Big Pool, Maryland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Big Pool, Maryland
census-designated place
Big Pool, the body of water formed when the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal was made, which gave the name to the area
Big Pool, Maryland Location in Maryland Show map of Maryland Big Pool, Maryland Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Country	United States
State	Maryland
County	Washington
Area
• Total	0.11 sq mi (0.28 km2)
• Land	0.11 sq mi (0.28 km2)
• Water	0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation	443 ft (135 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	78
• Density	722.22/sq mi (279.51/km2)
Time zone	UTC−5 (Eastern (EST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC−4 (EDT)
Area codes	301, 240
FIPS code	24-07375
GNIS feature ID	2583583

Big Pool is a small community in western Washington County, Maryland, United States. It's known as an unincorporated community, which means it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. It's also a census-designated place, which is an area the U.S. Census Bureau defines for gathering population data.

In 2010, about 82 people lived here. By 2020, the population was 78. Big Pool is located between the towns of Clear Spring, Maryland and Hancock, Maryland. You can find it right along Interstate 70. It's also considered part of the larger Hagerstown Metropolitan Area.

What's in a Name?

The name "Big Pool" comes from a large body of water nearby. This "pool" is actually part of the historic Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. This canal was a very important waterway long ago. The pool is found around the 113-mile mark of the canal. Canal workers used to call this area the "14 mile level."

Nearby Attractions

Big Pool is close to some interesting historical and natural sites.

Fort Frederick State Park

Just south of Big Pool, you'll find Fort Frederick State Park. This park is home to a restored fort. The fort was used during the French and Indian War. This war happened a long time ago, between 1754 and 1763. It was fought between Great Britain and France, along with their Native American allies. The fort helped protect the area.

Fort Frederick State Park is located just south of Big Pool.

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Close to Fort Frederick, you can visit the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. This park runs alongside the Potomac River. It protects the historic Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. The canal was used to transport goods like coal and timber. Today, it's a great place for hiking, biking, and learning about history.