in the streets of Westminster, when two companies of Delaware cavalry attacked a much larger Confederate force under General J. E. B. Stuart; Stuart's forces were thus delayed in arriving at the Battle of Gettysburg.

In April 1865, Joseph Shaw, editor for the Western Maryland Democrat, had his presses wrecked and his business destroyed, and was subsequently beaten and stabbed to death by four men in Westminster, allegedly because of an anti-Lincoln editorial that was published the week before the actual assassination. In a later trial at the Westminster Court House the four men were acquitted; the reason cited was "self-defense".

Since 1868, Westminster has held an annual Memorial Day parade, which is one of the longest continuously running Memorial Day parades in the country.

Just north of Westminster is the farm at which Whittaker Chambers hid the so-called "Pumpkin Papers."

A historic marker states that Westminster was the first place in the nation to offer Rural Free Delivery postal service.

On March 10, 2006, members of the Westboro Baptist Church picketed the funeral of Matthew A. Snyder, who had been killed in the Iraq War, at St. John Catholic Church in Westminster. Snyder's father sued the church for violating his privacy; the United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of the church on free speech grounds in Snyder v. Phelps.

On June 26, 2015, the city of Westminster lit the Westminster Fiber Network, the first community-wide gigabit fiber to the premise network in the Mid-Atlantic region. The city partnered with Ting Inc., a subsidiary of Tucows, to light the network and provide gigabit services.

Geography
Westminster is located at 39.57667°N, -77°W (39.576551, −77.000120). Westminster is approximately 36.5 mi driving distance northwest of Baltimore and 37.5 mi driving distance southwest of York, Pennsylvania.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 6.64 sqmi, of which 6.63 sqmi is land and 0.01 sqmi is water. Westminster has access to two water reservoirs at present, Liberty and Piney Run; the county has also proposed a Union Mills Reservoir and Gillis Falls Reservoir.

Climate
Westminster lies in the humid subtropical climate zone bordering on a humid continental climate, with hot and humid summers and cool winters with highly variable seasonal snowfall. Due to its elevation and distance from the Chesapeake Bay and Baltimore's urban heat island, temperatures in Westminster are often lower than in Baltimore, especially at night.

Tornado activity
Westminster's historical tornado activity is slightly above the Maryland state average and 38% greater than the overall U.S. average. On April 15, 1952, an F3 tornado (which has wind speeds of 158–206 mph) hit 15.5 miles from the city center, injuring four people and causing between $500,000 and $5,000,000 in damages. On July 19, 1996, an F3 tornado struck 5.5 miles away from the Westminster city center, injuring three people and causing $5 million in damages. On April 16, 2011, a tornado touched down around 8:00 pm EST. Shortly after sunrise on February 7, 2020, an EF1 tornado crossed directly over downtown, heading parallel to Maryland 27 northward on the west side. This damaged siding and shingles on multiple structures and brought down several trees. Schools across much of the county took shelter due to the tornado warning.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 18,590 people, 7,161 households, and 4,117 families living in the city. The population density was 2803.9 PD/sqmi. There were 7,684 housing units at an average density of 1159.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 86.0% White, 7.0% African American, 0.3% Native American, 2.2% Asian, 1.9% from other races, and 2.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.0% of the population. 40% of Latinos in Westminster were of Mexican descent, 16% were of Puerto Rican descent, and 3% were of Cuban descent. 60% of Westminster's Latino population identified as White, 4% identified as Afro-Latino, 6% identified as being of more than one race, and 29% identified as some other race. Non-Hispanics in Westminster were predominantly White; 88% of non-Hispanics were White and 7% were African-American.

There were 7,161 households, of which 32.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.5% were married couples living together, 12.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 42.5% were non-families. 35.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 3.12.

The median age in the city was 33.3 years. 22.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 15% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.6% were from 25 to 44; 21.9% were from 45 to 64; and 13.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.5% male and 52.5% female.

Top employers
According to the City of Westminster, the top employers in the city are:

The five largest employers just outside Westminster in Carroll County are:

Hashawha Tower
The Hashawha Tower is a windmill in Westminster. It stands at the Hashawha Environmental Center.

Annual events
Many annual events are hosted by the city government, Carroll County Arts Council, Carroll County Public Schools, Carroll County Farm Museum & Agriculture Center, and other community organizations:
 * African American Read-In (February)
 * Youth Art Month (March)
 * Celtic Canter (March)
 * PEEPshow (March-April)
 * Wine Stroll (April)
 * Main Street Mile (April)
 * Westminster High School Culture Fest (May)
 * Flower & Jazz Festival (May)
 * Memorial Day Parade
 * Downtown Westminster Farmers' Market (May-November)
 * Deer Creek Fiddlers' Convention (June)
 * Art in the Park (June)
 * Carroll County Celtic Festival (June)
 * Beer and BBQ Stroll (June)
 * Reese VFC Carnival (June)
 * Carroll County 4th of July Celebration
 * Westminster Pride Festival (July)
 * Roots Music & Arts Festival (July)
 * Carroll County 4-H & FFA Fair (July-August)
 * Maryland SummerFest (August)
 * Reese VFC Car & Truck Show (August)
 * Maryland Wine Festival (September)
 * FallFest (September)
 * Oktoberfest (October)
 * Oyster Stroll (October)
 * Festival of Wreaths (November-December)

Education
The Carroll County Public Schools (CCPS) system enrolls over 28,000 students, which makes it the ninth largest school system in the state of Maryland. In Carroll County there are seven comprehensive high schools as well as two career and technology centers and an alternative school, The Gateway School. Students in grades 9 through 12 attend one of seven Carroll County high schools. Carroll County has 23 elementary schools and 9 middle schools. In the city of Westminster, there are two high schools, two middle schools and three elementary schools.

Westminster is home to McDaniel College, the Civil Air Patrol's National Honor Guard Academy, and Dream Flight School, an institution providing flight lessons at the local airport.

Transportation
The main method of travel to and from Westminster is by road and four primary highways serve the city. The most prominent of these is Maryland Route 140, which follows an east-southeast to west-northwest alignment across the area. To the southeast, MD 140 connects to Baltimore, while northwestward, it passes through Taneytown on its way to Emmitsburg. Maryland Route 97 is the next most important highway serving the city, providing the most direct route southward towards Washington, D.C. Two other primary highways, Maryland Route 27 and Maryland Route 31 provide connections to other towns in the area.

Due to long-standing opposition to mass transit from local residents and politicians, there is no inter-county bus or rail transit linking Westminster to Baltimore County. A resolution passed by the Carroll County Board of Commissioners prohibits the Carroll Transit System from offering bus services into or out of the county.

Notable people

 * Elizabeth Ann Bennett, actress
 * Francis Butler, American politician
 * Joseph Will actor
 * Whittaker Chambers, former Soviet spy who testified against Alger Hiss
 * Joshua W. Hering, American politician, physician and banker
 * Chris & Jenna, Westminster indie piano pop duo
 * Mike Jenkins, strongman, 2012 Arnold Classic Champion
 * Bill Oakley, television writer and producer best known for The Simpsons
 * Sargent Shriver, American diplomat, politician, and activist
 * Clyfford Still, renowned American abstract expressionist painter; owned a farm nearby
 * Theodore E. Woodward, Nobel Prize nominee, renowned researcher in the field of medicine

Sister city

 * [[Image:Flag of Estonia.svg|25px]] Paide, Järva County, Estonia

In popular culture
Main Street in Westminster was used as a location for the filming of For Richer or Poorer.

title: Westminster, Maryland


text:
Cecilton, Maryland

Cecilton is a town in Cecil County, Maryland, United States. The population was 663 at the 2010 census.

