Garrett County, Maryland

Garrett County, Maryland

Garrett County Courthouse in December 2013

Flag
Seal
Map of Maryland highlighting Garrett County
Location in the U.S. state of Maryland
Map of the United States highlighting Maryland
Maryland's location in the U.S.
Founded November 4, 1872
Named for John Work Garrett
Seat Oakland
Largest town Mountain Lake Park
Area
 • Total 656 sq mi (1,699 km2)
 • Land 647 sq mi (1,676 km2)
 • Water 8.6 sq mi (22 km2), 1.3%
Population (est.)
 • (2015) 29,460
 • Density 45/sq mi (17/km²)
Congressional district 6th
Time zone Eastern: UTC-5/-4
Website www.garrettcounty.org

Coordinates: 39°17′N 79°22′W / 39.283°N 79.367°W / 39.283; -79.367

Panoramic View of a lake in Maryland.
Panoramic view of Deep Creek Lake, Garrett County, MD.

Garrett County (gərɛt) is the westernmost county of the U.S. state of Maryland. As of the 2010 census, the population was 30,097,[1] making it the third-least populous county in Maryland. Its county seat is Oakland.[2] The county was named for John Work Garrett (1820–1884), president of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.[3] Created from Allegany County, Maryland in 1872, it was the last Maryland county to be formed.

Garrett County has long been part of the media market of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.[4] It is considered to be a part of Western Maryland.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is to the north. The Maryland–Pennsylvania boundary was surveyed and marked between April 1765 and October 1767 by astronomer Charles Mason and surveyor Jeremiah Dixon. This boundary is commonly known as the Mason–Dixon line.[5] The eastern border with Allegany County was defined by the Bauer Report, submitted to Governor Lloyd Lowndes, Jr. on November 9, 1898.[6] The Potomac River and State of West Virginia lie to the south and west.

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 in the Chesapeake Bay basin.

Garrett County contains over 76,000 acres (310 km2) of parks, lakes, and publicly accessible forestland. Popular activities in the county include camping, hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, alpine and cross county skiing, snowmobiling, hunting, ice fishing, fly fishing, whitewater canoeing, kayaking, rafting, boating, swimming, sailing, horseback riding, and water skiing.[7]

The National Register of Historic Places listings in Garrett County, Maryland has 20 National Register of Historic Places[8] properties and districts, including Casselman Bridge, National Road a National Historic Landmark. Garrett County is part of Maryland's 6th congressional district. The extreme south of the county lies within the United States National Radio Quiet Zone.

History

Map of Braddock's Military Road from Cumberland, MD to Braddock, PA 1755

In the early 20th century, the railroad and tourism started to decline. Coal mining and timber production continued at a much slower pace. Today, tourism has made a dramatic rebound in the county with logging and farming making up the greatest part of the economic base. Due to a cold climate and lack of any large city, Garrett County has remained a sparsely populated rural area.

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 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.[9]

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.[9]

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.[10] 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.[11]

County seal

On December 15, 1977, the seal[6] 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[6] 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

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 656 square miles (1,700 km2), of which 647 square miles (1,680 km2) is land and 8.6 square miles (22 km2) (1.3%) is water.[12] It is the second-largest county in Maryland by land area.

Garrett County is Maryland's westernmost county, bordered to the north by the Mason–Dixon line with Pennsylvania, to the south by the Potomac River and West Virginia, to the west by a land border with West Virginia, and to the east by a land border with Allegany County, Maryland. The county's northwesternmost point is approximately 60 miles (97 km) southeast of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and its southeasternmost point is approximately 160 miles (260 km) northwest of Baltimore, Maryland.

Garrett County is located entirely within the highland zone of the Appalachian Mountains known variously as the Allegheny Mountains, the Allegheny Plateau, and the Appalachian Plateau. The county's highest elevations are located along four flat-topped ridges and range to a height of 3,360 feet (1,020 m) at Hoye-Crest along Backbone Mountain, the highest point in the state of Maryland. As is typical in the Allegheny region, broad flats generally lie below the ridge crests at elevations of approximately 500 feet (150 m). River valleys are generally narrow and deep, with ravines typically 1,000 to 1,800 feet (550 m) below surrounding peaks.

