Allegany County, Maryland, located in the Appalachian region of western Maryland, has a rich history shaped by Native American heritage, early European settlement, and strategic importance as a transportation hub. Established in 1789, the county has been influenced by the Native American tribes who first inhabited the area, early frontier life, and the coal mining and railroad industries that powered its economy. With Cumberland as its county seat, Allegany County played a vital role during the westward expansion of the United States. Today, the county is known for its historic sites, natural beauty, and preserved 19th-century architecture.
Origins and Key Historical Events
Indigenous Inhabitants and Early European Exploration
Before European settlers arrived, the area that would become Allegany County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Susquehannock. These tribes relied on the abundant natural resources of the Appalachian Mountains for hunting, fishing, and gathering. The Potomac River and its tributaries provided routes for transportation and trade between tribes, creating a rich network of cultural and economic exchange.
In the 17th century, European explorers, primarily from England and France, began to map the Appalachian region. The earliest settlers arrived in western Maryland in the early 18th century, establishing forts, trading posts, and small farming settlements. As Europeans moved westward, they encountered resistance from Native American tribes who were displaced by the expansion. This tension occasionally led to conflicts, though peaceful trade relationships were also established in some areas.
Establishment of Allegany County (1789)
Allegany County was officially established in 1789, carved out of Washington County to better serve the growing population in the western part of Maryland. The county was named after the Allegheny Mountains, which run through the region, reflecting the county’s rugged, mountainous terrain. Cumberland, founded in 1787, was selected as the county seat due to its strategic location along the Potomac River and its proximity to the Cumberland Narrows, a natural passage through the Appalachian Mountains.
As the gateway to the west, Cumberland grew as a trade and transportation hub, and Allegany County became an important point of entry for settlers moving westward. The region’s natural resources, including timber and fertile farmland, attracted settlers, and Cumberland quickly became known as the “Queen City” due to its size and influence in western Maryland.
The National Road and Early Infrastructure Development
One of the most significant events in Allegany County’s early history was the construction of the National Road, the first federally funded highway in the United States. Beginning in Cumberland in 1811, the National Road extended westward, connecting the eastern seaboard to the Ohio River Valley. Cumberland became the starting point of this historic road, which played a crucial role in the westward expansion of the United States by providing a reliable route for settlers, goods, and mail.
The National Road brought significant economic growth to Allegany County, as businesses catering to travelers—such as inns, taverns, and blacksmith shops—were established along the route. Cumberland flourished as a bustling center of trade and transportation, with its location at the crossroads of multiple routes making it a natural gateway to the western territories. The National Road also laid the groundwork for future infrastructure development in the county.
The Rise of Railroads and the Coal Industry
In the mid-19th century, the arrival of railroads transformed Allegany County’s economy. The Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) Railroad reached Cumberland in 1842, connecting the city to the eastern seaboard and further cementing its status as a transportation hub. The railroads allowed for faster and more efficient movement of goods and people, spurring the growth of the local economy and creating jobs.
The discovery of rich coal deposits in the Georges Creek Valley in the mid-1800s marked the beginning of the coal industry’s dominance in Allegany County. The county quickly became one of the most important coal-producing regions in the United States, with coal mines opening throughout the area. The coal industry provided jobs for thousands of workers, many of whom were immigrants from Europe. Railroads were essential for transporting coal from Allegany County to eastern markets, making Cumberland one of the busiest rail hubs in the region.
The coal industry brought prosperity but also challenges, including labor disputes and environmental concerns. Miners in Allegany County were part of the labor movements of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, advocating for better working conditions, wages, and safety regulations. These efforts contributed to broader changes in labor practices across the United States.
Civil War Impact and Cumberland’s Strategic Importance
During the Civil War, Allegany County was strategically significant due to its location along key transportation routes. Cumberland, with its railroads and the National Road, was a valuable asset for the Union, as it provided a vital supply line for troops and equipment. Although Maryland was a border state, Allegany County leaned pro-Union, and local men enlisted to fight for the Union cause.
Cumberland saw limited military action during the war, but the city was a target for Confederate raids aimed at disrupting Union supply lines. In 1864, Confederate forces briefly occupied Cumberland, cutting telegraph wires and capturing local officials. Despite these disruptions, Allegany County remained under Union control, and the county’s resources and infrastructure played an essential role in supporting the Union war effort.
