| Frostburg, Maryland | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| — City — | |||
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| Location in Maryland | |||
| Coordinates: | |||
| Country | United States | ||
| State | Maryland | ||
| County | Allegany | ||
| Incorporated | 1816 | ||
| Government | |||
| • Mayor | Arthur T. Bond | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 3.1 sq mi (7.9 km2) | ||
| • Land | 3.1 sq mi (7.9 km2) | ||
| • Water | 0.0 sq mi (0.0 km2) | ||
| Elevation | 2,070 ft (631 m) | ||
| Population (2000) | |||
| • Total | 7,873 | ||
| • Density | 2,576.5/sq mi (994.8/km2) | ||
| Time zone | Eastern (UTC-5) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | Eastern (UTC-4) | ||
| ZIP code | 21532 | ||
| Area code(s) | 301 | ||
| FIPS code | 24-30900 | ||
| GNIS feature ID | 0584526 | ||
| Website | www.frostburgcity.com | ||
Frostburg is a city in Allegany County, Maryland, United States located at the head of the Georges Creek Valley. It is part of the Cumberland, MD-WV Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 7,873 at the 2000 census. Located eight miles (13 km) west of Cumberland, the town is one of the first cities on the "National Road", US 40, and the western terminus of the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. Since 1991, the city has been served by Interstate 68.
The City of Frostburg has an approximate year-round population of 8,075. In addition, 5,400 students attend Frostburg State University, a public university within the University System of Maryland.
There have been several annexations in the City of Frostburg during 2009, and it is the only area of Allegany County which has shown growth within the last five years.
Frostburg was originally called Mount Pleasant until 1820, when the government developed a postal service, and the town was renamed Frostburg.
Frostburg is located at (39.654687, -78.927773).[1]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.1 square miles (8.0 km2), all of it land.
Frostburg is located in the Allegheny Mountains on the eastern slope of Big Savage Mountain. The closest cities to Frostburg are Cumberland, Maryland, 8 miles (13 km) to the east, and Morgantown, West Virginia, 62 miles (100 km) to the west.
Frostburg had its beginnings back in 1811 when surveying began for the National Pike, a road used to transport crops and raw materials to East Coast markets. President Thomas Jefferson had authorized construction of the road in 1806. Meshach Frost built the first house in present-day Frostburg in 1812 and named it Highland Hall. This building was a popular stopping point for celebrities and dignitaries who traveled the National Pike. This would be followed by the Franklin Hotel and other hotels.
The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O) and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal reached Cumberland in 1842 and 1850, respectively. Consequently, travel on the National Pike saw a steady decline, although travel through Frostburg did not.[2] Coal mining was the first major economic draw, but the industry faced problems in its early manifestation. The mountains of western Maryland and Frostburg proved to make transportation of coal very difficult. Not until the completion of the railroads did the coal industry in Frostburg began to flourish. The first major coal producer was Meshech Frost, who owned a significant amount of land for mining and founded the Frostburg Coal Company. This eventually was sold to the much larger Consolidated Coal Company.
Structures from the coal industry's dominant period still remain. One of the major freight depots for coal is located at 19 Depot St. in Frostburg and is one the few remaining depots in western Maryland. The Mount Savage Railroad was the first to build a rail line to Frostburg in 1852, and it connected to the B&O Railroad in Cumberland, as well as the C&O Canal. The Cumberland and Pennsylvania Railroad (C&P) took over the Mount Savage line in 1854, and expanded with the construction of a tunnel under Frostburg, and a rail line southward to Piedmont, West Virginia. This railroad and tunnel were used to transport coal between Frostburg and George's Creek. Another major economic turn for Frostburg was the manufacture of fire brick beginning in 1864, utilizing the high-grade fire clays which are found in the area. One of the main businesses that formed was the Big Savage Fire Brick Company, still one of the main suppliers of fire bricks on the East Coast.[2]
After his presidency, Harry Truman was of surprisingly meager economic status. He did, however, receive a Chrysler automobile as a gift, and decided that he and his wife would use it to its maximum potential. On Father's Day in 1953, his travels took him to Frostburg, and the town rolled out the red carpet. In an attempt not to come across as being too good for people, the Trumans were very kind, signed autographs, and talked with people who recognized them. Harry Truman even went so far as to visit a bedridden elderly woman who had broken her hip. The Trumans also visited the Princess Restaurant. This is the only family-owned business from the time period that still exists, and it attracts customers with its Truman photographs and the Truman booth, where the Trumans dined.[3]
In 1898 the Maryland General Assembly authorized State Normal School #2 and a $20,000 appropriation to construct a building, though no money to buy land. The money for the land was collected among local citizens, many of them coal miners and their families.
