"United in History, Together in Progress"

Celebrating the semiquincentennial in washington county, md

Join us as Washington County proudly celebrates its Semiquincentennial on July 4, 2026! For 250 years, our vibrant community has been a cornerstone of American history, culture, and progress. This momentous occasion is an opportunity to reflect on our rich heritage, honor our achievements, and look forward to an even brighter future.
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Events & Activities

Throughout the year, we will host a variety of events and activities that highlight the unique history and culture of Washington County. From historical reenactments and parades to concerts and family-friendly festivals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Commemorative Projects

In honor of our 250th anniversary, we are launching several special projects, including the installation of commemorative markers, the publication of a historical book, and the creation of a time capsule.

Get Involved

We invite all residents and visitors to participate in the celebrations. Share your stories, volunteer for events, or simply join us in the festivities. Let’s make this a year to remember!

The History of Washington County

January 10, 1727
Land deed granted to Israel Friend by Chief of the Five Nations; Recorded in Nov. 1730
1756
Fort Frederick erected. The fort protected frontier settlers during the French and Indian War.
1762
Elizabethtown (later Hagerstown) laid out by Jonathan Hager.
August 1765
Surveyors Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon reached South Mountain.
April 1766
Mason and Dixon surveyed Sideling Hill.
September 6, 1776
Washington County created from Frederick County by resolve of 9th Provincial Convention; named for George Washington (1732-1799), Commander of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, and first President of the United States.
January 15, 1785
First Washington Courthouse was erected.
July 1790
Stewart Herbert, Jr., began printing Elizabethtown (now Hagerstown) Washington Spy, first newspaper west of Blue Ridge Mountains.
1813
Hagerstown incorporated.
September 8, 1820
William T. Hamilton (1820-1888), Governor of Maryland, 1880-84, born in Hagerstown.
1823
Williamsport incorporated. Second Courthouse completed at Hagerstown, designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe.
July 4, 1827
Boonsboro citizens on South Mountain dedicated first completed monument in nation to honor George Washington.
November 1828
James W. C. Pennington, a slave in Washington County, escaped to freedom in Pennsylvania.
1831
Boonsboro incorporated.
1832
Sharpsburg incorporated.
1836
Clear Spring incorporated.
1840
Funkstown incorporated.
1841
Smithsburg incorporated.
1853
Hancock incorporated.
July 3 - October 16, 1859
John Brown (1800-1859) prepared for raid on Harper's Ferry from Kennedy Farmhouse at Sharpsburg. The raid, Oct. 16-18, 1859, was unsuccessful. Later, Brown was tried and hanged with six of his men on Dec. 2, 1859.
January 5-6, 1862
The Civil War Battle of Hancock Occurs.
September 14, 1862
The Civil War Battle of South Mountain Occurs.
September 17, 1862
The Civil War Battle of Antietam occurs.
October 10-12, 1862
Confederate cavalry under Maj. Gen. James Ewell Brown (Jeb) Stuart rode through Washington, Frederick and Montgomery counties during Chambersburg Raid to Pennsylvania.
June - July 1863
Gen. Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia passed through Washington County en route to Gettysburg and in retreat.
July 6, 1864
Hagerstown held for ransom by Confederate forces under Lt. Gen. Jubal Early.
December 6, 1871
Courthouse destroyed by fire at Hagerstown.
January 1, 1872
Keedysville incorporated. Western Maryland Railroad completed the Hagerstown-Baltimore Line.
1874
Third courthouse dedicated at Hagerstown.
1905
The first bookmobile was established in 1905 at the Washington County Public Library (Md.). The original bookmobile was a wagon with horses which were driven by the library janitor. The was wagon had room for 200 books.
(American Library Association)
April 1, 1905
Western Maryland Railroad completed the Hagerstown-Baltimore Line.
October 26, 1905
Washington County Hospital opens in Hagerstown
April 7, 1928
Single Engine Airplanes come to Hagerstown with Ammon H. Kreider and Lewis E. Reisner
January 1, 1939
Fairchild wins a competition for Army training craft with the PT-19 in 1939.
September 10, 1946
Hagerstown Junior College, now Hagerstown Community College, was founded in 1946.
September 1956
Washington County Closed-Circuit Educational Television Project (1956-1961) began in eight public elementary schools, first such use of closed-circuit instructional television in nation.
1962
Richard A. Henson started Hagerstown Commuter airline and began air service between Hagerstown and Washington, DC. Property bought for new Hagerstown Junior College campus.
1965
Appalachian Regional Commission established by federal statute.
September 19, 1966
Hagerstown Junior College's new campus opened for classes.
November 1967
Richard A. Henson's Allegheny Commuter inaugurated air service from Hagerstown to Baltimore.
1968
Governor's Council for Appalachian Maryland created.
January 1, 1970
The Frederick to Hancock portion of Interstate 70 opens.
1971
Tri-County Council for Western Maryland formed.
December 1983
Roxbury Correctional Institution opened at Hagerstown.
1984
Fairchild ceased airplane production in Hagerstown.
1993
Hagerstown Suns established.
July 1, 1998
Hagerstown Junior College renamed Hagerstown Community College.
2003
Fairchild bought by M7 Aerospace and company headquarters relocated to San Antonio, Texas.
March 2, 2004
Electronic voting system used during primary elections at polling places and for absentee ballots in all counties and Baltimore City.
January 2005
University System of Maryland Hagerstown opened.
2020
Hagerstown Suns affiliation with Major League Baseball ended following minor league restructuring.
September 1, 2021
The Hagerstown Flying Boxcars baseball team creation was announced.
2024
The Hagerstown Flying Boxcars played their first season in their newly constructed stadium.
(https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/36loc/wa/chron/html/wachron.html)

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The sun rises over two cannons at Antietam Battlefield, the sky is an orange-yellow color over purple mountains and green grass slowly fading to yellow in the fall.
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Liberal Leave is in effective for Washington County Government

LIBERAL LEAVE IS IN EFFECT FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Liberal leave is in effect for all non-essential personal on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, until noon. Essential personnel are expected to fulfill their duties as usual.

The starting time for today’s Board of County Commissioners meeting will be reevaluated at 9:00 am.

For those required to travel, exercise caution on the roadways. If driving is necessary, ensure your vehicle is completely cleared, drive at a reduced speed, practice caution, and avoid crowding or passing plows.
 
We’ll keep the public informed of any changes. Stay updated by monitoring Washington County Government’s website and social media channels for the latest information. Your safety is our priority!