Geography
Cecilton is located at 39.40306°N, -75.86944°W (39.402919, -75.869430).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.46 sqmi, all land.

History
The Maryland Legislature incorporated the town in 1864. That May the first officials, Dr. Samuel V. Mace, Wm. T. Weldon, John Morris., Wm. H. Pearce and Edward Seamans, were elected for a one year term.

It is the location of Greenfields, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

Transportation
The primary method of transportation to and from Cecilton is by road. Maryland Route 213 is the main north-south highway serving the town, following Bohemia Avenue through the center of the community. To the north, MD 213 connects Cecilton to Chesapeake City and Elkton, while heading south, it passes though Galena and Chestertown, among other communities. The other state highway serving Cecilton is Maryland Route 282, which follows Main Street on an east-west path through town. MD 282 heads west to Crystal Beach, while to the east, it passes through Warwick before crossing into Delaware and becoming Delaware Route 299.

Cecil Transit operates a Demand Response route twice a month between Cecilton and Middletown, Delaware, providing residents of southern Cecil County access to shopping and healthcare in Middletown.

2010 census
At the 2010 census, there were 663 people, 237 households and 173 families living in the town. The population density was 1441.3 /sqmi. There were 264 housing units at an average density of 573.9 /sqmi. The racial make-up of the town was 80.5% White, 11.8% African American, 0.5% Asian, 0.3% Pacific Islander, 4.8% from other races and 2.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.1% of the population.

There were 237 households, of which 43.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.7% were married couples living together, 19.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 8.9% had a male householder with no wife present and 27.0% were non-families. 22.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.80 and the average family size was 3.19.

The median age was 35.4 years. 27.1% of residents were under the age of 18, 9.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24, 28.2% were from 25 to 44, 22.2% were from 45 to 64 and 12.8% were 65 years of age or older. The sex make-up of the town was 48.1% male and 51.9% female.

2000 census
At the 2000 census there were 474 people, 198 households and 129 families living in the town. The population density was 1,054.6 /sqmi. There were 212 housing units at an average density of 471.7 /sqmi. The racial make-up of the town was 74.47% White, 23.21% African American, 1.05% from other races and 1.27% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.43% of the population.

There were 198 households, of which 31.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.4% were married couples living together, 19.2% had a female householder with no husband present and 34.8% were non-families. 30.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 18.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.95.

26.6% of the population were under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 27.8% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64 and 17.1% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.2 males.

The median household income was $38,971 and the median family income was $41,563. Males had a median income of $36,071 and females $23,068. The per capita income was $21,719. About 8.4% of families and 14.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.8% of those under age 18 and 9.4% of those age 65 or over.

The Cecilton area has a small Amish community that was founded in 1999. Amish families moved to the area from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, because of increasing costs and the declining amount of farmland there.

Notable person
David Davis, a close adviser to President Abraham Lincoln, was born a few miles outside Cecilton, on March 9, 1815. He was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1862 and served until 1877, when he resigned to become the U.S. senator from Illinois.

title: Cecilton, Maryland


text:
Charlestown, Maryland

Charlestown is a town in Cecil County, Maryland, United States. The population was 1,183 at the 2010 census.

History
Charlestown is the location of Charlestown Historic District and Indian Queen Tavern and Black's Store, both listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

Geography
Charlestown is located at 39.57667°N, -75.97778°W (39.576617, -75.977888).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.51 sqmi, of which, 1.19 sqmi is land and 0.32 sqmi is water.

Transportation
The main method of transportation to and from Charlestown is by road. Maryland Route 7 is the most prominent highway serving Charlestown, following Old Philadelphia Road along the north edge of town. MD 7 heads east and west, linking with U.S. Route 40 and passing through the nearby town of North East. MD 7 also connects with Maryland Route 272, which provides access to the nearest Interstate highway, Interstate 95. Maryland Route 267 also serves Charlestown, passing through the center of town on an old alignment of MD 7.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,183 people, 454 households, and 324 families living in the town. The population density was 994.1 PD/sqmi. There were 550 housing units at an average density of 462.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 94.8% White, 3.7% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.1% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 1.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.5% of the population.

There were 454 households, of which 31.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.8% were married couples living together, 9.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 7.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 28.6% were non-families. 23.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.05.

The median age in the town was 41.4 years. 22.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.1% were from 25 to 44; 32.9% were from 45 to 64; and 11% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 50.3% male and 49.7% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,019 people, 386 households, and 282 families living in the town. The population density was 1,124.8 PD/sqmi. There were 451 housing units at an average density of 497.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.94% White, 1.77% African American, 0.10% Native American, and 0.20% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.29% of the population.

In 2000, 26.7% of Charlestown residents identified as being of Irish American heritage. This was the highest percentage of Irish Americans of any place in Maryland.

There were 386 households, out of which 35.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.8% were married couples living together, 9.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.7% were non-families. 17.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.64 and the average family size was 3.03.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 26.8% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 34.6% from 25 to 44, 22.3% from 45 to 64, and 10.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 110.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 107.2 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $50,563, and the median income for a family was $57,644. Males had a median income of $40,104 versus $25,978 for females. The per capita income for the town was $20,959. About 3.2% of families and 5.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.5% of those under age 18 and 4.7% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Charlestown is within Cecil County Public Schools. Zoned public schools include Charlestown Elementary School, Perryville Middle School, and Perryville High School.

title: Charlestown, Maryland


text:
Chesapeake City, Maryland

Chesapeake City is a town in Cecil County, Maryland, United States. The population was 736 at the 2020 census.

The town was originally named by Bohemian colonist Augustine Herman the Village of Bohemia — or Bohemia Manor — but the name was changed in 1839 after the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal (C&D Canal) was built in 1829. Today, the town contains numerous old homes from that era that have been converted into bed and breakfasts, restaurants and the local historical museum.

History
The town was separated into north and south sections when the C&D Canal was built through the middle of the town. The two were connected by a drawbridge until 1942 when that was destroyed by a freighter that struck it. The current bridge opened in 1949.

The new bridge had to be tall enough to allow supertankers to pass beneath it, resulting in a structure so high and long that cars no longer went into the city to cross the canal. Business declined for decades thereafter.

Around 1911, members of the Ukrainian community bought farmland at the edge of Chesapeake City and established homes here. They worked on the canal when it expanded in the 1920s and farmed as they brought their traditions and culture to the top of the Eastern Shore of Maryland. In 1911, the Ukrainian Catholic Church announced plans for a church and an orphanage. St. Basil's Ukrainian Church opened a few years later and prior to World War I the St. Basil Orphanage on a hilltop alongside the C & D Canal was caring for children. The orphanage maintained by the Sisters of the Order of St. Basil the Great (O.S.B.M) operated until the 1970s. The church continues to serve the spiritual needs of the community with regular services. ,

Chesapeake City is the location of the Old Lock Pump House of the C&D Canal, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. The South Chesapeake City Historic District was listed in 1974.

