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Cumberland, Maryland

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Cumberland, Maryland
Official seal of Cumberland, Maryland
Seal
Location in Maryland
Location in Maryland
Country
State
County		United States
Maryland
Allegany County
founded
incorporated		1787
1815
Government
 • MayorLee N. Fiedler
Elevation
191 m (627 ft)
Population
 (2000)
 • Total21,518
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (EDT)
Websitewww.ci.cumberland.md.us

Cumberland is a city in Allegany County, Maryland, United States. As of 2000, Cumberland had a population of 21,518. It is the county seat of Allegany CountyTemplate:GR. The surrounding metro area includes the towns of Frostburg, LaVale, Bowling Green, Cresaptown, Ridgeley, and Flintstone.

History

File:Cumberland maryland.jpg
Cumberland, 2000

Cumberland is named after the son of King George II, Prince William, the Duke of Cumberland. It is built on the site of the old Fort Cumberland, a launch pad for British General Edward Braddock's ill-fated attack on the French strong-hold of Fort Duquesne (located on the site of present day Pittsburgh) during the French and Indian War. It was also an outpost of Colonel George Washington during the French and Indian War and his first military headquarters was built here. Washington later returned to Cumberland as President in 1794 to review troops that had been assembled to thwart the Whiskey Rebellion.

During the Civil War Cumberland was a union stronghold and troops were garrisoned there to protect the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. Confederate raiders routinely raided the city and in one daring raid by McNeill's Rangers kidnapped two Union generals, including General George Crook. (Also, See Battle of Cumberland)

Cumberland was a key road, railroad and canal junction during the 1800s and at one time the second largest city in Maryland (second to the port city of Baltimore--hence its nickname "The Queen City"). The surrounding hillsides provided coal, iron ore, and timber that helped supply the industrial revolution. In addition, the city was a major manufacturing center, with industries in glass, breweries, fabrics, and tinplate. However, following World War II, it began to lose much of its industrial importance and its population declined from 39,483 residents in the 1940 census to fewer than 22,000 today. Similar to other communities it resembles in the Monongahela Valley Industrial region of southwestern Pennsylvania, the city continues to struggle with the challenges of transitioning to a post-industrial economy.

Panoramic view of Cumberland, 1919
Bird's Eye Map of cumberland, 1909

Geography

File:Cumberland MD 760x350.jpg
Map showing Cumberland, MD

Cumberland is located in the Ridge-and-valley Appalachians at 39°38′52″N 78°45′46″W / 39.64778°N 78.76278°W / 39.64778; -78.76278Invalid arguments have been passed to the {{#coordinates:}} function (39.647687, -78.762869)Template:GR, along the North Branch of the Potomac River, at the mouth of Wills Creek. Interstate 68 runs through the city in an east/west direction. U.S. Highway 220 runs north/south.

The abandoned Chesapeake and Ohio Canal has its Western Terminus here, and it is possible to travel by foot or on bike from here to Washington, D.C. along the canal towpath - a distance of roughly 185 miles.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 23.5 km² (9.1 mi²). 23.5 km² (9.1 mi²) of it is land and 0.11% is water.

This was the terminus, and namesake, of the Cumberland Road.

Noted residents and natives

Education

Employers/Business

Located 2 1/2 hours from Washington, DC, the Cumberland area is slowly expanding its base of major employers. Cumberland's largest employer is Western Maryland Health System, which employs approximately 2,300 people. Other large employers include the Allegany County government; CSX (approximately 1,000 employees); Allegany College of Maryland (approximately 800 employees); the largest call center of InfoSpherix Inc., a subsidiary of Spherix Inc., a Beltsville, Maryland-based corporation, which employs about 400 people; the City of Cumberland (approximately 300 employees); and CBIZ.

Tourism

Downtown

Cumberland's historic downtown is an attraction for locals and tourists alike. The heart of the downtown area is Baltimore Street. Formerly the main throughfare through the city, Baltimore Street is now a brick pedestrian mall. The street is lined with large multistory commercial buildings, most of which were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These buildings, which were formerly banks, hotels, and department stores, are a relic of the city's former wealth and importance during the industrial age. They now contain more tourist oriented businesses such as sidewalk cafes, antique stores, boutiques and art galleries.

