Braddock Heights, Maryland Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Braddock Heights, Maryland
Census-designated place
Jefferson Boulevard in Braddock Heights with a Hagerstown and Frederick Railway trolley
Location of Braddock Heights in Maryland
Country	United States
State	Maryland
County	Frederick
Area
• Total	5.35 sq mi (13.85 km²)
• Land	5.34 sq mi (13.82 km²)
• Water	0.01 sq mi (0.03 km²)
Elevation	656 ft (200 m)
Population (2020)
• Total	3,075
• Density	576.27/sq mi (222.50/km²)
Time zone	UTC−5 (Eastern (EST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC−4 (EDT)
ZIP Code	21703
Area code(s)	301, 240
FIPS code	24-09100
GNIS feature ID	2389228

Braddock Heights is a small community in Frederick County, Maryland, United States. It is known as a census-designated place (CDP), which means it's a special area defined by the government for collecting information. In 2020, about 3,075 people lived there. The local ZIP codes are 21714 and 21703.

Exploring Braddock Heights' Past
Where is Braddock Heights?
Who Lives in Braddock Heights?
Learning in Braddock Heights
Images for kids
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Exploring Braddock Heights' Past

Braddock Heights is located high up on Braddock Mountain, which is part of Catoctin Mountain. It's about 950 feet (290 meters) above sea level. The area is named after British General Edward Braddock. He and Lt. Colonel George Washington used a mountain pass here in 1755 during the French and Indian War.

Battles and Inspiration

During the American Civil War on September 13, 1862, a small cavalry battle happened here. It was between generals J.E.B. Stuart and Alfred Pleasonton. At that time, the area was called "Fairview Pass."

The beautiful view from nearby Old Braddock inspired a famous writer, Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.. He wrote in his journal about how lovely the city of Frederick looked from the mountain. This writing later inspired his friend John Greenleaf Whittier to write the well-known Civil War poem Barbara Fritchie.

From Resort to Community

Braddock Heights was started in 1896 by George William Smith. He wanted to create a fun summer resort. It grew to include hotels, a community pool, a skating rink, and even an amusement park. There were also scenic spots and nature trails. Until 1980, it even had a small ski resort.

Many important people have visited Braddock Heights over the years. These include President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Senator Richard Nixon.

Braddock Heights was one of the first planned communities in the U.S. People have been building custom homes here since 1901. Today, it's known for its unique houses and amazing views of Frederick and the Monocacy and Middletown valleys.

After World War II, the amusement park became less popular. Braddock Heights then changed from a summer vacation spot to a place where people lived all year round.

Community Spirit and Legends

Like other old Maryland resort towns, Braddock Heights has become a home for artists. The Braddock Heights Community Association and Historical Society still host events at Braddock Heights Park.

The community was once home to the oldest roller rink in the United States, called the Stargaze Skateway. Sadly, it burned down in 1998.

Braddock Heights is also famous for a local legend. People say it's where the Snallygaster lives. This is a mythical bird-like creature that is said to have caused livestock to disappear since the mid-1700s!

The Old Trolley System

The Hagerstown & Frederick Railway was an electric trolley system. It was also started by George William Smith. Trolley service began between Frederick and Braddock Heights on August 22, 1896. A branch line to Jefferson was added in 1906. You can still see where the tracks used to be along Jefferson Boulevard.

The trolley service to Jefferson stopped in 1940. The main service to Braddock Heights and Middletown from Frederick ended in 1946.

Where is Braddock Heights?

Braddock Heights is in the western part of Frederick County. It sits on the top of Braddock Mountain. U.S. Route 40 Alternate goes through the middle of the community. This road leads east about 5 miles (8 km) to Frederick and west about 2.5 miles (4 km) to Middletown.

Interstate 70 also passes by the northern part of Braddock Heights. U.S. Route 40 forms the northern border of the community.

The total area of Braddock Heights is about 5.35 square miles (13.85 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with only a small amount of water.

Who Lives in Braddock Heights?

Historical population
Census	Pop.	%±
2020	3,075	—
U.S. Decennial Census

In 2020, the population of Braddock Heights was 3,075 people.

In 2000, there were 1,684 households in the community. About 36% of these households had children under 18 living with them. Most households were married couples.

The people living in Braddock Heights were spread out in age. About 25% were under 18 years old. About 10.6% were 65 years or older. The average age was 41 years.