In the late 20th century, Chesapeake City was the home of one of the world's most important thoroughbred stud farms, Windfields Farm.

Geography
Chesapeake City is located at 39.52778°N, -75.81222°W (39.527826, -75.812270).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.69 sqmi, of which 0.50 sqmi is land and 0.19 sqmi is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 673 people, 335 households, and 177 families living in the town. The population density was 1346.0 PD/sqmi. There were 390 housing units at an average density of 780.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 96.6% White, 2.4% African American, 0.1% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.1% from other races, and 0.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.8% of the population.

There were 335 households, of which 20.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.0% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 47.2% were non-families. 39.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.01 and the average family size was 2.67.

The median age in the town was 47.9 years. 15% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22% were from 25 to 44; 35.5% were from 45 to 64, and 20.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 44.9% male and 55.1% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 787 people, 330 households, and 228 families living in the town. The population density was 1,393.1 PD/sqmi. There were 371 housing units at an average density of 656.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 94.92% White, 3.56% African American, 0.25% Native American, 0.38% Asian, 0.51% from other races, and 0.38% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.76% of the population.

There were 330 households, out of which 27.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.8% were married couples living together, 12.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.9% were non-families. 24.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.79.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 21.7% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 27.8% from 25 to 44, 27.7% from 45 to 64, and 16.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 84.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.4 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $46,917, and the median income for a family was $52,813. Males had a median income of $35,250 versus $26,471 for females. The per capita income for the town was $21,621. About 5.2% of families and 6.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.7% of those under age 18 and 2.3% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Chesapeake City is a part of the Cecil County Public Schools System. There are three schools in the town:
 * Chesapeake City Elementary School
 * The previous facility, about 42000 sqft in size, is in the southern part of Chesapeake City, along the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal. In 2019 a groundbreaking for the new school facility, along Augustine Herman Highway at the midpoint between the Bohemia Manor secondary schools and the Cheseapeake City fire department facility, was imminent. The facility, with about 62000 sqft in area, is designed to look like the area bridge. The building's model is Gilpin Manor Elementary School.
 * Bohemia Manor Middle School
 * Bohemia Manor High School

Chesapeake City is served by the Chesapeake City Branch of the Cecil County Public Library located on Maryland Route 213. The library offers books, music, movies, computers with Internet access, free wifi, and programs for adults, teens, and children.

Transportation
The main method of transportation to and from the town is by road. Maryland Route 213 is the main highway serving Chesapeake City, connecting the two halves of the town via the Chesapeake City Bridge. MD 213 extends northward towards Elkton and southwards to Cecilton. Other state highways serving the town include Maryland Route 284, Maryland Route 285, Maryland Route 286, Maryland Route 342 and Maryland Route 537.

Notable people

 * John Mabry, former major league baseball player and current hitting coach for the Kansas City Royals

title: Chesapeake City, Maryland


text:
Elkton, Maryland

Elkton is a town in and the county seat of Cecil County, Maryland, United States. The population was 15,776 at the 2020 census, up from 15,443 in 2010. It was formerly called Head of Elk because it sits at the head of navigation on the Elk River, one of the five tributary rivers that flow into the north of the Chesapeake Bay, east of the Susquehanna River and North East River, and north of the Bohemia River, and Sassafras River. The town constitutes part of the Delaware Valley (i.e. the Philadelphia metropolitan area).

Elkton was once known as the Gretna Green of the East of the US because of its popularity as a place for eloping couples to marry.

History
The town was founded by Swedish mariners and fishermen from Fort Casimir who settled the area in 1694. They called their settlement Head of Elk, as it was the head of navigation of the Elk River.

The town saw several actions during the American Revolutionary War. On August 25, 1777, Sir William Howe's Anglo-German army (13,000 British soldiers and 5,000 Germans) landed on the Elk River and marched 11 miles north to Head of Elk. Howe soon advanced to the short and victorious campaign of the Brandywine, and thence to the capture of Philadelphia. On March 8, 1781, the Marquis de Lafayette embarked his troops there to attempt a capture of Benedict Arnold. Returning on April 9, he began his overland march to Virginia. George Washington and Rochambeau with their combined forces stopped in Elkton on September 6–7, 1781, on their way to Yorktown.

In 1787, the town was incorporated as Elkton. By 1880, the population was 1,752.

The landmark historic home, Holly Hall was built by James Sewall in the 1810s and quickly became a regional seat for important dignitaries and local politics.

When northern states began to pass more restrictive marriage laws in the early 20th century, Maryland did not. As a result, a number of Maryland towns near borders with other states became known as places to get married quickly and without many restrictions, or "Gretna Greens". Elkton, being the northeastern most county seat in Maryland (and thus closer to Philadelphia, New York, and New England), was particularly popular. It was a notorious Gretna Green for years; in its heyday, in the 1920s and 1930s, it was "the elopement capital of the East Coast" and thousands of marriages were performed there each year. While some of the marriages obtained in Elkton were of celebrities or celebrities-to-be (Cornel Wilde, Joan Fontaine, Debbie Reynolds, Martha Raye, John and Martha Mitchell, Willie Mays, and Pat Robertson all got married in Elkton), the overall tawdry flavor grew to be too much for the state.

A 48-hour waiting period was imposed in 1938, but Elkton continued to be a place to marry, and especially elope; it simply took longer. The year before the Maryland Legislature enacted a 48-hour waiting period, the marriage bureau in the town of about 3,300 people issued 16,054 licenses. That number slumped to 4,532 in 1939. Still, the marrying ministers found all sorts of loopholes that allowed the business to continue for decades. The waiting period could be lifted, for instance, if the "mother was expecting", or if a young man was preparing to go off to war. In 1942, Elkton had about 14,000 marriages.

In time, Las Vegas became the new "American Gretna Green", although hundreds of people still came to Elkton. But an era faded in the northeastern Maryland county seat when the last commercial wedding chapel closed in 2017.

On December 8, 1963, Pan Am Flight 214 was struck by lightning and crashed near Elkton, taking 81 lives. The crash was listed in the 2005 Guinness World Records as the "Worst Lightning Strike Death Toll." A small memorial marks the site of the crash, the worst loss of life accident in Maryland. The Boeing 707 had gone down in a cornfield on the eastern edge of the town, and in 1994 a granite memorial was placed at Delancy Road and Wheelhouse Drive. Today the area is a housing development.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 8.61 sqmi, of which 8.35 sqmi is land and 0.26 sqmi is water.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Elkton has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 15,443 people, 5,580 households, and 3,673 families living in the town. The population density was 1849.5 PD/sqmi. There were 5,944 housing units at an average density of 711.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 76.0% White, 15.1% African American, 0.3% Native American, 2.6% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 2.0% from other races, and 3.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.9% of the population.

There were 5,580 households, of which 40.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.0% were married couples living together, 19.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 34.2% were non-families. 27.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.65 and the average family size was 3.21.

The median age in the town was 32.8 years. 28% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 31% were from 25 to 44; 22.2% were from 45 to 64; and 9.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 48.2% male and 51.8% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 11,893 people, 4,446 households, and 2,898 families living in the town. The population density was 1,480.5 PD/sqmi. There were 4,743 housing units at an average density of 590.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 85.85% White, 9.64% African American, 0.32% Native American, 1.17% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.78% from other races, and 2.20% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.97% of the population.