Baltimore Street hosts some of the city’s biggest sidewalk festivals and block parties. In the warmer months the weekly Farmers Market will draw hundreds downtown and often evenings there will be activities such as outdoor dining with live music or block parties.

Western Maryland Railway Station

Baldwin steam locomotive.

A block west of the downtown pedestrian mall is the Western Maryland Railway Station This early 20th century train station is home to the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad offers 3 hour round trip tours from Cumberland to Frostburg, Maryland on a restored 1916 Baldwin Steam Locomotive . The Western Maryland Railway Station is part of the Canal Place Heritage Area, the first in the State of Maryland.

Canal Place Hertiage Area

Canal at Swain's Lock

Canal Place is located at the western terminus of the C&O Canal. A national park has been created in the city center at the intersection of the railroad, C&O Canal, and Allegheny Highlands Trail at Canal Place. While at the Heritage Area, visitors can ride the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, tour a full-scale replica canal boat, visit the C&O Canal National Historical Park Cumberland Visitor Center, get information about attractions and events in Allegany County, hike or bike ride on the canal towpath, or attend unique festivals and events like C&O CanalFest. A rewatering project is underway which when completed will allow visitors to ride in replica canal boats through a portion of the old canal.

The Great Allegheny Passage

File:Cumberland maryland great allegany map.jpg

The C&O Canal has its Western Terminus at Canal Place, and it is possible to travel by foot or on bike from here to Washington, D.C. along the canal towpath - a distance of roughly 185 miles. In addition, The Allegheny Highlands Trail of Maryland is a 21 mile section of a expansive hiking/biking trail starting in Pittsburgh and ending in Cumberland where it connects with the C&O Canal towpath and onto Washington DC. Together, the C&O Canal towpath and the Allegheny Highlands Trails are part of the, 315 Mile Great Allegheny Passage.

Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort

File:Cumberland maryland rocky gap resort.jpg

Just outside Cumberland, the Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort sits in the valley between Evitt's Mountain and Martins Mountain. The resort is located on the shore of the 243-acre Lake Habeeb in Rocky Gap State Park, and boasts Maryland’s only Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course.

Allegany County Museum

Located in Downtown Cumberland, the Allegany Country Museum exhibits the local history and architecture of the Cumberland Area. Some of the exhibits include: The History and Architecture of Allegany County, the History of Kelly Springfield Tire, MeadWestvaco, Prehistoric, Glassware, Fire Prevention, Folk Art, Brewing, and more. Open May to December.

Other Cumberland Attractions

Nearby Attractions

  • The Thrasher Carriage Museum, in Frostburg, MD is one of the nation's top collections of horse-drawn vehicles, represents every walk of life from the milkman to the wealthy. Pleasure vehicles, funeral wagons, sleighs, carts, and more are on display in the renovated 19th century warehouse. Housed in a renovated warehouse opposite the steam train depot in Frostburg, this museum houses an extensive collection of late-19th- and early-20th-century horse-drawn carriages, featuring more than 50 vehicles from the collection of the late James R. Thrasher. Highlights include the inaugural coach used by Teddy Roosevelt, several Vanderbilt sleighs, elaborately decorated funeral wagons, formal closed vehicles, surreys, and open sleighs.

Annual & Seasonal Events

  • CanelFest, located at Canel Place (Mid July)

Architecture

Washington Street

Some of Cumberland's most architecturally significant homes are located in the Historic District of Washington Street. Considered the elite residential area when the city was at its economic peak, Washington Street was home to the region's leading citizens including the president of the C&O Canal. Significant public buildings include the Allegany County Courthouse, Allegany County Library, and Emmanuel Episcopal Church, located on the site of Fort Cumberland. It features early gothic architecture with three large Tiffany windows, fort tunnels, and ammunition magazine cellars.