The county contains over 76,000 acres (310 km2) of parks, lakes, and publicly accessible forestland. It is drained by two river systems, the Potomac and the Youghiogheny. The Savage River, a tributary of the Potomac, drains about a third of the county. The Casselman River, a tributary of the Youghiogheny, flows north from the county’s central section into Pennsylvania. The Youghiogheny itself drains the westernmost area of the county and flows north into Pennsylvania, where it empties into the Monongahela River at McKeesport, just south of Pittsburgh.[13]

Geologic points of interest

The Glades

The Glades' 601 acres (2.43 km2) is of great scientific interest because it is an ombrotrophic system (fed solely by rainwater) with peat layers up to 9 feet (2.7 m) thick, and is one of the oldest examples of mountain peatland in the Appalachians.[14]

On the western edge of the Savage River State Forest along Maryland Route 495 lies Bittinger, Maryland. Named after Henry Bittinger who first settled in the area, other German settlers moved in and took up the fertile farm land. On the eastern edge of Bittinger is one of the largest glades area of Garrett County. Geographically, this is an area which seems to have been affected by the last great ice sheet of North America. Two miles southeast of Bittinger, there is a large deposit of peat moss.

Loess Dunes

In the Casselman River valley, 1-mile (1.6 km) south of Grantsville, Maryland and beside Maryland Route 495, one can see remains of geological evidence about the last great ice sheet over North America. A series of low mounds can be seen in the fields on the west side of Maryland Route 495 that are "loess" (wind-blown) material. Apparently, these are the only ones still visible in the northern part of Garrett County.

The mounds were formed when a glacier lake existed in the Casselman valley, and the ice around the edges of the frozen lake melted. Wind blew fine grains of earth into the water around the edges where it sank to the bottom, and the mounds were the result of the deposit of this wind-blown material.

Mountains

Mountain[15] Elevation (ft.)
Backbone Mountain 3,360
Big Savage Mountain 2,991
Blossom Hill 2,620
Contrary Knob 2,680
Conway Hill 2,760
Dung Hill 2,732
Elbow Mountain 2,694
Elder Hill 2,826
Fort Hill 2,600
George Mountain 3,004
Lewis Knob 2,960
Little Mountain 2,920
Little Savage Mountain 2,817
Marsh Hill 3,073
Meadow Mountain 2,959
Mount Nebo 2,604
Negro Mountain 3,075
Pine Hill 2,500
Rich Hill 2,842
Ridgley Hill 2,617
River Hill 2,700
Roman Nose Mountain 3,140
Roth Rock Mountain 2,860
Salt Block Mountain 2,707
Snaggy Hill 3,040
Walnut Hill 2,629
Winding Ridge 2,775
Whites Knob 2,940
Zehner Hill 3,000

Creeks

[16]

  • Bear Creek
  • Beaver Creek
  • Cherry Creek
  • Church Creek
  • Crabtree Creek
  • Deep Creek (formerly Green Glades Creek)
  • Fork Creek
  • Georges Creek
  • Herrington Creek
  • Middle Fork Creek
  • Muddy Creek
  • North Fork Creek
  • Rhine Creek
  • Snowy Creek
  • South Fork Crabtree Creek
  • South Fork Creek

Lakes

[17]

  • Deep Creek Lake (largest freshwater body of water in Maryland, 11.6 miles (18.7 km) in length)

Waterfalls

[18]

Forests, rivers, caves

See these articles for information on the forests, rivers and caves of Garrett County:

Parks and recreation

Forest in Swallow Falls State Park
For a more comprehensive list, see List of Maryland state parks.

State parks

There are six state parks in Garrett County. All offer picnic and fishing areas; 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.[19]

County parks

Garrett County owns four park sites and fifteen recreation facilities. The parks are maintained in cooperation with local associations and civic groups. The recreation areas are attached to public schools and colleges and maintained by the Garrett County Board of Education.[20]

Municipal parks

The municipal parks of Garrett County provide sport facilities, hiking, bike and walk paths, playgrounds, picnic areas, boat ramps, and fishing.[21]

Adjacent counties

Demographics

Historical population
Census Pop. %±
188012,175—
189014,21316.7%
190017,70124.5%
191020,10513.6%
192019,678−2.1%
193019,9081.2%
194021,98110.4%
195021,259−3.3%
196020,420−3.9%
197021,4765.2%
198026,49823.4%
199028,1386.2%
200029,8466.1%
201030,0970.8%
Est. 201529,460[22]−2.1%
U.S. Decennial Census[23]
1790-1960[24] 1900-1990[25]
1990-2000[26] 2010-2015[1]

2000 census

As of the census[27] 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.

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.

