Hagerstown

About Hagerstown

Hagerstown Maryland the county seat of Washington County is the sixth largest city in Maryland. Jonathan Hager bought two hundred acres in the Great Appalachian Valley in 1739 naming it Hager's Fancy. In 1762, he formally created the town of Elizabethtown named after his wife Elizabeth. Fourteen years later, he earned the title "Father of Washington County" when he successfully helped Hagerstown become the county seat of newly founded Washington County with adjoining Frederick County in Maryland. In 1813, the name was officially changed by the City Council to Hagerstown, which was endorsed by the Maryland State Legislature in 1814. The city a rural area is a hub of transport and business. With Interstates 81 and 70, Hagerstown Regional airport and busy railroads Hagerstown has far-reaching transportation opportunities. Hagerstown has been nicknamed Hub City because it is the main industrial hub for most of Western Maryland, Parts of Pennsylvania and some of West Virginia. Little Heiskell the original weather vane was crafted by Benjamin Heiskell a German Tinsmith in 1769 in the shape of a Hessian soldier. This little German Mercenary soldier stood for one hundred and sixty six years beginning on Market House and later on top of City Hall. The original was temporarily placed in the Museum of the Washington County Historical Society then permanently exhibited at the Jonathan Hager House. Currently there is an exact replica proudly standing on top of City Hall. Little Heiskell is also North Hagerstown High School's mascot. Hagerstown has two large shopping malls Prime Outlets Hagerstown hosts over one hundred stores in their outlet mall. At Valley Mall, you will find three major stores, several smaller stores, and the Regal Cinemas 16. While visiting Hagerstown be sure and visit the Washington Monument State Park in honor of George Washington. The first construction in the United States created in his honor. Another must see is the Hager House and Museum in town The area surrounding Hagerstown is breathtaking and the history of the area is unsurpassed beginning with the Burnside Bridge. The bridge is beautifully built with a serene view as you gaze over the shimmering water. The bridge is part of the famous Antietam National Battlefield, where the bloodiest day of fighting in American history took place. Other famous battlefields in the area are South Mountain Battlefield, Gettysburg, and the famous Harpers Ferry battlefields all of which are only a short drive outside of Hagerstown. West of Hagerstown is the Fort Frederick State Park in the area of Big Pool, Maryland where you can visit the restored fort from the French and Indian War.