Hub City History

The City's Foundation

Hagerstown was founded in 1762 by Jonathan Hager, a gunsmith, fur trader, farmer, and politician. After settling, he quickly increased his wealth and expanded his land holdings, acquiring over 10,000 acres, which he used to lay plans for the town. It was originally named Elizabethtowne, in honor of his wife, but was later changed to Hagerstown in his honor.

Hagerstown was situated at the crossroads of the “Warrior Trading Path,” the Eastern Native American North / South Trading Route, which is modern-day Route 11, and the First National Road, now Route 40. The town grew quickly and was a prized location for transportation of all kinds, from covered wagons to nearby river navigation.

Hager House

A Time of Change: The Introduction of the Railroad

The 19th Century marked the railroad's arrival in the area in 1834. This, perhaps more than any other factor, spurred the growth of Hagerstown into the city we know today. The nickname “Hub City” comes from how all the railroad lines running into Hagerstown resembled the spokes of a wagon wheel on the map. The Western Maryland, the Baltimore and Ohio (B&O), and the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) all supplied these “spokes." Railroading grew as an industry and was the main driver of the local economy well into the 20th Century. Although passenger service has ceased, freight still rolls through Hagerstown every day.

Hagerstown Today

Today, in keeping with its rich history, the “Hub City” sits at the crossroads of two major interstates, I-70 and I-81. It serves as a gateway to the Baltimore and Washington, D.C., area as well as the “hub” of government, commerce, and recreation for the tri-state area.