Anniversary Day
COUNTY CELEBRATES 275TH WITH FESTIVITIES AND FOCUS
By Guy Fletcher
The first settlers of what would become Frederick County were here long before the land was formally named in 1748. Around 11,000 B.C, or 13,000 years ago, in the Paleoindian period, Native Americans probably lived in the region in semi-Nomadic bands—hunting and taking advantage of local resources.
During the Archaic period, from 8,000 B.C. to 1,000 B.C., settlements became more permanent. Evidence exists of Native American encampments by 1,000 B.C. in the area of what is now Biggs Ford Road.
Obviously, the region would greatly change in the many years to come, including the arrival of the Tuscarora and Piscataway people and European settlers more than 300 years ago. Frederick County was formally created by the Maryland General Assembly in 1748.
As the county celebrates its 275th anniversary, change remains the only constant. Growth, diversity and renewal can be seen in all corners of the county, in society, culture, economy, education, the arts and many more.
“Today, as our county has grown, we have become a more racially, ethnically diverse community,” says Heidi Keeney, co-chair of the Frederick County 275th Planning Committee.
In celebration of the official birthday, the county will hold a 275th Anniversary Jubilee on June 10, from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., at Utica District Park, 10200-B Old Frederick Road. The family-friendly event is free to attend and includes two stages of entertainment, a petting zoo, touch-a-truck event, hayrides throughout the park, food trucks, children’s activities and more.
The Jubilee will focus on key categories that reflect the main themes in the county’s commemorative book, Keyed In: Frederick at 275. These themes include: Foundations; Agriculture; Business and Economy; Changing Communities; Education; Tourism; Great Outdoors; Government; Transportation; and Looking Forward.
One of the biggest attractions will be a 19th-century baseball game between the Gettysburg Generals and the Keystone Baseball Club of Harrisburg. The first 275 guests to attend the game will receive a free 275-themed commemorative baseball. Other 275th commemorative merchandise, including sunglasses and keychains, will be given away during the Jubilee, while supplies last.
In addition to the Jubilee, the county will continue to note the anniversary throughout the rest of the year and feature 275th programming at existing events.
“Throughout 2023, we will celebrate what makes our community unique and explore how we can build upon our common connections to thrive together into the future,” says Kari Saavedra, 275th Planning Committee co-chair.
FOUNDING
In 1730, Frederick Calvert, the sixth and last Lord Baltimore, offered free lands to Europeans who would settle the Monocacy River Valley, drawing the interest of immigrant farmers seizing the area’s fertile land. In September 1745, a land speculator named Daniel Dulany created a street grid in a tract of land known as Tasker’s Chance, about 7,000 acres along both sides of Carroll Creek, stretching from the Monocacy River to approximately where U.S. 15 is today. Dulany’s map became known as Frederick Town. Its namesake has been lost to history.
On June 10, 1748, the General Assembly approved the creation of a new county in the western part of the state on land carved from parts of Prince George’s and Baltimore counties: “[The] new County shall be called Frederick County; and the Inhabitants thereof shall have and enjoy equal Privileges with the other Counties of this Province, in sending Delegates to the General Assembly, and having County Courts, Sheriffs, Justices and other Officers and Ministers as is usual with other Counties within this Province; And that the Court House and Prison for Frederick County aforesaid, shall be built in or adjoining the Place commonly called Frederick Town, in the West Side of Monocacy.”
Over the next 275 years, many notable events and changes would take place in the county, including:
• The construction of a transportation network, beginning with the National Road, railroads and the C&O Canal. Later, came trolleys, air travel and a modern road system.
• The growth of an agricultural community—one of the largest in the state—that continues to flourish today.
• The expansion of an educational system that began with one-room schoolhouses and grew into a modern school system serving nearly 47,000 students, plus several institutions of higher education.
• The creation of a diversified economy that continues to grow in traditional areas like agriculture and manufacturing, but also includes new businesses and jobs in areas such as bioscience and healthcare.
• The realization of a tourism industry that leverages the county’s many historical assets, while also drawing visitors attracted to the local arts, entertainment and dining.
• The establishment of a new charter form of government in 2014, creating the office of County Executive and a separate legislative County Council.
• The changing demographic profile—the result of the county becoming a destination for different cultures, languages, ethnicities and races.
For more information about the Jubilee and other information about Frederick County’s 275th celebration, go to FrederickCountyMD.gov/275Jubilee.