2010 census

As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 30,097 people, 12,057 households, and 8,437 families residing in the county.[28] The population density was 46.5 inhabitants per square mile (18.0/km2). There were 18,854 housing units at an average density of 29.1 per square mile (11.2/km2).[29] The racial makeup of the county was 97.8% white, 1.0% black or African American, 0.3% Asian, 0.1% American Indian, 0.1% from other races, and 0.7% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 0.7% of the population.[28] In terms of ancestry, 35.4% were German, 13.6% were American, 11.3% were Irish, and 11.3% were English.[30]

Of the 12,057 households, 30.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.4% were married couples living together, 9.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 30.0% were non-families, and 25.5% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.92. The median age was 42.7 years.[28]

The median income for a household in the county was $45,760 and the median income for a family was $56,545. Males had a median income of $40,035 versus $27,325 for females. The per capita income for the county was $23,888. About 8.9% of families and 12.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.2% of those under age 18 and 12.1% of those age 65 or over.[31]

Economy

Garrett County produces natural gas, the only county in the state to do so.[7] Much of the economic activity in the area centers around the outdoors. In the winter, the Wisp ski resort in Oakland and New Germany State Park's cross county skiing trail are frequent destinations, and Deep Creek Lake sees much activity in the summer. The state parks in the county are frequented year-round.

Transportation

Major highways

National Road, US 40 Alt.
For a more comprehensive list, see List of Maryland state highways.

Airport

Garrett County Airport (2G4) is a general aviation airport surrounded by the mountains of Western Maryland. The airport enhances the region's tourist industry and provides emergency air service evacuation and landing facilities for general aviation.[32]

Media

Garrett County is part of the Pittsburgh DMA, a regional media market centered in neighboring Pennsylvania.

Events

Annual events include the Autumn Glory Festival, the Scottish Highland Festival, and the Garrett County Fair.

Communities

Towns

Census-designated places

The United States Census Bureau recognizes seven census-designated places (CDPs) in Garrett County.

Unincorporated communities

The following communities are classified as populated places or locales by the Geographic Names Information System.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 24, 2013.
  2. ↑ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. ↑ "Maryland Counties, Garrett County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Retrieved 2009-11-11.
  4. ↑
  5. ↑ Cope, Thomas D (May 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
  6. 1 2 3 "Title 1: General Provisions". Garrett County, MD Code of Ordinances. American Legal Publishing Corporation. Retrieved 2009-11-11.
  7. 1 2 "Garrett County". County Profiles. Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development. Archived from the original on 2009-03-27. Retrieved 2009-11-11.
  8. ↑ National Park Service (2008-04-15). "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service.
  9. 1 2 "Board of Garrett County Commissioners". Board of Commissioners. Garrett County Online. Retrieved 2009-11-11.
  10. ↑ David Leip's Presidential Atlas (Maps for Maryland by election)
  11. ↑ U.S. Election Atlas
  12. ↑ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved September 12, 2014.
  13. ↑ Gary B. Blank, Ph.D. Associate professor, Department of Forestry. Maryland Department of Natural Resources, ed. "Forest Management History in the Central Appalachians 1900 to 2000" (PDF). Raleigh, NC: Department of Forestry, North Carolina State University. Retrieved 2009-11-27.
  14. ↑ "The Glades". Maryland. The Nature Conservancy. Retrieved 2009-11-27.
  15. ↑ "Maryland at a Glance, Land, Mountains". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Retrieved 2009-11-11.
  16. ↑ "Maryland at a Glance, Waterways, Creeks". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Retrieved 2009-11-11.
  17. ↑ "Maryland at a Glance, Waterways, Lakes". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Retrieved 2009-11-11.
  18. ↑ "Maryland at a Glance, Waterways, Waterfalls". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Retrieved 2009-11-11.
  19. ↑ "Maryland at a Glance, Parks & Recreation, State Parts". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Retrieved 2009-11-11.
  20. ↑ "Maryland at a Glance, Parks & Recreation, County Parks". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Retrieved 2009-11-11.
  21. ↑ "Maryland at a Glance, Parks & Recreation, Municipal Parks". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Retrieved 2009-11-11.
  22. ↑ "County Totals Dataset: Population, Population Change and Estimated Components of Population Change: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2015". Retrieved July 2, 2016.
  23. ↑ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 12, 2014.
  24. ↑ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved September 12, 2014.
  25. ↑ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 12, 2014.
  26. ↑ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 12, 2014.
  27. ↑ "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  28. 1 2 3 "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2016-01-22.
  29. ↑ "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2016-01-22.
  30. ↑ "DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2016-01-22.
  31. ↑ "DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2016-01-22.
  32. ↑ "Garrett County Airport (2G4)". FAA Information effective 22 October 2009. AirNav.com. Retrieved 2009-11-11.

County, State and Federal government

Historical and academic

Business and tourism

 Fayette County, Pennsylvania Somerset County, Pennsylvania
Preston County, West Virginia Allegany County
   Garrett County, Maryland  
Grant County, West Virginia Mineral County, West Virginia
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