City Hall (Cumberland, Maryland) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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City Hall
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Cumberland City Hall, August 2010
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 Location in Maryland
Location in the United States
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| Location | N. Center St. between Frederick and Bedford Sts., Cumberland, Maryland |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1911 |
| Architect | Holmboe & Lafferty |
| Architectural style | Neo-classical |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000882 |
| Added to NRHP | February 27, 1973 |
The Cumberland City Hall is a very old and important building in Cumberland, Allegany County, Maryland. It's where the local government of Cumberland works. This beautiful building was finished in 1912. It replaced an older city hall that was also a music academy.
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Cumberland City Hall: A Historic Building
This city hall is a special place because of its history and unique design. It helps us remember the past of Cumberland. The building is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's officially recognized as a very important historical site in the United States.
What is a City Hall?
A city hall is the main building for a city's local government. It's where the mayor and city council often have their offices. Many important decisions about the city are made here. It's like the headquarters for running the city.
The Building's Design and History
The Cumberland City Hall was built between 1911 and 1912. It has a style called "Neo-classical." This means it looks a bit like ancient Greek or Roman buildings, with grand columns and a formal design. The building has two stories and is covered in stone.
One interesting part of its design is a rounded section on one corner. This curving part has a window filled with special glass blocks. The architects, Holmboe & Lafferty, designed this unique feature.
Art Inside: The Rotunda Mural
Inside the city hall, there's a large, round room called a rotunda. The ceiling of this rotunda has a beautiful painting, or mural. The artist, Gertrude du Brau, created this mural. It shows scenes from the early history of Cumberland. You can see famous figures like General Edward Braddock and George Washington in the painting. It's like a history lesson painted right on the ceiling!
A Protected Landmark
Because of its historical and architectural importance, the Cumberland City Hall was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. This listing helps protect the building. It ensures that this important piece of Cumberland's history will be preserved for future generations.