There were 4,446 households, out of which 37.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.7% were married couples living together, 18.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.8% were non-families. 27.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.13.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 29.4% under the age of 18, 9.8% from 18 to 24, 33.5% from 25 to 44, 17.0% from 45 to 64, and 10.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.0 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $38,171, and the median income for a family was $44,348. Males had a median income of $36,495 versus $25,543 for females. The per capita income for the town was $17,789. About 9.4% of families and 11.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.0% of those under age 18 and 10.5% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Students in Elkton are served by Cecil County Public Schools. Elkton High School is a public school located in the town. Cecil College operates the Elkton Station campus in Elkton. Three elementary and one middle school also serve Elkton.

Government
The town is managed with a Mayor–council government, in which it has an elected Mayor who serves 4-year terms and an elected Town Commissioner who also serves a 4-year term. Currently, there are only 4 seated Commissioners. There have been a total of 41 Mayors in Elkton ever since the town was incorporated. The current Mayor of Elkton is Robert J. Alt, who has been Mayor since 2014. Alt previously served as Mayor from 1998 until 2002.

Sports and recreation
There are several parks located in the town limits, such as Marina Park, which is on Bridge Street (Maryland Route 213). Marina Park contains one tennis court and one small basketball court. Also to mention, there is Meadow Park (Officially called the John P. Stanley Memorial Park) located on Delaware Avenue (Maryland Route 7) which is the largest park in Elkton. Meadow Park is known for hosting kids football and soccer. There is also Eder Park, located near Meadow Park. Eder Park is located on Howard Street and is accessible to Meadow Park via a foot bridge. Eder Park is known for hosting little league baseball events in the spring and summer. Across the street from the former mentioned Meadow Park, there is a dog park.

For fishing, there are many options. For instance, Howard's Pond on Red Hill Road (Maryland State Route 281), is known for hosting fishing tournaments and many people are often seen at Howard's Pond fishing for fish that have been stocked by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Roads and highways
U.S. Route 40 is the most prominent highway directly serving Elkton. It serves as the main east–west highway through Elkton, passing just south of downtown via the Pulaski Highway. To the west, US 40 heads to North East and Perryville while eastward, it joins up with U.S. Route 13 beyond Glasgow, Delaware. Maryland Route 213 passes north–south through Elkton along Bridge Street, heading south to Chesapeake City and north to Fair Hill. Maryland Route 279 begins at US 40 west of Elkton and heads northeast on Newark Avenue and Elkton Road, bypassing the center of Elkton to the north and continuing toward Newark, Delaware. Other state highways serving Elkton include Maryland Route 7, which heads east along Main Street and Delaware Avenue from the downtown area to US 40; Maryland Route 268 which follows North Street from Main Street in downtown Elkton north to MD 279; Maryland Route 281, which heads east along Red Hill Road to the Delaware border and becomes Old Baltimore Pike; Maryland Route 545, which heads northwest from Elkton along Blue Ball Road; and Maryland Route 781, which follows Delancy Road from US 40 north to MD 281.

Interstate 95 is the nearest Interstate highway, crossing the area just north of the town limits. It is accessible via an interchange with MD 279, from which point it heads south toward Baltimore and Washington, D.C., and north toward Wilmington and Philadelphia.

Public transportation
Cecil County operates Cecil Transit, a multi-route bus system. The Glasgow Connection (Route 1) runs Monday through Saturday between Elkton and Peoples Plaza in Glasgow, Delaware. The Cross-County Connection (Route 2) runs Monday through Saturday between Elkton, North East, Cecil College, Perryville (town and the Perryville station along MARC's Penn Line) and Perry Point Veteran's Medical Center. The Elkton Newark Connection (Route 4) runs Monday through Friday and connects Elkton to Glasgow and Newark, Delaware, where it connects with the Newark Rail Station that serves Amtrak and SEPTA Regional Rail's Wilmington/Newark Line trains along with DART First State buses at the Newark Transit Hub. Service between Elkton and Newark was previously provided by DART First State Route 65. The county also operates Demand Response, which is a countywide, curb-to-curb transit service for all ages. Rides must be scheduled in advance, and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Demand Response operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Notable people

 * Robert Alexander, an American planter, lawyer, and Tory political leader during the American Revolution
 * James Allison Jr. (1772–1854), born in Elkton, United States Congressman
 * Rev. John Andrews (clergyman) D.D. (1746–1813), born near the head of the Elk River; attended Head of Elk School; graduate, professor and provost of University of Pennsylvania; founder of York College of Pennsylvania
 * John A. J. Creswell, United States Postmaster General
 * James G. Crouse, former Delegate and longest-serving mayor of Elkton, served as mayor 1978–1998
 * Austin Lane Crothers, 46th Governor of Maryland
 * Martha Finley, author of children's books in the late 19th century and early 20th century. Although she was not born in Elkton, she lived there for several years.
 * James Black Groome, 36th Governor of Maryland
 * Dwayne Henry, former MLB relief pitcher
 * Bob Jones, former outfielder and first baseman for the Texas Rangers, Bronze Star-awarded Vietnam War veteran
 * Samuel J. Keys, mayor of Elkton and member of the Maryland House of Delegates
 * Henry McIntire (1835–1863), Union Army lieutenant colonel who died of wounds sustained at the Battle of Glendale
 * Bernard Purdie, drummer and session musician who has worked with various well-known soul, rock, pop, and jazz musicians
 * Jeremy Rose, jockey and 2005 ESPY award winner
 * Michael Rudolph, United States Army officer, served as acting Adjutant General and acting Inspector General of the U.S. Army in 1793
 * Frank R. Scott (1856–1917), member of the Maryland House of Delegates
 * Julian C. Smith, a United States Marine Corps general
 * Larry Webster, former NFL defensive tackle with Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets
 * Larry Webster III, NFL defensive end for the Carolina Panthers
 * Vic Willis (April 12, 1876 – August 3, 1947), Hall of Fame MLB pitcher
 * Harry Woolman, motorcycle daredevil, character actor, movie stuntman, and special effects performer

title: Elkton, Maryland


text:
North East, Maryland

North East is a town in Cecil County, Maryland, United States. It is located between Philadelphia and Baltimore. The population was 3,572 at the 2010 census.

The Turkey Point Light Station was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. The Gilpin's Falls Covered Bridge was listed in 2008.

Geography
North East is located at 39.60034°N, -75.94215°W.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 2.11 sqmi, of which 2.06 sqmi is land and 0.05 sqmi is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 3,572 people, 1,433 households, and 901 families living in the town. The population density was 1734.0 PD/sqmi. There were 1,651 housing units at an average density of 801.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 87.2% White, 7.6% African American, 0.4% Native American, 1.5% Asian, 1.0% from other races, and 2.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.3% of the population.

There were 1,433 households, of which 38.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.0% were married couples living together, 17.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 7.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 37.1% were non-families. 29.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 3.03.