Emmanuel Episcopal Church

The Emmanuel Episcopal Church, standing at the eastern end of the Washington Street Historic District, is one of Maryland's most outstanding examples of early Gothic Revival architecture. The church is situated on the former site of Fort Cumberland, and earthwork tunnels remaining from the fort run under the church. The church was constructed around 1850 and designed by well-known Philadelphia architect John Notman. It is modeled after St. Paul's Church in Brighton, England. The design is typical ecclesiastical architecture of the second quarter of the 19th century, especially that of the Episcopal Church.

The Cumberland Parish House was built in 1903 and designed by Cumberland native Bruce Price before developing a successful career in New York. Price chose elements of the popular Second Empire style for the Parish House, an eclectic style based loosely on French architecture during the reign of Napoleon. The Parish house features elements typical of this style, such as a projecting pavilion, tall windows and roof, and deep architectural details. Many other houses of the Washington Street Historic District resemble the Parish House, but also feature a mansard roof--this style's central characteristic.

The church and parish house sit on land that was originally Fort Cumberland, which served as a frontier outpost during the French and Indian War. The only building to remain from the fort is the small cabin that was used by George Washington as his headquarters when he was in the Cumberland area with his Virginia troops. It has been moved to nearby Riverside Park.

Emmanuel Episcopal Church and Parish House are located at 16 Washington St., and are contributing buildings to the Washington Street Historic District. Church services are open to the public, and the tunnels are open for tours during the Heritage Days festival in June.

Allegany County Courthouse

Although many church spires dot the Cumberland landscape, it is the Allegany County Courthouse that dominates this city's skyline. The building is prominently sited along Washington Street, which rises sharply from Wills Creek running through the heart of Cumberland. Historically, courthouses in America have been one of the most architecturally impressive buildings within a community. In this way, the architecture of the building was able to convey the authority of a local government, as well as instill respect and recognition.

Designed in 1893, the Courthouse was the first major commission of local architect Wright Butler. Butler based his design for this public building on the Richardsonian Romanesque architectural style. The massing and detail of the Courthouse are typical of this late 19th-century style, developed from the works of architect Henry Hobson Richardson . Characteristic of this style, the Courthouse combines the use of brick highlighted with stone belt courses and presents a uniform rock-faced exterior finish. The building's ribbons of windows set deeply into the walls, and large arched entry are also typical Richardsonian features. Less typical is the Courthouse's tower buttressed with round columns that rises above the three-story building. One of the pinnacle examples of a H. H. Richardson's work is the Alleghany County Courthouse in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which Cumberland's Courthouse strongly resembles.

Queen City Hotel & Station

The Queen City Hotel was located was one of Five Combination Station-Hotels Built by the B&O during the 1870's. It was Designed by Thomas N. Heskett of the RailRoad's Road Department, was Italianate in Style, and was opened for the Accomodation and Entertainment of passengers in 1872. Though No Longer in existence, The Queen City was one of the last Remaining Grand, Railroad Hotels in the US in the early 1970's. Efforts to preserve this ornate, victorian-era Structure was one of the classic preservation battles of the early 1970's. The battle was lost when the building was demolished in 1972.

Industrial Legacy of Cumberland

  • The Cumberland Brewing Company (1890-1958) produced Old Export Beer and Gamecock Ale Cumberland Brewing Company was the oldest brewery in Cumberland and was purchased by Queen City Brewing Company in 1958. It was the last surviving brewery in Cumberland before it closed its doors in 1976.

Transportation

  • Greater Cumberland Airport (Airport-ID: CBE)
  • Mexico Farms Airport (Airport-ID: 1W3)
  • Cumberland Amtrak Station (E Harrison St & Queen City Dr)
  • Allegany County Transit