Two years later Old Main, the first building in the school's history, opened. Two years after that, the first classes were held. The only available course of study at that point was a two-year elementary-education program. In 1904, the first class graduated.
In 1934, State Normal School #2 introduced its first four-year program. Nearly 30 years later (1963), the school finally was renamed Frostburg State College. In the next ten years more programs sprouted, including the university’s first graduate program (Master's of Science in Management).
In 1988, Frostburg State College joined the Maryland state university system and was renamed Frostburg State University. FSU celebrated its centennial in 1998 and is now 111 years old.[4]
The Hocking House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.[9] The Frostburg Historic District was listed in 1983 and the Borden Mines Superintendent's House in 1984.[9]
On June 2, 1998, an F4 tornado struck Frostburg, damaging 125 homes and Frost Elementary School.[10] This tornado refutes the myth that tornadoes do not occur in rough terrain.
Frostburg is located in the Allegheny Mountains and has an average elevation of 2,000 feet (610 m) above sea level. Because of the elevation and location near the Allegheny Front, about 2900+ feet, Frostburg has a colder, wetter climate than the rest of Allegany County. Average summer temperatures peak at only 79 °F (26 °C) in July. In December, January, and February, average monthly temperatures range from 32-37°F. Driving conditions on I-68 and US 40 can be very hazardous despite timely state and local road maintenance services. Frostburg averages over 100 inches (2.5 m) of snowfall a year, and significant amounts can fall as early as October and as late as May.
Frostburg’s greatest one-month snowfall was 67 inches in January 1978. Frostburg is second in Maryland for the greatest single-season snowfall with a total of 180 inches in winter 1995-96.[11]
At the 2000 census[12], there were 7,873 people, 2,840 households and 1,252 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,576.5 per square mile (993.4/km2). There were 3,123 housing units at an average density of 1,022.0 per square mile (394.1/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 90.42% White, 6.40% African American, 0.23% Native American, 0.98% Asian, 0.09% Pacific Islander, 0.50% from other races, and 1.38% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.22% of the population.
There were 2,840 households of which 18.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 34.0% were married couples living together, 7.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 55.9% were non-families. 37.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 16.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.18 and the average family size was 2.85.
12.4% of the population were under the age of 18, 41.0% from 18 to 24, 17.2% from 25 to 44, 14.2% from 45 to 64, and 15.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 24 years. For every 100 females there were 81.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.2 males.
The median household income was of 2007 was $25,485,[13] and the median family income was $53,234. Males had a median income of $35,417 versus $26,094 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,437.[13] About 6.1% of families and 28.6% of the population were below the poverty line in 2007,[14] with 17.4% below 50% of the poverty level.[14] The cost of living index in 2008 was 84.3.[14]
The estimated house value in 2007 was $126,106.[13] The median real estate property tax for housing units in 2000 was 1.1%.[14]
Frostburg is home to numerous small businesses in addition to chains of larger companies. The town is particularly known for its variety of restaurants, from pizza shops to family establishments.
