Curious about the largest county in Maryland? That’s Frederick County, where history and hip culture collide. Frederick County is a place less than an hour from Washington D.C.
Here, you can explore museums. Then, you can unwind at martini bars. Scenic landscapes offer adventure for thrill-seekers. Cutting-edge cuisine is served in Civil War-era buildings. Frederick County features unique shops, galleries, museums, and theaters.
Frederick County is surrounded by mountain views. Wineries and vibrant Main Street communities add to its charm. You can hike the Appalachian Trail. You can visit local breweries. You can tour a battlefield all in a single day. Frederick County truly blends hip and historic elements every day.
Frederick County spans 664 square miles. As of 2020, its population was 271,717. The median age is 38.6. The median household income is $100,685.
Major employers in Frederick County include Fort Detrick and the Frederick County Board of Education. Frederick Memorial Healthcare and Leidos Biomedical also contribute to the economy. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage and AstraZeneca are significant employers too.
The county seat is the City of Frederick. It is home to over 78,000 people. Frederick is the second-largest city in Maryland. It has the fifth-highest population growth rate in the state.
Frederick County has earned accolades. It was named one of the Best Places to Live in the US by Livability in 2022. In 2021, it was a Top 10 Remote-Ready City. Matador recognized it as a Top Small Town to Visit in 2020. The Travel Channel featured it as one of the Best Small Towns to Visit at Christmas in 2019.
Famous faces hail from Frederick County. Barbara Fritchie was a Civil War heroine. Francis Scott Key authored “The Star-Spangled Banner”. Lester Bowie was a jazz musician. Claire McCardell was a world-renowned fashion designer. Thomas Johnson served as the first Governor of Maryland. John Hanson was elected as President of the United States in Congress Assembled in 1781.
Frederick County was founded in 1748. It was formed from parts of Prince George’s County and Baltimore County. Its namesake is believed to be either Frederick, Prince of Wales, or Frederick Calvert, 6th Baron Baltimore.
The county borders Pennsylvania to the north. Virginia lies to the southwest. The Blue Ridge Mountains are to the west. Frederick’s landscape includes the Monocacy River valley.
Gambrill State Park and Cunningham Falls State Park are located in Thurmont. They are known for the 78-foot cascading waterfall. Frederick Community College, Hood College, and Maryland School for the Deaf are all located in Frederick.
Monocacy National Battlefield is in Frederick County. It marks a key site from the American Civil War.
Frederick County offers a blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty. Its convenient location makes it a distinctive destination. It is easily accessible from major cities and historical sites. From its charming downtown to its outdoor attractions, Frederick County provides a rich and diverse experience.