Boonsboro Town Hall

About

Welcome to the Town of Boonsboro, Maryland's official Facebook page, created & maintained by the administrative staff at Town Hall. We will strive to keep you informed & up-to-date on what's happening in Boonsboro.

Story

Nestled at the foot of South Mountain between Hagerstown and Frederick, lies a rural Town founded in 1792 by two brothers, George and William Boone, cousins of Daniel Boone. The land where the Town is located was once part of two tracts, Beale's Chance and Fellowship. Originally named Margaretsville in honor of William Boone’s wife, the Town’s name has changed several times throughout the years from Margaretsville to Margaret Boones Ville, to Boonesborough, and finally to Boonsboro.

Boonsboro’s growth and prosperity increased in part by the construction of the National Road, a turnpike connecting Baltimore to the west. In 1823, a new process called "macadam" was used to finish an unpaved section of the turnpike from Boonsboro to Hagerstown. This was the first time the road building process was used in the United States.

In 1827, the citizens of Boonsboro erected the first monument to honor President George Washington at the top of South Mountain. The rugged stone monument stands 34 feet in height, and is located on part of the Appalachian Trail.

Incorporated in 1831, the citizens of Boonsboro held the Town’s first election. On September 14, 1862, the Battle of South Mountain began. This was the first battle of the Civil War fought on northern soil. During the Civil War, Boonsboro’s churches and public buildings were used as makeshift hospitals for wounded soldiers. Soldiers were transported to Boonsboro throughout two of the bloodiest battles at South Mountain and Antietam. In the late 19th century, Boonsboro was chosen as the setting for a famous Civil War play named “Heart of Maryland,” which later became a successful silent motion picture.

In the 20th century, agriculture products and fruit were the principal source of income for the rural area around Boonsboro. The Town of Boonsboro became well known for it’s delicious “Hearts of Gold” cantaloupes.

In 1939, the citizens of Boonsboro created Shafer Memorial Park as the focal point of the Town. Today the Park hosts major public events such as Boonesborough Days, The Great Boonsboro Rescue Company Carnival, Green Fest and The Founder’s Day Celebration. The Founder’s Day Celebration coincides with the National Pike Festival, which features a 20-mile wagon train journey from Clear Spring to Boonsboro along the original route of the National Pike.

As the Town continues to grow in size, population and diversity, the citizens of Boonsboro have not lost sight of their rural beginnings. The Town of Boonsboro continues to manage its growth with care and foresight, while cherishing it's simple beginnings and deep rooted heritage.