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Revision as of 13:29, 16 November 2009 by Gohens84 (talk | contribs) (add history information and citation)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff) County in Maryland| Garrett County | |
|---|---|
| County | |
| Official seal of Garrett CountySeal | |
 Location within the U.S. state of Maryland | |
 Maryland's location within the U.S. | |
| Coordinates: 39°17′N 79°22′W / 39.28°N 79.37°W / 39.28; -79.37 | |
| Country |  United States |
| State |  Maryland |
| Founded | 1872 |
| Named for | John Work Garrett |
| Seat | Oakland |
| Largest city | Mountain Lake Park |
| Area | |
| • Total | 656 sq mi (1,700 km) |
| • Land | 648 sq mi (1,680 km) |
| • Water | 8 sq mi (20 km) 1.21% |
| Population | |
| • Total | 29,846 |
| • Density | 47/sq mi (18/km) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| Congressional district | 6th |
| Website | www |
Garrett County is the westernmost county of the U.S. state of Maryland. Created from Allegany County, Maryland in 1872 (Chapter 212, Acts of 1872) it was the last Maryland county to be formed. Named for John Work Garrett (1820-1884), railroad executive, industrialist, and financier. Garrett served as president of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad from 1858 until his death in 1884.
The eastern border with Allegany County was defined by the Bauer Report submitted to Governor Lloyd Lowndes, Jr. on November 9, 1898. The Potomac River and State of West Virginia lay to the west and south. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is to the north. Between April 1765 and October 1767 Astronomer Charles Mason and surveyor Jeremiah Dixon surveyed and marked the Maryland–Pennsylvania boundary commonly known as the Mason-Dixon Line.
Garrett County lies in the Allegheny Mountains, which here form the western flank of the Appalachian Mountain Range. Hoye-Crest, a summit along Backbone Mountain is the highest point in Maryland.
The Eastern Continental Divide runs along portions of Backbone Mountain. The western part of the county, drained by the Youghiogheny River, is the only part of Maryland within the Mississippi River drainage basin. All other parts of the county are within the Chesapeake Bay basin.
John Friend, Sr. is considered to be the first permanent settler of Garrett County. According to family tradition, John Friend, his son Gabriel, and his brother Andrew came into Garrett County from Virginia in 1764 by way of McCullugh’s Path. Eventually, they got to the Indian village on the Youghiogheny River which now bears the family name, Friendsville.
The National Register of Historic Places listings in Garrett County, Maryland has 20 National Register of Historic Places properties and districts, including Casselman Bridge, National Road a National Historic Landmark. Garrett County is part of Maryland's 6th congressional district and Oakland is the county seat.
History
Main article: History of Garrett County, MarylandIn 1696 the western part of the Province of Maryland (including the present Garrett County) was incorporated into Prince George's County. This county included six current State of Maryland counties, and by repeated splitting, new ones were created:
- Frederick County, Maryland from Prince George's in 1748;
- Montgomery County, Maryland and Washington County, Maryland from Frederick County in 1776;
- Allegany County, Maryland from Washington County in 1789.
In January 1872, a number of residents from the western portion of Allegany County sent a petition to the state legislature requesting the creation of a new county. Advocates of the new county cited as their main reason for this initiative the substantial distance from far western Maryland to the existing county seat in Cumberland, greater representation in the state’s general assembly, greater opportunities for local tax revenue, and more appropriate expenditures of public funds. Two possible names were proposed for the new county, Garrett and Glade. Acting in compliance with this petition, a new county was established by the Maryland State Legislature on April 1, 1872. Named after John Work Garrett (1820-1884), then-president of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Garrett County was formed from the western sections of Allegany County and has the distinction of being the last county created within the state of Maryland.
It was a constitutional requirement, however, that the final ratification of the county’s creation be left up to the qualified voters of the territory. The question concerning the creation of a new county, as well as the people’s choice for county seat, were both voted on in the November 4, 1872, general election. Voters overwhelmingly approved creation of the new county by a vote of 1297 to 405. The popular choice of the electorate for the county seat was Oakland, which won out over rivals Grantsville and McHenry’s Glades, the former by only 63 votes. On December 4, 1872, Maryland governor William Pinkney Whyte proclaimed that the extreme western triangle of the state “has become and is now constituted as a new county, to be called ‘Garrett County.’” In 1880, the first Garrett County census showed a population of 12,175 people.
The county would owe much of its eventual development to the building of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad through its mountains in 1851-1852. Earlier development and settlements were the result of such transportation breakthroughs as the building of this nation’s first federally funded and constructed highway, the National Road, from Cumberland, Maryland, to Wheeling, West Virginia, between the years 1811 and 1819. Over 20 miles of this 132-mile road pass through the northern portion of present-day Garrett County.
Law and government
Government
The County is governed by an elected Board of County Commissioners (the "Board"), whose three members serve four-year terms and must live in the District which they represent. The Board is the traditional form of county government in Maryland and may exercise only such powers as are conferred by the General Assembly of Maryland.
The County is administered under a line organizational method, with the County Administrator responsible for the general administration of County Government. The administration of the County is centralized with the County Administrator responsible for overseeing the financial planning, annual budget process, personnel management, and direction and management of operations within the organization.