Post-Civil War Development and Economic Shifts
Following the Civil War, Allegany County experienced a period of rapid industrial growth, spurred by the continued expansion of the coal and railroad industries. Cumberland became known for its glass, brick, and iron manufacturing, as well as its breweries and mills. By the late 19th century, the city was a thriving industrial center, with a growing population and a bustling downtown filled with shops, theaters, and hotels.
However, the 20th century brought changes to Allegany County’s economy. The coal industry began to decline as new sources of energy emerged and demand for coal decreased. Railroads, once the backbone of the county’s economy, also saw reduced usage with the advent of highways and automobiles. Cumberland’s population peaked in the mid-20th century, and as industries declined, the county faced economic challenges.
Efforts to diversify the economy included investing in tourism and historic preservation, with Allegany County promoting its natural beauty, historic sites, and recreational opportunities. The creation of the C&O Canal National Historical Park and other attractions helped draw visitors, revitalizing parts of the local economy.
Historical Sites in Allegany County
1. C&O Canal National Historical Park
Overview: The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park preserves the history of the C&O Canal, which operated from 1828 to 1924 and stretched from Washington, D.C., to Cumberland. The canal played a vital role in transporting goods, including coal, between the East Coast and western territories. Visitors can explore restored canal locks, hiking trails, and scenic views along the canal towpath.
Location: 13 Canal St., Cumberland, MD
Ticket Price: Free entry; some guided tours may have fees.
Parking Information: Free parking available at the visitor center.
2. The Allegany Museum
Overview: The Allegany Museum in Cumberland showcases the history of Allegany County, with exhibits on the National Road, the coal industry, railroads, and the region’s cultural heritage. Housed in a historic 1930s post office building, the museum offers a detailed look at the people and events that shaped Allegany County.
Location: 3 Pershing St., Cumberland, MD
Ticket Price: Free entry; donations encouraged.
Parking Information: Free street parking available nearby.
3. Fort Cumberland
Overview: Fort Cumberland was a strategic military fort built in the 1750s and played a role in the French and Indian War. George Washington once served here, and the fort’s site, now home to Emmanuel Episcopal Church, is significant for its connection to early American history. The church offers tours, including a view of the fort’s tunnels and historic architecture.
Location: 16 Washington St., Cumberland, MD
Ticket Price: Free entry; donations encouraged.
Parking Information: Street parking available nearby.
4. Thrasher Carriage Museum
Overview: The Thrasher Carriage Museum in Frostburg features an extensive collection of horse-drawn carriages, sleighs, and carts, offering insight into 19th-century transportation. The museum includes artifacts and exhibits on the craftsmanship and historical importance of carriages in American life.
Location: 19 Depot St., Frostburg, MD
Ticket Price: $10 for adults, $5 for children.
Parking Information: Free parking available on-site.
5. Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
Overview: The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad offers a nostalgic journey through the Appalachian Mountains on a historic steam locomotive. The train travels between Cumberland and Frostburg, providing scenic views and an experience of early 20th-century rail travel. The railroad operates special events and seasonal excursions, making it a popular attraction for tourists and rail enthusiasts.
Location: 13 Canal St., Cumberland, MD
Ticket Price: $35 for adults, $20 for children.
Parking Information: Paid parking available at the station.
6. Gordon-Roberts House
Overview: The Gordon-Roberts House, a Victorian mansion built in the 1860s, offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of Cumberland’s upper class during the late 19th century. The house museum features period furnishings, historical artifacts, and guided tours that explore the history of the family and the community.
Location: 218 Washington St., Cumberland, MD
Ticket Price: $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, $3 for children.
Parking Information: Free on-site parking available.
County Facts
Geography and Climate
Allegany County is located in the western part of Maryland within the Appalachian region. The county is characterized by mountainous terrain, forested areas, and the Potomac River, which runs along its southern border. The climate is humid continental, with cold winters and warm summers, experiencing moderate precipitation year-round. Allegany County’s geography offers opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.
Quick Facts
- Year Founded: 1789
- County Seat: Cumberland
- Population: Approximately 70,000
- Population Density: Around 160 people per square mile
- Largest Cities: Cumberland, Frostburg
- Major Highways: Interstate 68, U.S. Route 220, U.S. Route 40
- Adjacent Counties: Washington County (east), Garrett County (west), Bedford County, Pennsylvania (north), Mineral County, West Virginia (south)