| Number of Employees | Employer | Business Type |
|---|---|---|
| 930 | Frostburg State University | Higher education. |
| 592 | Affiliated Computer Services | Provides business outsourcing and IT "services and solutions to commercial and government clients worldwide" [16] |
| 525 | Infospherix | A communications company headquartered in Clarksburg, Maryland |
| 104 | Bill Miller Equipment Sales, Inc. | A heavy machine company based in nearby Eckhart, Maryland |
| 61 | Maryland Relay, a division of Hamilton Telecommunications | A telecommunications company for customers with hearing disabilities |
| 40 | Mt. Savage Firebrick | An industrial refractories company, "providing ceramics for high-grade high-temperature applications" [17] |
Small businessFrostburg's small business interests are represented through SCORE Counselors to America's Small Business in nearby Cumberland, as well as through the Small Business Development Center at Frostburg State University. FrostburgFirst is the name of Frostburg's Maryland Main Street Community. Local art and culture
Frostburg Museum and The Museum GalleryLocated at the corner of Hill and Oak Streets, the building in which the museum is housed was built in 1899 and was formerly the Hill Street School. The museum was established in 1976 and, with more than 8,000 square feet (740 m2) of exhibit space, offers exhibits and artifacts from Frostburg and the surrounding area including the Arion Band, coal mining, genealogy, and the National Road. The Museum Gallery features a different artist's work every month. Mountain City Traditional ArtsLocated at 25 East Main St., Mountain City Traditional Arts is dedicated to the education, sales, and documentation of regional Appalachian art. There is a constant display of local art of various mediums, some of which is available for purchase. Frequently offered are live performances, literary readings, and music. They also offer classes such as knitting, card-making and holiday music. Frostburg Arts and Entertainment DistrictIn July 2009, a portion of downtown Frostburg that includes the Frostburg Museum and Frostburg State University was officially designated as the 18th Arts & Entertainment District of the state of Maryland, in recognition of the neighborhood's rich artistic history, its contemporary arts scene and its promise for the future. The district is administered by the Allegany Arts Council, which also administers the award-winning downtown Arts & Entertainment District in nearby Cumberland. Maryland is the first state to create art districts to help stimulate the economy. Frostburg Freeze Lacrosse TournamentA new annual tournament hosted by the Frostburg Club Lacrosse team, which is in the National College Lacrosse League (NCLL). Frostburg Freeze tournament name says it all. The tournament takes place the first week in November and showcases some of the top teams in the NCLL. This is a new tradition that should be around for years to come. Frostburg Art WalksTwice a year, Frostburg sponsors art walks through the arts and entertainment district. They occur in April and October. Visitors are invited for a self-guided tour through the district. Local businesses open their doors with special exhibits and demonstrations. Performing Arts CenterLocated on the Frostburg State University campus, the Performing Arts Center (PAC) has regular programs held in one of their three theaters. The Cultural Events Series is open to students, faculty, and the general public. The students who are studying dance, music, theater and communication can excel in the Performing Arts Center because it has the basic essentials plus more needed for these majors. It has three main theaters: Pealer Recital Hall, Drama Theater and the Studio Theater. This building also has rehearsal spaces, music practice rooms and electronic labs, shops, offices, classrooms and facilities for the hearing impaired. The community and the campus audiences are welcome to a variety of concerts and many performances. Also many famous comedians and jazz artists that perform there as well. Roper GalleryLocated in the Fine Arts building on Frostburg State University's campus, the Roper gallery hosts fine art exhibits from both senior year art students and traveling exhibits. LibrariesOrt Library The Ort Library, located on Frostburg State University's campus, was opened in 1975. The library offers an online catalog of all books and articles in the Maryland state school system. Those materials can be transferred to Frostburg for students and staff. Another service they offer, Ask a Librarian, allows you to ask a librarian's advice for a multitude of problems. Their website also houses Research Port, a database of databases of articles from journals, magazines, and print. The library also offers special collections, archives, subject guides, government document research guide, and genealogy resources. The library has five floors. There are a large number of computers available for use.
Frostburg Public Library Located at 65 Main St, the Frostburg Library offers members of the community 10,000 square feet (930 m2) of books, a children's area, and new technology. They offer services such as children's, teen, and adult book sections, magazines, large print, paperbacks, audio books, music, DVDs, and video games. There are computers in the facility, and the staff offers classes on computer use. There is a meeting room in the library that can be rented. Movie theatersThere are two movie theaters located in the Frostburg area. R/C Cinemas 1-2-3 is located in the Frostburg Shopping Center and offers current movies at a discounted price. They were not only the first building in the plaza, but they were the first movie theatre in the area to have 3-D capabilities. AMC Country Club Mall 6 is located in nearby LaVale inside the Country Club Mall. The Frostburg Palace Theatre, located on Main St., shows foreign and independent films. PlanetariumThe Frostburg State University planetarium is located in Tawes Hall. The planetarium offers a different show every month, which are shown on Sundays at 4PM and 7PM. Planetarium Website Appalachian FestivalThe Appalachian Festival occurs every year on the third weekend in September on Frostburg State University's upper quad. The festival highlights music, food, and crafts of the Appalachian region. Artisans from the area come and sell their wares in areas of woodworking, quilts, and glasswork. There are children's activities offered and educational opportunities. There are often live animals in a petting zoo format. There are tents that offer instruction in folk skills such as dancing, soap making, and basket making.Appalachian Festival The Bottom LineFrostburg State University publishes a student newspaper called The Bottom Line. It is published weekly, and it currently has a circulation of 2,500 copies. The paper covers news, local crime, lifestyle topics, sex, music and sports. Its BurgList feature (a Frostburg State University version of Craigslist) allows students and members of the community to post advertisements for goods for sale, housing and local events. The Western Maryland Scenic RailroadThe WMSR runs a loop that begins/ends in Cumberland at Canal Place. The line stops in Frostburg at the Frostburg Depot for ninety minutes so passengers may shop or eat lunch. Surrounding the depot are Linns Bar and Grill, The Trail Inn and Cafe, The Great Allegheny Passage Hiking/Biking Trail, and the Thrasher Carriage Museum. The standard train ride departs at 11:30AM from the Cumberland station and lasts approximately 3.5 hours. The railroad also offers caboose rentals and a variety of specialty trains such as a Murder Mystery train, a Christmas themed train, and a night-time Santa Express.