The county is part of Maryland's 6th congressional district and is the most Republican in the state. The Republican candidate for President has won in each of the last thirteen elections. In 2008, John McCain carried Garrett County by a 40.2% margin over Barack Obama, with Obama carrying Maryland by a 25.5% margin over McCain.
County Seal — On December 15, 1977, the seal of Garrett County went into effect by virtue of Resolution #7. The seal is elliptical, with the name "Garrett County" inscribed above the upper fourth of the ellipse, and "Maryland 1872" inscribed below the lower fourth of the ellipse. The date “1872" depicts the year of the formation of Garrett County. The seal illustrates a large snowflake to depict winter; water to represent sailing; and oaks and conifer to represent the county’s mountains. The colors are peacock blue for the sky and water. The blue and white background is divided by kelly green.
County Flag — The official flag for Garrett County is elliptical. The flag illustrates a large snowflake to depict winter; water to represent sailing; and oaks and conifer to represent the county’s mountains. The colors are peacock blue for the sky and water. The blue and white background is divided by kelly green.
Law Enforcement
- The county is policed by the Garrett County Sheriff's Office and the Maryland State Police.
- The state parks are police by the Department of Natural Resources Police.
Geography
Parks & Recreation
See also: List of Maryland state parks
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State Parts - Six State parks are located in Garrett County. All offer picnic, and fishing areas, while all but Casselman River State Park have hiking paths. Mountain bike paths, swimming areas, and boat launches and rentals are available at Deep Creek, Herrington Manor and New Germany State Parks. Rental cabins are available at Herrington Manor and New Germany State Parks. Big Run, Deep Creek, Herrington Manor and New Germany State Parks all offer canoeing, while campsites may be found at Big Run, Deep Creek, New Germany, and Swallow Falls State Parks.
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County Parks - Garrett County owns four park sites, and fifteen recreation facilities. The park locations are maintained in cooperation with local associations and civic groups, while the recreation areas are attached to public schools and colleges, and maintained by the Garrett County Board of Education.
Municipal Parks - The municipal parks of Garrett County provide sport facilities, hiking, bike and walk paths, playgrounds, picnic areas, boat ramps, and fishing.
- Kitzmiller Parks & Recreation Dept.
Airport
Garrett County Airport (2G4) is a General Aviation Airport surrounded by the scenic mountains of Western Maryland. The airport enhances the region's tourist industry and provides emergency air service evacuation and landing facilities for General Aviation.
Major highways
Interstate 68
U.S. Route 40
US 40 Alt
U.S. Route 50
U.S. Route 219
Maryland Route 38
Maryland Route 39
Maryland Route 42
Maryland Route 135
Maryland Route 495
Maryland Route 546
Maryland Route 560
Maryland Route 669
Maryland Route 946
Adjacent counties
See also: List of counties in Maryland- Somerset County, Pennsylvania (north)
- Allegany County, Maryland (east)
- Mineral County, West Virginia (southeast)
- Grant County, West Virginia (south)
- Preston County, West Virginia (west)
- Fayette County, Pennsylvania (northwest)
| Places adjacent to Garrett County, Maryland | ||||||||||||||||
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Garrett County, Maryland
Economy
Garrett County, Maryland's westernmost county, has over 76,000 acres of parks, lakes, and publicly accessible forestland. Considered Maryland's "Mountaintop Playground," the county boasts the state's highest elevation (3,360 feet) as well as its largest inland body of water (Deep Creek Lake). Garrett County is home to the state's only sub-arctic wetlands and is the only county in the state to produce natural gas or peat.
Garrett County's 970 businesses employ 10,100 workers, with an estimated 15 of these having 100 or more workers. Garrett County businesses continue to expand and prosper. Major private employers include Beitzel Corporation/Pillar Innovations, First United Corporation, Garrett Industrial Supply/Pioneer Conveyor, Fechheimer Brothers, Wisp Resort, Phenix Technologies, Garrett Container Systems, and Total Biz Fulfillment.
Central, Northern, and Southern Garrett Industrial Parks, as well as the Keyser's Ridge Business Park located off Interstate-68, are State Enterprise Zones. The McHenry Business Park, a technology-based business park to be located on county property adjacent to the Garrett County Airport, is in the design phase and is on track for infrastructure construction to begin in spring 2009.
Garrett County participates in the One Maryland Program, which offers significant tax credits for capital investments that create jobs, and has been designated a HUB (Historically Underutilized Business) Zone by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Demographics
As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there were 29,846 people, 11,476 households, and 8,354 families residing in the county. The population density was 18/km² (46/sq mi). There were 16,761 housing units at an average density of 10/km² (26/sq mi). The racial makeup of the county was 98.83% White, 0.43% Black or African American, 0.07% Native American, 0.19% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.09% from other races, and 0.37% from two or more races. 0.44% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 36.1% were of German, 22.9% American, 9.6% English and 8.8% Irish ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 11,476 households out of which 32.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.70% were married couples living together, 8.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.20% were non-families. 23.50% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.00.
