Cresaptown, Maryland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cresaptown, Maryland
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 Cresaptown, Maryland
Location in Maryland
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Maryland |
| County |  Allegany |
| Area | |
| • Total | 2.77 sq mi (7.16 km2) |
| • Land | 2.66 sq mi (6.88 km2) |
| • Water | 0.11 sq mi (0.28 km2) |
| Elevation | 781 ft (238 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 5,442 |
| • Density | 2,047.40/sq mi (790.58/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
21502
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| Area code(s) | 301, 240 |
| FIPS code | 24-20525 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2633177 |
Cresaptown is a community in Allegany County, Maryland, United States. It is a "census-designated place" (CDP), which means it's a specific area the government counts for population, but it doesn't have its own city government.
In 2020, about 5,442 people lived in Cresaptown. Before 2010, it was part of a larger area called Cresaptown-Bel Air. Cresaptown has had its own post office since December 22, 1800. It is located about 6 miles (10 km) southwest of the city of Cumberland.
Contents
A Glimpse into Cresaptown's Past
Early Inhabitants: The Shawnee People
Long ago, even before the year 1728, Cresaptown was the site of a Shawnee village. This village was located right along the Potomac River. The Shawnee were a part of the Algonquian group, known as strong and brave people.
The Shawnee warriors spent their time hunting and fishing. They caught food and furs for their families. Meanwhile, their families stayed home to grow maize (corn) and other plants. The soil in the Potomac valley was very rich, which was great for farming. They would grind the maize into corn meal to make "Shawnee cake," a popular food.
Shawnee Homes
The homes of the Shawnee people in the valley were simple but effective. They used two forked posts driven into the ground. A long pole, called a ridge pole, was laid across these posts. Then, small young trees, about 8 feet long, were leaned against the ridge pole. One end of these trees rested on the ground. This created a shelter that looked like a V-shaped tent.
They covered these shelters with bark and animal skins. This made the homes tight and protected them from rain or snow. Inside, the floors were covered with furs, which made comfortable places to sit or sleep.
Notable Connections and Naming
A famous person named Emanuel Custer was born in Cresaptown in 1806. He was the father of George Armstrong Custer, a well-known military leader. Emanuel Custer later moved to Ohio in 1845 and then settled in Michigan.
Cresaptown got its name from the Cresap family. They were some of the very first settlers in the area.
Education in Cresaptown
Students in Cresaptown attend schools that are part of the Allegany County Public Schools district. This district manages all the public schools throughout Allegany County.
Nearby City