The median age in the town was 30.7 years. 26.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 11% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 31.1% were from 25 to 44; 22.1% were from 45 to 64; and 9.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 47.7% male and 52.3% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,733 people, 1,081 households, and 701 families living in the town. The population density was 1,730.8 PD/sqmi. There were 1,215 housing units at an average density of 769.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 93.82% White, 3.18% African American, 0.40% Native American, 0.88% Asian, 0.44% from other races, and 1.28% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.54% of the population.

There were 1,081 households, out of which 36.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.4% were married couples living together, 16.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.1% were non-families. 27.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.5% 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 3.04.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 29.2% under the age of 18, 10.1% from 18 to 24, 31.7% from 25 to 44, 18.3% from 45 to 64, and 10.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.9 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $39,563, and the median income for a family was $39,417. Males had a median income of $34,545 versus $26,768 for females. The per capita income for the town was $18,287. About 14.9% of families and 15.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.4% of those under age 18 and 14.1% of those age 65 or over.

Education
It is within Cecil County Public Schools.
 * North East Elementary School
 * North East Middle School
 * North East High School
 * Cecil School of Technology

Private:
 * The Tome School (K-12)

Tertiary:
 * Cecil College

Roads and highways
U.S. Route 40 is the main east–west road directly serving North East. It passes through a thin stretch of town on the north side via Pulaski Highway, providing connections east to Elkton and west to Perryville. Maryland Route 272 is the main north–south road through North East, passing through the center of town along the one-way pair of Mauldin Avenue northbound and Main Street southbound. Outside of the town, MD 272 heads south as Turkey Point Road to Elk Neck State Park and north as North East Road to Chester County, Pennsylvania.

Interstate 95 is the closest Interstate highway, passing just north of the town limits. It is accessible via an interchange with MD 272, from which point it heads south toward Baltimore and Washington, D.C. and north toward Wilmington and Philadelphia.

Public transportation
The Route 2 Cross-County Connection bus operated by Cecil Transit runs between Elkton, North East, Cecil College, Perryville (town and the Perryville station along MARC's Penn Line) and Perry Point Veteran's Medical Center.

Historic sites
Historic sites in and near North East include:
 * St. Mary Anne's Episcopal Church, built in 1742
 * Turkey Point Light
 * Gilpin's Falls Covered Bridge

Notable people

 * Harry Anderson (September 10, 1931 – June 11, 1998), former MLB player
 * George A. Palmer (February 14, 1895 – January 11, 1981), founder of the Sandy Cove Conference Center

title: North East, Maryland


text:
Perryville, Maryland

Perryville is a town in Cecil County, Maryland, United States. The population was 4,361 at the 2010 census. The town is located near an exit for Interstate 95, on the north side of the outlet of the Susquehanna River.

History
Perryville was first settled by Europeans in 1622, when Edward Palmer was granted a patent for a settlement on what is now Garrett Island. During the 17th century, Lord Baltimore granted George Talbot 31,000 acre of land, which included the Perryville area. Before incorporation (1882), the settlement was known as Lower Ferry (circa 1695), Susquehanna (circa 18th century), and was finally named Perryville after Mary Perry, the wife of John Bateman.

During the Revolutionary War, Perryville served as a staging area for the Continental Army. Colonel John Rodgers (1728–1791), who operated the ferry and tavern in Perryville, raised the 5th Company of the Maryland Militia. This company became part of the famous Flying Camp and was instrumental during the early stages of the Revolutionary War. George Washington stopped frequently at Rodgers Tavern on his travels from Virginia to New York. Rodgers Tavern was listed on the National Register of Historic Places during 1972. Colonel Rodgers' son, John Rodgers, was instrumental in suppressing the Tripolitan pirates in the Mediterranean Sea and was subsequently promoted to Commodore of the Mediterranean Squadron. Commodore Rodgers served with distinction during the War of 1812 and is known as the "Father of the American Navy."

During the 19th century, Perryville was the midway station for the Wilmington to Baltimore Rail Line. During the American Civil War, the railway line between Perryville and Baltimore was destroyed. To transport troops and munitions to Annapolis, the Union Army again began the operation of the ferry across the Susquehanna. The Principio Furnace is located nearby and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

During the 20th century, it was an important destination for those going to the United States Naval Training Center Bainbridge, Maryland, about three miles up the road, now no longer functioning and sold by the Navy. Perryville continued to serve as a railroad town. The interstate highway system, with access near Perryville, brought business from highway travelers.

Perryville is currently home to the Perry Point Veteran's Medical Center, located on a picturesque campus at the outlet of the Susquehanna River into Chesapeake Bay. This same location is also the Northeast Campus of AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps, a residential national service program which recruits young Americans between the ages of 18 and 24 to perform community service in various locations in the country.

Perryville is the northern terminus of the MARC Penn Line commuter rail service, which runs south to Washington, D.C. via Baltimore. The 1905-built station also serves as a railroad museum and an Amtrak maintenance facility.

Perryville is home to the largest linwood tree in Maryland, located at 50 Millcreek Road on an estate known formerly as the Anchorage. Perryville is also home to numerous historical sites including the Principio Furnace.

Geography
Perryville is located at 39.56972°N, -76.06861°W (39.569662, −76.068725).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 3.06 sqmi, of which 3.05 sqmi is land and 0.01 sqmi is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 4,361 people, 1,762 households, and 1,130 families living in the town. The population density was 1429.8 PD/sqmi. There were 1,959 housing units at an average density of 642.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 84.6% White, 9.6% African American, 0.4% Native American, 1.3% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 1.0% from other races, and 2.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.2% of the population.

There were 1,762 households, of which 32.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.0% were married couples living together, 11.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 35.9% were non-families. 30.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 3.07.

The median age in the town was 40.7 years. A total of 23.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.1% were from 25 to 44; 30.9% were from 45 to 64; and 12.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 49.7% male and 50.3% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,672 people, 1,443 households, and 988 families living in the town. The population density was 1,479.0 PD/sqmi. There were 1,507 housing units at an average density of 607.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 90.93% Caucasian, 5.86% African American, 0.27% Native American, 0.76% Asian, 0.54% from other races, and 1.63% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.31% of the population.

There were 1,443 households, out of which 35.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.6% were married couples living together, 11.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.5% were non-families. 27.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.8% 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 3.05.

In the town, the population was spread out agewise with 27.2% under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 32.5% from 25 to 44, 22.9% from 45 to 64, and 11.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.0 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $43,984, and the median income for a family was $52,981. Males had a median income of $39,112 versus $28,526 for females. The per capita income for the town was $20,040. About 6.0% of families and 7.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.8% of those under age 18 and 21.8% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
The town is home to one of IKEA's distribution centers, which houses one of the largest rooftop solar arrays in the U.S., and the largest in the state of Maryland. The distribution center’s total 4.9-MW solar installation of 25,913 panels generates 6,092,533 kWh of clean electricity yearly.

In 2010 Perryville opened the first legal casino in Maryland (Hollywood Casino Perryville). The casino is near the southbound exit of I-95. It offers slot machines, video gaming, table games, and a poker room area. The revenues from the casino are divided with the Town of Perryville and Cecil County government as well as the state.

In 2018, it was announced that Great Wolf Resorts would open a new Great Wolf Lodge in Perryville. Great Wolf Lodge Maryland opened June 14, 2023, to become Great Wolf Lodge's twentieth and largest resort. The resort contains an indoor waterpark and other attractions, a Dunkin' store, and a Build-a-Bear Worksop.

