Blue Ridge Summit, Pennsylvania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Blue Ridge Summit
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Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration
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 Blue Ridge Summit
Location in Pennsylvania
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| Country | United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Franklin |
| Township | Washington |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.73 sq mi (1.90 km2) |
| • Land | 0.73 sq mi (1.90 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,345 ft (410 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 887 |
| • Density | 1,208.45/sq mi (466.34/km2) |
| ZIP code |
17214
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| Area code(s) | 717 |
| FIPS code | 42-07312 |
Blue Ridge Summit is a small community in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. It is located near the border with Maryland, southwest of Gettysburg. About 887 people lived there in 2020. It's also close to Pen Mar, Maryland.
This community is famous as the birthplace of Wallis Simpson. She later married Prince Edward, who was once King Edward VIII of the United Kingdom. Blue Ridge Summit is also home to one of the oldest golf courses in the United States. The Monterey Country Club was built before 1885. It was a popular summer spot for people from Washington, D.C. Even American presidents like Woodrow Wilson, Calvin Coolidge, and Dwight D. Eisenhower played golf there.
Contents
Exploring Blue Ridge Summit's Location
Blue Ridge Summit is found in the southeastern part of Franklin County. It sits on top of South Mountain. This mountain is part of the Blue Ridge Mountains that stretch up from Virginia. To the east, it borders Adams County. To the south, it touches Frederick and Washington counties in Maryland. Nearby communities in Maryland include Highfield and Cascade.
Pennsylvania Route 16 goes right through Blue Ridge Summit. This road leads east down the mountain to Emmitsburg, Maryland. It also goes west downhill to Waynesboro. The highest point on the highway in Blue Ridge Summit is about 1,330 feet. This is much higher than the areas east and west of the mountain. Mount Dunlop, which is west of the community, reaches about 1,700 feet. Monterey Pass is a bit downhill from Blue Ridge Summit along Route 16.
A Look Back at Blue Ridge Summit's Past
Blue Ridge Summit became a popular vacation spot after a railroad was built in 1872. Wealthy people from Baltimore built summer homes here. They wanted to escape the hot city before air conditioning existed. The area was most popular in the early 1900s. Many people from Washington, D.C., also enjoyed the resort. There were many fancy "boarding houses" that offered comfort to visitors. The area stopped being a major resort during the Great Depression in 1929. Travel was also limited during World War II (1939-1945).
Blue Ridge Summit During the Civil War
During the American Civil War in 1863, there were small fights near Blue Ridge Summit. These happened during the Gettysburg Campaign.
On June 22, the first fight took place near the Monterey Mountain pass. A group of armed citizens met some Confederate soldiers. These soldiers were led by General Albert G. Jenkins. The citizens had to retreat quickly. General Jenkins and his troops then went towards Hagerstown. They joined General Richard S. Ewell's larger force.
After the Battle of Gettysburg, the Confederate Army retreated through Emmitsburg. On July 5, General J.E.B. Stuart's soldiers had small fights as they returned to General Robert E. Lee's army. A swampy area at Monterey Pass slowed down Stuart and the Army of Northern Virginia during their retreat. The land where the Monterey Country Club now sits was once part of that swamp.
Other Interesting Local Facts
Former Vice President of the United States Dick Cheney sometimes stayed in a special underground place near Blue Ridge Summit. This place is on Raven Rock Mountain. It was sometimes called an "undisclosed location" during times of national concern. This complex is often called "Site R." It is also known as the Raven Rock Mountain Complex. It was built in 1951. Its purpose was to be a command center if Washington, D.C. were ever attacked.
People from Blue Ridge Summit
- William J. Snow: A major general in the United States Army.
- Wallis Simpson: The Duchess of Windsor, who was born here.
See also
In Spanish: Blue Ridge Summit para niños