Accomodations

Hospitals

  • Memorial Hospital and Medical Center
  • Sacred Heart Hospital
  • Thomas B Finan Center
File:NightoftheLivingDeadPoster.jpg
  • In the classic 1960's horror film the Night of the Living Dead, Barbara listens transfixed to radio broadcast from civial defense officals in the City of Cumberland, Md. The Cumberland Officals emphasize the predatory nature of the cannibalistic ghouls, and their unsavoury appetite for human flesh. Quote from the radio announcer, "Civil defense officials in Cumberland have told newsmen that murder victims show evidence of having been partially devoured by their murderers. Consistent reports from witnesses to the effect that people who acted as if they were in a kind of trance were killing and eating their victims prompted authorities to examine the bodies of some of the victims. Medical authorities in Cumberland have concluded that in all cases, the killers are eating the flesh of the people they kill. And so this incredible story becomes more ghastly with each report. It's difficult to imagine such a thing actually happening, but these are the reports we have been receiving and passing on to you, reports which have been verified as completely as is possible in this confused situation." Other Movie quotes from TV Newsguy, "Repeating this latest bulletin just received moments ago from Cumberland, Maryland…civil defense authorities have told newsmen that murder victims show evidence of having been partially devoured by their murderers. Medical examination of victim’s bodies shows conclusively that the killers are eating the flesh of the people they kill."

Radio Stations

  • WCBC (1270 AM; 5 kW; CUMBERLAND, MD; Owner: CUMBERLAND BROADCASTING COMPANY)
  • WNTR (1230 AM; 1 kW; CUMBERLAND, MD; Owner: TSCHUDY RADIO, INC)
  • WTBO (1450 AM; 1 kW; CUMBERLAND, MD; Owner: WTBO-WKGO CORPORATION, L.L.C.)
  • WROG (102.9 FM; CUMBERLAND, MD; Owner: TSCHUDY RADIO, INC)
  • WKGO "Go 106" (106.1 FM; CUMBERLAND, MD; Owner: WTBO-WKGO CORPORATION, L.L.C.)
  • WDZN "Radio Disney" (100.1 FM; CUMBERLAND, MD; Owner: CHARTER EQUITIES, INC.)
  • WFWM (91.9 FM; FROSTBURG, MD; Owner: FROSTBURG STATE UNIVERSITY)
  • W253AB (98.5 FM; CUMBERLAND, MD; Owner: WTBO-WKGO CORPORATION, L.L.C.)
  • W280CF (103.9 FM; CUMBERLAND, ETC., MD; Owner: CEDAR RIDGE CHILDREN'S HOME & SCHOOL, INC)
  • WFRB (560 AM; 5 kW; FROSTBURG, MD; Owner: WTBO-WKGO CORPORATION, L.L.C.)
  • WLIC (97.1 FM; FROSTBURG, MD; Owner: HE'S ALIVE, INC.)
  • WFRB-FM (105.3 FM; FROSTBURG, MD; Owner: WTBO-WKGO CORPORATION, L.L.C.)
  • WVSC (990 AM; 10 kW; SOMERSET, PA; Owner: FOREVER OF JOHNSTOWN, INC.)
  • WYSN (1330 AM; 5 kW; SOMERSET, PA; Owner: DAME BROADCASTING, LLC)
  • WLYE (850 AM; 10 kW; JOHNSTOWN, PA; Owner: FOREVER OF JOHNSTOWN, INC.)
  • WZSK (1040 AM; daytime; 10 kW; EVERETT, PA; Owner: NEW MILLENNIUM COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INC.)
  • KDKA (1020 AM; 50 kW; PITTSBURGH, PA; Owner: INFINITY BROADCASTING OPERATIONS, INC.)
  • WKCW (1420 AM; 50 kW; WARRENTON, VA; Owner: WAY BROADCASTING, INC.)
  • WCBM (680 AM; 50 kW; BALTIMORE, MD; Owner: WCBM MARYLAND, INC.)
  • WMET (1150 AM; 50 kW; GAITHERSBURG, MD; Owner: BELTWAY ACQUISITION CORPORATION)
  • WHJB (1600 AM; 5 kW; BEDFORD, PA; Owner: JOHN H. CESSNA)
  • WCBC-FM (107.1 FM; KEYSER, WV; Owner: PROSPERITAS BROADCASTING SYSTEM, L P)
  • WWPN (101.1 FM; WESTERNPORT, MD; Owner: ERNEST F. SANTMYIRE)
  • WQZK-FM (94.1 FM; KEYSER, WV; Owner: STARCAST SYSTEMS, INC.)
  • WBVE (107.5 FM; BEDFORD, PA; Owner: CESSNA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.)
  • WQZS (93.3 FM; MEYERSDALE, PA; Owner: ROGER WAHL)
  • WAYC (100.9 FM; BEDFORD, PA; Owner: CESSNA COMMUNICATIONS, INC.)
  • WVSB (104.1 FM; ROMNEY, WV; Owner: WEST VA. SCHS. FOR DEAF AND BLIND)
  • WAIJ (90.3 FM; GRANTSVILLE, MD; Owner: HE'S ALIVE, INC.)
  • WTRM (91.3 FM; WINCHESTER, VA; Owner: TIMBER RIDGE MINISTRIES, INC.)
  • WQWV (103.7 FM; FISHER, WV; Owner: MCGUIRE BROADCASTING, L.L.C.)
  • WSKE (104.3 FM; EVERETT, PA; Owner: NEW MILLENNIUM COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INC.)