In the county the population was spread out with 25.10% under the age of 18, 7.80% from 18 to 24, 27.60% from 25 to 44, 24.60% from 45 to 64, and 14.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 97.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.80 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $32,238, and the median income for a family was $37,811. Males had a median income of $29,469 versus $20,673 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,219. 13.30% of the population and 9.80% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 16.60% are under the age of 18 and 13.90% are 65 or older.
Cities and towns
Garrett County includes eight municipalities, all classified as towns under Maryland law:
- Accident (incorporated 1916)
- Deer Park (incorporated 1884)
- Friendsville (incorporated 1902)
- Grantsville (incorporated 1864)
- Kitzmiller (incorporated 1906)
- Loch Lynn Heights (incorporated 1896)
- Mountain Lake Park (incorporated 1931)
- Oakland (incorporated 1862)
Surrounding areas
The United States Census Bureau recognizes no Census-Designated Places (CDPs) in Garrett County, which is unusual for Maryland counties, which usually have many unincorporated population centers. There are some areas in Garrett County that are not listed as CDPs. They are:
Education
Educational matters that affect Garrett County come under the control of the Board of Education. The Board is composed of six members. Five are elected by the voters to four-year terms. A nonvoting student member, chosen by the Board of Education, serves a one-year term.
The Superintendent of Schools administers the Garrett County Public School System, and serves as executive officer, secretary, and treasurer of the Board of Education. With the approval of the State Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education appoints the Superintendent of Schools to four-year terms.
Garrett College was founded as Garrett Community College in 1967, and opened in September 1971. It was renamed Garrett College on July 1, 2002.
The Ruth Enlow Library of Garrett County is the public library for Garrett County. Based in Oakland, the central library has branches in Accident, Friendsville, Grantsville, and Kitzmiller.
Local media
Garrett County is part of the Pittsburgh DMA, a regional media market centered in neighboring Pennsylvania.
See also
Notes and references
- "Maryland Counties, Garrett County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Retrieved 2009-11-11.
- ^ "Title 1: General Provisions". Garrett County, MD Code of Ordinances. American Legal Publishing Corporation. Retrieved 2009-11-11.
- Cope, Thomas D (1949), Degrees along the west line, the parallel between Maryland and Pennsylvania, Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society 93(2):127-133, American Philosophical Society
{{citation}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help); More than one of|author=and|last=specified (help); Unknown parameter|month=ignored (help) - John A Grant (2001–2002). "Garrett County History". Garrett College, History course material. Garrett County Historical Society Museum. Retrieved 2009-11-11.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: date format (link) - "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. 2008-04-15.
- "Proceedings of the Council of Maryland, 1696/7:1698, Volume 23, Page 23". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Retrieved 2009-11-11.
- ^ Feildstein, Albert L (2006). Garrett County. Postcard History Series. Arcadia Publishing. ISBN 0-7385-4266-0.
{{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|laysummary=(help); Invalid|nopp=Introduction(help); Unknown parameter|nopp=ignored (|no-pp=suggested) (help) - ^ "Board of Garrett County Commissioners". Board of Commissioners. Garrett County Online. Retrieved 2009-11-11.
- David Leip's Presidential Atlas (Maps for Maryland by election)
- U.S. Election Atlas
- "Maryland at a Glance, Land, Mountains". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Retrieved 2009-11-11.
- "Maryland at a Glance, Waterways, Creeks". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Retrieved 2009-11-11.
- "Maryland at a Glance, Waterways, Lakes". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Retrieved 2009-11-11.
- "Maryland at a Glance, Waterways, Waterfalls". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Retrieved 2009-11-11.
- "Maryland at a Glance, Parks & Recreation, State Parts". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Retrieved 2009-11-11.
- "Maryland at a Glance, Parks & Recreation, County Parks". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Retrieved 2009-11-11.
- "Maryland at a Glance, Parks & Recreation, Municipal Parks". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Retrieved 2009-11-11.
- AirNav.com "Garrett County Airport (2G4)". FAA Information effective 22 October 2009. AirNav.com. Retrieved 2009-11-11.
{{cite web}}: Check|url=value (help) - ^ "Garrett County". County Profiles. Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development. Retrieved 2009-11-11.
- http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/SAFFFacts?_event=Search&_county=Garrett+County&_cityTown=Garrett+County&_state=05000US24023
- http://www.mapzones.org/Garrett_County_Maryland.html
- ^ "Maryland Counties, Garrett County, Maryland, Executive Branch, Education". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Retrieved 2009-11-11.
External links
- Garrett County Online
- Maryland State Archives▬Maryland Manual, Garrett County
- Garrett County Economic Development Online
- Maryland Geological Survey Online
- AirNav.com▬Garrett County Airport (2G4)
- Ruth Enlow Library of Garrett County
- Garrett College Weather Underground Data Exchange
- Frostburg State University Planetarium
- Western Maryland's Historical Library
- Garrett County Historical Society Museum▬History of Garrett County
- The Official Website of Garrett County's Chamber of Commerce
- The Official Website of Garrett County's Deep Creek Lake Area
- The Official site of the Maryland Office of Tourism
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| County seat: Oakland | ||
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| Footnotes | ‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties | |
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