Arthur Rothstein, a Farm Security Administration photographer, visited Hagerstown in Maryland in October 1937. The photographer strolled the town’s streets for an afternoon, taking pictures of residents and documenting their everyday lives.
Jonathan Hager founded Hagerstown in 1762. He was a gunsmith, fur trader, farmer, and politician. Upon settling, he quickly increased his wealth and acquired over 10,000 acres of land, which he used to lay out the town’s plans. The city was initially named Elizabethtown in honor of his wife, but it was later changed to Hagerstown in honor of him.
During the 1820s, Hagerstown became a central stopping point along the Cumberland (National) Road. Northern and Southern armies alternately occupied this city during the American Civil War. Within 30 miles (48 kilometers) are some of the bloodiest battlefields of that war, including Gettysburg, Antietam, and Harpers Ferry. The construction of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad spur in 1867 led to the town’s economic revival after the war. Consequently, it became a major transportation hub for the agricultural area and a significant manufacturing center.
Today Hagerstown serves as a gateway to the Baltimore and the Washington, D.C. area and the “hub” of government, commerce, and recreation for the tri-state area.
#1 Bus terminal, Hagerstown, Maryland
#2 Interior of railroad station, Hagerstown, Maryland
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My grandfather & father were railroaders in Hagerstown MD. My dad was a conductor. Mom would get us up in the middle of the night to pick him up at Show Mow Yard or the big Round House (gone now). We only had one vehicle. Definitely, the good old days. Early 1960’s.
#3 Furniture auction, Hagerstown, Maryland
#4 Bulletin in railroad station, Hagerstown, Maryland
#5 Barn with painted windows near Hagerstown, Maryland
#6 Houses near the railroad. Hagerstown, Maryland
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Foundry Street? Now
Burhans Blvd? Look at the Street light. Can you imagine living that close to railroad tracks. I love this picture.
Kids on bikes. No technology.
#7 Houses near the railroad tracks. Hagerstown, Maryland
#8 Barn on outskirts of Hagerstown, Maryland
#9 Main street of Hagerstown on Saturday afternoon, Maryland
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Thank you for these posts.
How I would love to step back in time on a summer Saturday morning in downtown Hagerstown. I’m glad I had the pleasure of growing up in Hagerstown in the sixties, 70’s etc. The Hagerstown Fair, clean creeks to wade in and nice schools to attend. Shout out to Washington Street School, Winter Street School and Salem Avenue School.
Where was this?
Hey, when was this?
The current bus terminal used to be a parking lot, I think it was inside a hotel downtown.