Transportation
The main mode of transportation to Perryville is by road. Interstate 95 crosses the north edge of town, with an interchange at Maryland Route 222 providing direct access. U.S. Route 40 also traverses the town. The northern terminus of MARC's Penn Line commuter rail service to Baltimore and Washington, D.C. is at the Perryville station in Perryville. Cecil Transit provides bus service to Perryville along the Route 2 Cross-County Connection to North East and Elkton.

Library
A new Perryville Branch of the Cecil County Public Library was opened in 2008.

Schools
There are four schools within Perryville's limits. Perryville Elementary, Middle and High Schools are public. The school sports mascot of Perryville High School is the panther. There is also one private school, a Catholic K-8 school named Good Shepherd. It is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church of the same name.

Churches
The following are the six churches in Perryville: Blythedale Seventh-day Adventist Church, First Baptist Church of Perryville, Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Perryville Presbyterian Church, Perryville United Methodist Church, and St. Mark's Episcopal Church.

Notable people

 * Jim Keesey (1902–1951), professional baseball player born in Perryville
 * John Rodgers (1772–1838), naval officer born in Perryville
 * John Chew Thomas (1764–1836), politician born in Perryville

title: Perryville, Maryland


text:
Port Deposit, Maryland

Port Deposit is a town in Cecil County, Maryland, United States. It is located on the east bank of the Susquehanna River near its discharge into the Chesapeake Bay. The population was 653 at the 2010 census.

Geography
Port Deposit is located at 39.61083°N, -76.10028°W (39.610915, -76.100172).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 2.28 sqmi, of which 2.27 sqmi is land and 0.01 sqmi is water.

It is the westernmost incorporated municipality in Cecil County, as well as in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Metropolitan Statistical Area, better known as the Delaware Valley.

Early history
The first recorded European visits to the area were the 1608 and 1609 expeditions led by Captain John Smith up the Chesapeake Bay. He sailed about 2 mi up the Susquehanna River to the present location of Port Deposit, and gave the name of "Smythe Fayles" to the rapids just above the future town.

The upper ferry
In 1729, Thomas Cresap established a regular ferry service near Smith's Falls (in the upper Port Deposit area) crossing the Susquehanna to Lapidum; this was referred to as Smith's Ferry or Upper Ferry. In 1731, a road from Susquehanna Upper Ferry toward Philadelphia, as far as the jurisdiction extends, was authorized. In the same year, in the jurisdiction south of the river, a petition was submitted for a road from the mill at 'Rock Run' to Peach Bottom, Pennsylvania. This upper ferry was later purchased by Colonel John Creswell and came to be known as 'Creswell's Ferry'.

This location, and Lapidum across the river, were the northernmost navigable deepwater ports on the Susquehanna. River barges and wagons loaded with lumber, grain, coal, whiskey, tobacco, and other goods floated downriver to this "port of deposit", where cargo could be transferred to ships from the Chesapeake. In the early days, it was difficult to float goods downriver, since there were many rapids and hazards, but it remained the most convenient way for goods to leave much of the country drained by the Susquehanna above the falls. Further, since a number of roads converged at the ferry crossing, goods could be carted or "rolled."

As early as the 1790s, the forests on the Susquehanna were being logged and the timbers floated downriver to points near the ferry landing. In 1812, the town was platted as Creswell's Landing; months later, Governor Levin Winder signed a bill officially naming the town Port Deposite (it would lose the trailing "e" at some point in the future).

The canal
The Susquehanna Canal (which had several owners and names over the years, including the Maryland Canal) was completed in 1812 and contributed much toward the town's growth. Until the canal was placed in service bypassing Smith's Falls, most of the traffic stopped at Lapidum, across the Susquehanna River since it was easier to run the rapids on the south side. However, the new canal — the Susquehanna and Tidewater Canal on the north side of the river — funneled the barge traffic into Port Deposit, stimulating rapid growth.

Granite and bridges
The first attempts to bridge the Susquehanna in Maryland were made by the Port Deposit Bridge Company, incorporated in 1808. Its attempts failed, so the Legislature in 1812 authorized another company to proceed. After completing a survey in 1813, which included the first written reference to Port Deposit, the company proposed a location that complied with the law but was longer than necessary. After petitioning for relief, the company was allowed to route the bridge closer to the falls, allowing it to be 1000 ft shorter. The Port Deposit Bridge, a wooden covered bridge, was built just north of Port Deposit during 1817 and 1818. Put into service in 1818, it was the earliest bridge crossing of the Susquehanna. Rebuilt after a span burned in 1823, it remained in service until 1857.

A 4 acre site at the north end of Port Deposit was committed to quarrying "granite." (actually gneiss) for bridges. The general area had been the site for granite quarrying before the bridge was constructed as there was use of this specific granite in buildings constructed before the Revolutionary War. This granite can be seen in many of the distinctive buildings in Port Deposit today.

Quarries were also opened here in 1829 by the proprietors of a competitor canal, the Susquehanna and Tidewater Canal, between Havre de Grace and Wrightsville, Pennsylvania, for canal construction projects routed along the opposite bank of the Susquehanna.

These quarries continued in service well into the 20th century. Port Deposit gneiss was used in:
 * Many houses and five churches in Port Deposit
 * Schools such as the U.S. Naval Academy, Haverford College and Catholic University of America
 * Fort McHenry, Fort Delaware and Fort Carroll
 * Public buildings like the Boston Public Library and the U.S. Treasury Building
 * Public works such as the Concord Point Lighthouse, Lincoln Tunnel and the St Augustine seawall

Incorporation
Port Deposit was incorporated in 1824.

Arrival of the railroad
In 1832, the governments of Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania chartered a quartet of railroads to connect Baltimore and Philadelphia. The Maryland General Assembly chartered two railroads terminating at Port Deposit: the Baltimore and Port Deposite Rail Road Company to build a line from the Susquehanna's western bank to Baltimore; and the Delaware and Maryland Rail Road Company to build from the river's eastern bank to the Delaware state line. That same year, Delaware chartered the Wilmington and Susquehanna Rail Road Company to continue the line to Wilmington. In 1836, the D&M merged with the W&S to form the Wilmington and Susquehanna Railroad Company. On February 12, 1838, all three companies merged to form the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad Company, forging a continuous line from Philadelphia to Baltimore. The main line passed southeast of Port Deposit; the town was connected by a branch line in 1866, running along the riverbank from Perryville. In 1881, the PW&B came under the control of the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR). In 1893 the branch line was sold to the Columbia and Port Deposit Railway, also PRR-controlled.

Jacob Tome
Jacob Tome arrived in Port Deposit penniless; became a banker, philanthropist, and politician; and died one of the richest men in the United States. He was to become Cecil County's first millionaire and its greatest philanthropist. The Tome mansion (built in 1850 but no longer standing) was the largest house in the town. In 1889, Tome founded the Jacob Tome School for Boys on Main Street, part of a system of schools called the Jacob Tome Institute. When he died on March 16, 1898, in Port Deposit, he left a substantial endowment for the institute, which the Tome School tapped to build a series of beaux arts granite buildings on the bluffs above Port Deposit, overlooking the Susquehanna River.

