Downtown in Frederick in Frederick County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Frederick
A Town becomes a City
— The Road That Built The Nation —
Frederick Town was founded in 1745 when Daniel Dulany the Elder carved out an eastern portion of his 7,000 acre parcel patented as "Tasker's Chance." The town was then laid out in an orderly grid with Patrick Street designated as the east-west thoroughfare and Market Street running north-south. Most agree that the first house in town was built at the northeast corner of Patrick Street and Maxwell Alley by schoolteacher John Thomas Schley in 1746. National Road mile stone 45 now stands in front of the Schley house site.
Frederick Town prospered from the start. It became the seat of government when Frederick County was established in 1748. By 1800 it had 2,600 residents in 450 houses. Soon after, the Baltimore and Frederick-Town Turnpike, the first leg of the new National Road, arrived. During the next few decades, millions of travelers passed through Frederick which, by 1817, dropped the "Town" as it became a more respectable city.
Erected by America's Byways; Maryland Heritage Areas Authority.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the The Historic National Road series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1745.
Location. 39° 24.84′
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. One Vast Hospital (a few steps from this marker); 1862 Antietam Campaign (a few steps from this marker); Hospitals in Frederick (a few steps from this marker); The Rotary Club of Frederick (a few steps from this marker); Diehl Memorial Fountain (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Loats Female Orphan Asylum of Frederick City (about 400 feet away); Civil War Hospital Center (about 400 feet away); The Original C. Burr Artz Library (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Frederick.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced the linked marker. There are differences in subtitles and attributed erecting organizations.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 30, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 30, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 46 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 30, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
