Hagerstown, Maryland is one of the most dynamic and ideal business locations in the U.S. It is located at a strategic crossroad of major interstates, rail lines and airways. Moving to Havergstown means being close to a major international airport, and being just an hour from the Washington D.C. and Baltimore metropolitan areas. Those moving to Hagerstown will also discover a highly-educated workforce and one of the nation's top school systems. It has an outstanding and affordable quality of life with beautiful scenery, rich history and vibrant culture.
Economy:
Hagerstown's economy was once primarily an industrial community. It depended heavily on railroad transportation and manufacturing, notably of aircraft, trucks, automobiles, textiles, and furniture. Today, the city has a diversified, stable business environment with modern service companies in various fields as well as continued strength in manufacturing and transportation in railroads and highways. Surrounding Hagerstown, there has been and continues to be a strong agricultural presence while tourism, especially with respect to the retail sector, also provides support to the local economy.
Among the corporations which are headquartered in Hagerstown are AeroSys, Inc., Bowman Development, Brethren Mutual Insurance, Horizon Goodwill Industries, Lehigh Phoenix, Maryland Paper, NetConn Solutions, and Review and Herald Publishing Association.
Tourism:
Hagerstown is rich in historical sites, parks and museums, theater and arts, festivals and events, and professional sports. Any traveler would have his or her fill of things to do while visiting the area.
Among such points of interests are the Antietam National Battlefield, Fort Frederick State Park, Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, Maryland Theater, Hagerstown Ice and Sports Complex, and the Mason-Dixon Dragsway.
History:
Hagerstown is named after its founder, Jonathan Hager. In 1739, Hager, a German immigrant from Pennsylvania and a volunteer Captain of Scouts, purchased 200 acres of land in the Great Appalachian Valley between the Blue Ridge and the Allegheny Mountains in Maryland and called it Hager's Fancy. In 1762, Hager officially founded the town of Elizabethtown which he named after his wife, Elizabeth Kreshner. By 1813, the community's name was changed to Hagerstown.
The town has evolved into a modern city by maintaining an outstanding transportation and communication network, a strong and loyal workforce, and enviable tourism statistics. Hagerstown now prides itself with many recreational amenities, cultural opportunities and special activities for people of all ages.