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Interested in advertising in Hagerstown Magazine? We offer many opportunities for you to increase the buzz about your business. more... |
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Create excitement about your next event by sending it to us! We’ll consider it for placement in the magazine or on our Web site. more... |
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In Short is the place to announce kudos and accomplishments about your business, team or organization. more... |
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History
History of Boonsboro
Nestled at the foot of South Mountain in Washington County lies the town of Boonsboro, Maryland. Founded by brothers George and William Boone — relatives of the more famous Daniel Boone — Boonsboro was situated along the main road leading from Hagerstown to Frederick. The brothers subdivided a farm that included parts of what are now Shafer Park, Potomac Street and Young Avenue. The original land deeds of the town listed the name as Boones Berry. Berry is an Old English word for citadel, which later meant estate. The town was laid out in 1788 and incorporated in 1831.
A map of the town, circa 1798, listed the name as Margaretville, in honor of George Boone’s wife, Margaret. By the time another map was produced — around 1805 — the name had changed to Boons Borough, with the “e” dropped out of the name. The name was shortened to Boonsboro around 1841 or 1842, when a local newspaper editor couldn’t get the town’s name to fit on his masthead. The apostrophe showed the name had been shortened. Some official documents as late as 1903 list the town’s name as Boonsborough.
Boonsboro citizens built the Washington Monument, which historians say is our nation’s earliest monument built in honor of the country’s first president. It was dedicated July 4, 1827. This rugged stone monument stands 34 feet tall and is located on part of the Appalachian Trail in Washington Monument State Park. With the construction of the National Road — a turnpike connecting Baltimore to the west — Boonsboro grew and prospered. In 1823, a new process called “macadam” was used to finish an unpaved section of the turnpike from Boonsboro to Hagerstown. This was the first time the road building process was used in the United States.
When the town incorporated in 1831, Boonsboro held its first election. Some 30 years later in 1862, Boonsboro’s churches and public buildings were used as makeshift hospitals for soldiers wounded in two bloody Civil War battles —South Mountain and Antietam. And, in the late 19th century, Boonsboro was chosen as the setting for a famous Civil War play named “Heart of Maryland,” which later became a successful silent motion picture. In the 20th century, the principal sources of income for the area around Boonsboro were agricultural products and fruit; early in the century, Boonsboro become well known for its “Hearts of Gold” cantaloupes.
Today, the town is Washington County’s second largest municipality. Shafer Memorial Park — created in 1939 — is the focal point of the town and hosts major public events such as Boonesborough Days, when the area’s heritage of craftsmanship is celebrated by vendors and displays. The Great Boonsboro Rescue Company Carnival and the Founders Day Celebration also take place in the park. The latter coincides with the National Pike Festival, which features a 20-mile wagon train journey from Clear Spring to Boonsboro along the original route of the National Pike, now Alternate U.S. 40.
Historic markers in and around the town explain the National Road, Civil War battles and more. Quaint shops line Main Street, including Turn the Page Book Store Café — home of internationally renowned author Nora Roberts. Boonsboro continues to manage its growth in population and commercial diversity with care and foresight, but it still cherishes its simple beginning and a heritage rooted in the soil.
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|  | Great Bicycle Tour, The
This popular tour of the Historic C&O Canal is an annual event conducted as a fundraiser for the SanMar Children's Home.
more... | | |
|  | Elevations Salon
Elevations Salon is located in downtown Hagerstown Maryland. Your visit at Elevations will be truly uplifting.
It is our goal that every customer has a relaxing,
comfortable experience fr
more... | | |  | Bulls & Bears Restaurant and Pub
presents Downtown Hagerstown with a unique dining experience featuring American cuisine in a New York pub-style atmosphere.
more... | | |  | Hagerstown Suns
The Hagerstown Suns are the Single-A Affiliate of the Washington
Nationals, and as the only professional sports team located in
Washington County, are committed to being the premier entertainment
o
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