Washington County, Maryland is rich in history. Named after America’s first president George Washington, Washington County was created in 1776. This was the first County in the United States to do this. As of now, near 30 counties use the name “Washington County” in other states.

      While Washington County has many hills and is a mountainous area, it is best known in Maryland for its agricultural products and livestock. It is the number one fruit and nut producer in Maryland. Washington County also produces dairy products. Some of the agricultural other then fruit that Washington County grows are: corn, wheat, oats, clover, and barely.

      Jonathan Hager is a very important figure in the story of Washington County. Jonathan Hager is responsible for the founding of Hagerstown, which is the largest city in Washington County. Jonathan Hager arrived at, at the present time, the new colonies in 1736 at the Port of Philadelphia. Charles Calvert was the proprietor of the colony at the time. He was offering large amounts of land for a very small sum of money compared to what the normal price of land was. Jonathan Hager took the offer and purchased what is now Hagerstown. Hager built a home on a section of land called “Hager’s Fancy”. Hager opened a trading post and became very prosperous. Jonathan Hager was very successful. Hager was very skilled in many areas, including being a gunsmith, a farmer, and even cattle raising. Jonathan Hager also was in the French and Indian War, as a volunteer.

     Jonathan Hager died on November 6, 1775 during an accident while helping to build a church on land he had donated. Jonathan Hager is now called the “Father of Washington County” because of many acts, including his death, which helped build Washington County.

The home was eventually sold to Jacob Rohner in 1745. The houses stayed in the Rohner Family until 1944. At that point the Washington County Historical Society acquired the house. They restored the house to be similar to the way it had been originally.

     In 1762 other settlers began to settle in “Elizabeth Town”. “Elizabeth Town” was named after Jonathan Hager’s wife. In January 1814 an assembly of the town agreed to change the name of the town to “Hager’s Town”. Now, after time it is just called, “Hagerstown”.

         Hagerstown also played a part in the Civil War. Hagerstown did not have plantations so they voted against secession. But because of the need for food and supplies the town became very prosperous. In 1863, General McCausland of the Confederate army came to Hagerstown and demanded large amounts and clothing. The town has able to supply the money but was unable to supply the clothing demand.

         One of Washington County’s biggest attractions is the Antietam National Battlefield. This was the site of the Civil War’s bloodiest battle. In total, 23,381 men died on that day September 17, 1862. The Battlefield is ten miles from Hagerstown. Today, there are re-enactments, monuments, a Visitor Center, and maps at the Battlefield. Also present is the Antietam National Cemetery. Established in 1865, it contains 5037 graves of soldiers.

       Washington County’s Boonsboro also was involved in the Civil War. A  small battle occurred here and the town was also used to nurse hurt soldiers from The Battle of Antietam. George and William Boone, who were both related to Daniel Boone, founded Boonsboro in 1774.

         The town of Williamsport also played a part in Civil War history. General Robert E. Lee held the town briefly before the Battle of Gettysburg. Williamsport gets its name from Otho Holland Williams who founded. The town was also a lively port and a center of commerce.

       The History of Washington is not only interesting to the reader, but it also very important to the Civil War. Washington County is a mix of farms, lively historic towns, and rolling hills. The history of Washington County is rich, its landscape is beautiful, and its significance to Maryland is great.