“What was Cracklintown?” I hear you ask. That was the original name of Laytonsville. It is a town with a rich history.
Laytonsville is a small municipality in Montgomery County, Maryland. It is about 25 miles north of Washington, DC. The town was incorporated in 1892. Let’s explore its story.
Laytonsville got its start as Cracklintown. This came from the popular cracklin bread baked here. This bacon cornbread gave the area the name Cracklin District. The original town was larger than today. It went along Sundown Road toward the Hawlings River. The first church, school, and store were in that area.
The first major road through Cracklintown was built in the early 1800s. It was called the Brink-Sundown Road. Documents from that time call it the road from the mouth of the Monocacy to Ellicotts Mills.
The road now known as Route 108 came soon after. This crossroads became important for moving cattle and pigs. They were headed to the markets of Baltimore. Laytonsville became a stopover for these drovers. By the early 1800s, brick buildings were built. Examples are the Layton House and a tavern across the road. By 1850, the southeast corner of the crossroads was developed. Much of the rest of the town along Route 108 grew after the 1870s.
Another reason for Laytonsville’s growth was successful farming. The soil here is Manor loam or Chester loam. It is very fertile and well-drained. It holds moisture well, even in hot summers.
Laytonsville has a Commemorative Tree program. Residents can honor family and friends. For more information, look at the Laytonsville Commemorative Tree Application.
Are you interested in the town’s history? A book titled “Laytonsville from Crossroads to Community” is available. Anne Burke Wolf and Jane Griffith Evans wrote it. You can buy it at the Town Hall for $20.
The Laytonsville Town Hall is open to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The opening hours are from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.. If you need to do business there, contact the Clerk’s office. Email the Town Clerk at clerk@comcast.net. You can also call 301-869-0042 to make an appointment.
Laytonsville is more than just a place on the map. It is a community with a story. From its days as Cracklintown to its present-day life, Laytonsville welcomes you. I hope you enjoy your visit.