The CP-TOME interlocking on the railroad line through downtown Port Deposit is named in his honor.

Damming the Susquehanna
The Susquehanna River drops 167 ft as it passes through the region above Port Deposit, as it cuts through the hard rock of the region. This characteristic, which had long been good for Port Deposit, also attracted power companies in the boom period after World War I. The Conowingo Dam, built in 1927, permanently changed the character of the town by terminating all river traffic and decimating what was left of the shad and herring fishery which was once found there. Port Deposit benefited from the dam as well; destructive accumulations of ice (referred to as ice gouges) no longer accumulated in the Conowingo Rapids or passed through Port Deposit, as it had to terrible effect in 1907.

Other industry
Formerly a major industry in Port Deposit, Wiley's Manufacturing, fabricated the Fort McHenry Tunnel sections. They were floated and towed to the Baltimore construction site using tugboats. Construction was completed in 1985.

The immersed tubes of the 63rd Street Tunnel were fabricated at a shipyard in Port Deposit and then towed to New York City.

National Register of Historic Places listing
The entire town of Port Deposit was listed as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places on May 23, 1978. Starting from Bainbridge Road on the south, the district extends about 1.4 miles north along US 222 to the quarry at the north end of town.

The town has several impressive older buildings, many built of the local granite or brick. The oldest structures in the historic district date from 1725, with the majority built from 1830 through the 1890s.

The town remained largely unspoiled by new construction until the late 20th century, since there was little room for construction. The bulk of the older buildings line the main street and the, until recently, single side street built in the narrow space between the bluffs and the river. The bluffs have been terraced and stairways lead between streets. Adams Hall, formerly part of the Tome Institute, became the Town Hall; the only remains of the Tome Institute's former Washington Hall is the granite doorway that separates the Main Street from a parking lot today.

Police Department
During the second half of the twentieth century, Port Deposit maintained a small police department, mostly made up of parttime officers. Around 1966, the town council promoted Horace Boddy, one of the parttime patrolman, to chief of police. He had joined the force in the early 1960s, and with the command appointment he became the first African American police chief in Cecil County. In 1980, Chief Boddy stepped down from the commanding role. His next senior officer, Bill Waibel, became the chief as Boddy stayed on the force as a patrolman. He retired fully in 1983.

Transportation
The present-day primary method of transportation to and from Port Deposit is by road. Maryland Route 222 passes through the center of town along Main Street, connecting northwards to U.S. Route 1 near Conowingo Dam and southward to Perryville and Interstate 95, which is the nearest Interstate highway. Both US 1 and I-95 head north towards Philadelphia and south towards Baltimore. Maryland Route 276 also serves Port Deposit, heading northeast towards Rising Sun.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 653 people, 265 households, and 153 families living in the town. The population density was 287.7 PD/sqmi. There were 429 housing units at an average density of 189.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 82.8% White, 11.9% African American, 1.4% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.6% from other races, and 2.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.2% of the population.

There were 265 households, of which 26.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.8% were married couples living together, 14.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 7.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 42.3% were non-families. 30.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.89.

The median age in the town was 39.4 years. 19.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.8% were from 25 to 44; 32.8% were from 45 to 64; and 10.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 53.9% male and 46.1% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 676 people, 264 households, and 163 families living in the town. The population density was 404.8 PD/sqmi. There were 402 housing units at an average density of 240.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 78.85% White, 17.75% African American, 0.44% Native American, 0.59% Asian, 0.59% from other races, and 1.78% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.63% of the population.

There were 264 households, out of which 29.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 34.1% were married couples living together, 21.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.9% were non-families. 29.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 3.08.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 27.5% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 28.4% from 25 to 44, 26.8% from 45 to 64, and 9.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 109.3 males. For every 100 women age 18 and over, there were 100.0 men.

The median income for a household in the town was $34,167, and the median income for a family was $37,813. Males had a median income of $32,083 versus $21,932 for females. The per capita income for the town was $15,297. About 19.4% of families and 22.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 35.4% of those under age 18 and 12.8% of those age 65 or over.

Notable residents

 * Henry Lee Lucas lived briefly in Benjamins Trailer Park
 * John Conard (1773–1857) served in the U.S. House of Representatives and settled near Port Deposit for 1834–1851 after retiring from politics.
 * Jacob Tome
 * Joseph Irwin France (1873–1939) taught at the Tome School in Port Deposit for a period and later was a United States Senator(1917–1923).
 * John A. J. Creswell (born 1828 in Port Deposit) was a United States Senator (1865–1867) and United States Postmaster General (1869 and 1874).
 * James Devereux (1903–1988), who attended the Tome School, was a Marine General during the defense of Wake Island in December 1941 and later served in the United States House of Representatives (1951–1959).
 * Sarah Collins Fernandis (1863–1951), social worker, educator, poet, born in Port Deposit
 * Admiral Frank B. Kelso II (1933–2013), who later became Chief of Naval Operations, served as Commanding Officer, U.S. Naval Nuclear Power School at the nearby U.S. Naval Training Center Bainbridge from 1969 to 1971.
 * Clara Dutton Noyes (1869–1936) was born in Port Deposit. She headed the Red Cross Nursing Division during World War I, enlisting more than 20,000 nurses to duty overseas, and received many international medals and honors for her work.
 * Martha Tracy Owler (born 1852 in Port Deposit) was a journalist and writer

title: Port Deposit, Maryland


text:
Rising Sun, Maryland

Rising Sun is a town in Cecil County, Maryland, United States. The population was 2,781 at the 2010 census.

History
The town which became known as Rising Sun was located in the disputed “Nottingham Lots” along the border between colonial Pennsylvania and Maryland. This area was claimed by William Penn and settled by Quakers in 1702 over the objection of Maryland. When Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon conducted a survey of the order in the 1760s, Rising Sun was found to be located in Maryland.

Around 1720, Henry Reynolds established a stone tavern on Nottingham Lot No. 17 to serve as a stage coach stop. According to local lore, he erected a sign over the entrance of the tavern depicting the rays of the sun at dawn and the words "The Rising Sun". As the tavern was located along the route between Baltimore and Philadelphia, it became known as a meeting place for business, politics, elections, and other public activities. Local legend states that the tavern was more well known than the surrounding village (Summer Hill) so that by the time the town's first post office was established around 1815, Rising Sun was chosen as the official name. There is some conjecture that the post office was located in the tavern.

When the town was incorporated in 1860, the commissioners had slate sidewalks installed, erected street lamps, and hired a lamplighter who doubled as bailiff and street maintenance man. Six years later the Philadelphia and Baltimore Central Railroad began to serve Rising Sun. Most of the town's current structure has been built since then.

In 1895, a 24-year-old Rising Sun Man, Sailor John A. Kay, enlisted in the Navy. When the Battleship Maine sailed for Havana Harbor in January 1898, Kay was an assistant machinist on this voyage. He and about 268 crew members perished when an explosion ripped through the vessel on February 15, 1898. On Independence Day 1900, a tall, handsome monument was dedicated at the Brookview Cemetery, which sits on a hilltop at the edge of town.