TV Stations

  • W43BP (Channel 43; CRESAPTOWN, MD; Owner: TRINITY BROADCASTING NETWORK)


Libraries

Nearby Cities and Towns


Demographics

As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there were 21,518 people, 9,538 households, and 5,436 families residing in the city. The population density was 916.0/km² (2,372.7/mi²). There were 11,143 housing units at an average density of 474.3/km² (1,228.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 92.54% White, 5.06% African American, 0.26% Native American, 0.61% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.26% from other races, and 1.24% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.70% of the population.

There were 9,538 households out of which 25.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.7% were married couples living together, 13.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.0% were non-families. 37.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 18.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.20 and the average family size was 2.90.

City residents have an older demographic profile than the U.S. 22.7% is under the age of 18, 8.2% is from 18 to 24, 25.1% is from 25 to 44, 23.3% is from 45 to 64, and 20.7% is 65 years of age or older. The median age is 41 years compared to a U.S. average of 35.3. Females outnumber males. For every 100 females there are 86.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $25,142, and the median income for a family was $34,500. Males had a median income of $29,484 versus $20,004 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,813. About 15.3% of families and 19.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.4% of those under age 18 and 10.3% of those age 65 or over. The family poverty rate is among the highest in the state of Maryland, exceeded only by Baltimore City and Salisbury among the ten largest cities.

According to the 2000 Census, educational achievement levels of the city residents lag behind those of Allegany County and the state of Maryland. High school diploma attainment figures for residents 25 years of age and older are lower than the state average (83.8%), with Allegany County at 79.9% and Cumberland at 79.3%. Furthermore, only 13.0% of city residents 25 years of age and older hold at least an undergraduate degree. The comparable figures for Allegany County and Maryland residents are 14.1% and 31.4% respectively.

References

File:Cumberland book paul 2003.jpg

  • Amanda Paul, Tom Robertson, Joe Weaver, "Cumberland", Arcadia Publishing, Copyright Oct 1, 2003, Paperback, ISBN 0738514985
  • Will H. Lowdermilk, "History of Cumberland", Clearfield Co., October 1997, Paperback, ISBN 0806379839.
  • Joseph H Weaver, "Cumberland, 1787-1987: A Bicentennial History", Published by the City of Cumberland and the Cumberland Bicentennial Committee, January 1, 1987, ASIN B0007165K6
  • Mike High, "The C&O Canal Companion", Johns Hopkins University Press, 2001, ISBN 0801866022
  • SabatkefMark, "Discovering The C&O Canal", Schreiber Publishing, 2003, ISBN 1887563679
  • Allan Powell, "Fort Cumberland", Publisher Allan R Powell, 1989, ISBN 0961999527

Local Heritage & Recreation

Local Art & Culture

Local Universities, Colleges, and Schools

Local Government and Community Organizations

Local Newspapers and Classified

Local Publishers of Books & Magazines

Local Maps

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Other Locations In the State of Maryland

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