Thrasher Carriage MuseumThe museum gives visitors the chance to take a look back in time to the nineteenth century to see how the people in that century were transported. There are examples of the different types of vehicles there. For example, there are funeral wagons, carts, pleasure vehicles, carts a milkman would have used and a lot more. There are docents who dress up in the Victorian American clothing from that time. It gives the visitors the feeling that they are going back in time. This museum really gives visitors a chance to look into the life of a person from the 19th century. The Thrasher Carriage Museum was named after James Richard Thrasher. He lived in Midland, Maryland and was born in 1913. Mr. Thrasher developed a love of horses at a very early age which led him into collecting carriages and participating in various parades just to show off his collection. He died in 1987. Thrasher Carriage Museum Historic Downtown FrostburgHistorical Downtown Frostburg was constructed between the years of 1870-1915 when the town was entrenched in the mining and brick making industry. The Princess Restaurant, located on Main St., has been in business since 1939. Former President Truman visited the restaurant shortly after he left office; a framed sign hangs above the booth in which he sat.[20] The Hotel Gunter, located on Main St across the street from the Princess Restaurant, opened in 1897. Originally named Hotel Gladstone, the original hotel had 100 rooms, a cafe, a barbershop, and a sample room for displaying traveling salesmen's wares. The hotel tanked and was sold in 1903 to William Gunter, who renamed it the Hotel Gunter in 1925. He installed a jail for prisoners being transferred and a cock-fighting ring in the basement. The hotel's basement was also used as a speakeasy during prohibition.[21] Bars/nightlifeThere are eleven bars within city limits. Duncan's bar and grill was established in 1945 in various incarnations. It offers live music on Wednesdays. At least once a week, during the school year, a variety of rock, punk and metal music is performed at least once a week on the weekends. Dante's was established in 1970 and has an open mic night every Thursday, traditional Irish music on the first Wednesday of each month, and a variety of music on the weekends. Municipal activitiesThe Frostbug Community Swimming Pool is located at 200 South Water St. The Frostburg Public Rifle Range is located at Clifton Terrace just off Rt. 40. The range has four 100 yard firing lanes, one 200 yard firing lane, and a 6 lane 25 meter pistol range. The Mapelhurst Country Club golf course features 18 holes, and 6,677 yards of course. Parks
Center for Creative WritingLocated on Main Street, the Center for Creative Writing aims to bring creative writers to Frostburg and to expand the writing ability and exposure to literature of the residents and students of Frostburg. They host a variety of events open to the public. There are also workshops that can be attended for a small fee. They sponsor the 3 AM Society, an organization of student writers. Radio stations
Facilities at Frostburg State UniversityFSU allows members of the community to purchase a one year gold, silver, or bronze membership to use their gym facilities. Gold members are allowed use of the Cordts Physical Education Center including the swimming pool, weight room, raquetball courts, squash courts, tennis courts, practice gym, main arena, aerobics classes (for an extra fee) and track. Silver members are allowed use of the pool, weight room, and aerobic classes. Bronze members are allowed use of either the weight room or the pool. [2] FSU Activities for Life also offer classes for both children and adults. Children can learn beginning rock climbing, tumbling, swimming, and dance. Adults can learn Qigong, yoga, pilates, water aerobics, aerobics, and tumbling. City officials
Notable landmarksChurches
Service centers
Notable residents
Nearby placesCitiesSmaller communities
Knapps Meadow, Maryland Harpersville, Maryland Gilmore, Maryland Sister cityViljandi, Estonia See also
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