In 1916 women voted in the Rising Sun municipal election for the first time. This was four years before the 19th Amendment to the Constitution passed, which provided voting privileges to women across the nation.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places at Rising Sun are: the Jeremiah Brown House and Mill Site, East Nottingham Friends Meetinghouse, Joshua Lowe House, Thomas Richards House, and West Nottingham Meetinghouse.

Geography
Rising Sun is located at 39.69944°N, -76.06306°W (39.6994, -76.0630). According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.27 sqmi, of which 1.26 sqmi is land and 0.01 sqmi is water.

Politics
The current mayor is Travis Marion. The state senator for this area is Jason Gallion and the local delegates are Mike Griffith and Teresa Reilly. Rising Sun is a largely conservative town, having voted Republican in every election since 2000. Approximately 60% of the population is registered Republican.

Transportation
Roads are the primary method of travel to and from Rising Sun. The most prominent highway serving Rising Sun directly is U.S. Route 1, which skims the northwest edge of town. Heading south, US 1 heads across the Conowingo Dam on its way towards Baltimore, while to the north, US 1 enters Pennsylvania on its journey towards Philadelphia. Other highways which pass through Rising Sun include Maryland Route 273 and Maryland Route 274. Maryland Route 276 passes just outside the town limits.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 2,781 people, 1,062 households, and 732 families living in the town. The population density was 2207.1 PD/sqmi. There were 1,137 housing units at an average density of 902.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 95.8% White, 0.7% African American, 0.7% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.6% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.6% of the population.

There were 1,062 households, of which 42.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.1% were married couples living together, 16.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 31.1% were non-families. 27.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 3.17.

The median age in the town was 32.5 years. 30.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.7% were from 25 to 44; 22.7% were from 45 to 64; and 11% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 47.8% male and 52.2% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,702 people, 681 households, and 456 families living in the town. The population density was 1,826.6 PD/sqmi. There were 716 housing units at an average density of 768.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.5% White, 0.7% African American, 0.1% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.1% from other races, and 0.35% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.2% of the population.

There were 681 households, out of which 39.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.8% were married couples living together, 16.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.0% were non-families. 28.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 3.06.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 29.7% under the age of 18, 9.0% from 18 to 24, 30.8% from 25 to 44, 16.6% from 45 to 64, and 13.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 77.7 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $41,089, and the median income for a family was $48,646. Males had a median income of $36,765 versus $26,875 for females. The per capita income for the town was $17,835. About 9.3% of families and 9.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.3% of those under age 18 and 9.4% of those age 65 or over.

title: Rising Sun, Maryland


text:
Bennsville, Maryland

Bennsville (spelled Bensville by the United States Census Bureau ) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Charles County, Maryland, United States. Per the 2020 census, the population was 15,288. The area is not an official postal designation, but is part of the Waldorf or Pomfret postal area. The Bennsville area is growing with new residential development, encouraged by the extension in the 1990s of Maryland Route 228 which provides quick access to Maryland Route 210. Bennsville has experienced the 2006 opening of North Point High School and the straightening of Middletown Road in 2008.

Geography
Bennsville is located at 38.62333°N, -77.00639°W (38.623302, −77.006265).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 43.8 km2, all land.

2000 Census
As of the census of 2000, there were 7,325 people, 2,429 households, and 2,071 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 431.6 PD/sqmi. There were 2,493 housing units at an average density of 146.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 76.46% White, 18.02% African American, 0.41% Native American, 2.32% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 0.55% from other races, and 2.14% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.20% of the population.

There were 2,429 households, out of which 43.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 74.9% were married couples living together, 7.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 14.7% were non-families. 10.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 2.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.01 and the average family size was 3.25.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 28.1% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 32.5% from 25 to 44, 27.4% from 45 to 64, and 5.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.3 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $83,388, and the median income for a family was $85,988. Males had a median income of $51,770 versus $39,797 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $29,677. About 0.4% of families and 1.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 5.5% of those age 65 or over.

title: Bennsville, Maryland


text:
Bryans Road, Maryland

Bryans Road is a census-designated place (CDP) in Charles County, Maryland, United States. Per the 2020 census, the population was 8,650.

Bryans Road was named after Oliver Norris Bryan, a 19th-century farmer and scientist who owned and operated Locust Grove Farm near Marshall Hall. The area consisted mostly of tobacco farms until the establishment of the Naval Proving Grounds at Indian Head in 1890. Some commercial establishments came about by the early 1920s, when the name "Bryans Road" first appeared on maps. The construction of Maryland Route 210 (Indian Head Highway) during World War II brought new traffic. By the early 1960s, Bryans Road became an established bedroom community for both Indian Head and Washington, D.C.

At the main intersection of Bryans Road, a shopping center includes a supermarket, various gas stations, and assorted retail stores that serves the community. Local residents commute to work at the Indian Head Naval Surface Warfare Center, while others commute to employment centers throughout the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. In 1998, plans for a massive housing development project at Chapman's Landing were thwarted by the Maryland state government, which bought the property to preserve green space under its smart growth policy.

Marshall Hall was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, and Mount Aventine was listed in the Register in 1996.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 39.834 km2, all land. The central part of the community is now dominated by a large water tower just behind the fire department. Maryland Airport, the only airport in Charles County, is located nearby in Pomonkey.

The Charles County Board of Commission commissioned a review to study the cross-county connector, a proposed road to link Maryland Route 5 south of Waldorf to Indian Head Highway in Bryans Road, to address traffic congestion along the Indian Head Highway (Maryland Route 210) corridor. However, plans to build the cross county connector fell dormant after objections from environmentalists and rejections for permits by the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Army Corps of Engineers. In October 2013, the Charles County Board of Commissioners decided to introduce a draft plan at a community meeting that featured a scaled-down plan for area improvements, including alternatives to the cross-county connector.

2020 census
''Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos can be of any race.''

2010 Census
As of the census of 2010, there were 7,244 people, 2,504 households, and 1,849 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 470.9 PD/sqmi. There were 2,694 housing units at an average density of 175.2 housing units per square mile (67.6/km2). The racial makeup of the CDP was 34.0% White, 56.9% African American, 1.0% Native American, 3.0% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 1.0% from other races, and 4.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.8% of the population.

There were 2,504 households, out of which 34.9% had children under the age of 18 living in the household, 48.3% were married couples living together, 20.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.2% were non-families. In addition, 21.4% of households were made up of individuals with 2.2% of males age 65 years or older and 3.5% of females age 65 years or older living alone. The average household size was 2.89, and the average family size was 3.35.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 6.8% under the age of 5 years old, 23.1% from 5 to 19 years old, 33.7% from 20 to 44 years old, 26% from 45 to 64 years old, and 10.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.2 years old. For every 100 females, there were 92.4 males, while for every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.8 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $86,016, and the median income for a family was $96,250. Males had a median income of $63,375 versus $53,244 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $32,559. About 1.4% of families and 3.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.7% of those under age 18 and 4% of those age 65 or over.

Public schools
Bryans Road is served by the Charles County Public Schools for students in kindergarten and grade 1 through grade 12. Public schools that serve Bryans Road include J.C. Parks Elementary School, Matthew Henson Middle School and Henry E. Lackey High School.

Notable people

 * A. J. DeLaGarza, Major League Soccer player
 * Harold von Braunhut, creator of Amazing Sea-Monkeys

title: Bryans Road, Maryland