Frostburg, Maryland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Frostburg
City
View of Frostburg from MD Route 36 near I-68
Flag Seal
Location in Maryland
Frostburg, Maryland Location in Maryland Show map of Maryland Frostburg, Maryland Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Country	United States
State	Maryland
County	Allegany
Incorporated	1839
Government
• Type	City commission government
Area
• Total	3.35 sq mi (8.67 km2)
• Land	3.34 sq mi (8.66 km2)
• Water	0.00 sq mi (0.01 km2)
Elevation	1,988 ft (606 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	7,027
• Density	2,101.38/sq mi (811.43/km2)
Time zone	UTC−5 (Eastern)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−4 (Eastern)
ZIP Code	21532
Area code(s)	301, 240
FIPS code	24-30900
GNIS feature ID	2390589
Website	www.frostburgcity.com

Frostburg is a city in Allegany County, Maryland. It's located in the western part of Maryland, about 8 miles (13 km) west of Cumberland. Frostburg was one of the first towns built along the historic "National Road" (now US 40). It's also the end point for the fun Western Maryland Scenic Railroad.

The city was first called Mount Pleasant. But in 1820, when a postal service started, it was renamed Frostburg. Since 1973, the city has been connected by I-68, a major highway.

Today, Frostburg has about 8,075 people living there year-round. Many students also attend Frostburg State University, a public university that is part of the University System of Maryland.

Exploring Frostburg's Location and Climate

Frostburg is found in the Allegheny Mountains. It sits on the eastern side of Big Savage Mountain. The city is about 8 miles (13 km) east of Cumberland, Maryland. It is also about 62 miles (100 km) west of Morgantown, West Virginia.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Frostburg covers about 3.42 square miles (8.86 square kilometers) of land.

Frostburg's Weather and Seasons

Frostburg is about 2,000 feet (610 meters) above sea level. This high location means it has colder and wetter weather than many other parts of Maryland. It has a humid continental climate. This means winters are cold and snowy. Summers are warm and humid.

The average temperature in January is about 26.0°F (-3.3°C). In July, it's about 69.0°F (20.6°C). Temperatures can drop below 0°F (-18°C) a few nights each year. It rarely gets hotter than 90°F (32°C).

Frostburg gets a lot of snow, averaging over 80 inches (203 cm) each winter. Heavy snow can fall from October to May. The most snow in one month was 67 inches (170 cm) in January 1978. The winter of 1995-96 had a huge 180 inches (457 cm) of snow! Driving on I-68 and US 40 can be tricky in winter due to the snow.

A Look at Frostburg's Past

Main Street in Frostburg

How Frostburg Began in the 1800s

Frostburg started in 1811. This was when people began surveying for the National Pike. This road was important for moving crops and materials to cities on the East Coast. President Thomas Jefferson had approved building this road in 1806.

Meshach Frost built the first house in what is now Frostburg in 1812. He named it Highland Hall. This building became a popular stop for famous people traveling the National Pike. Soon, other hotels like the Franklin Hotel were built.

When the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O) and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal reached Cumberland in the 1840s, travel on the National Pike slowed down. However, travel through Frostburg continued.

Coal mining became a big business in Frostburg. At first, it was hard to move coal because of the mountains. But once railroads were built, the coal industry grew quickly. Meshach Frost was a major coal producer. He owned a lot of land for mining and started the Frostburg Coal Company. This company was later sold to the larger Consolidated Coal Company.

Many buildings from the coal mining days are still around. One important building is the freight depot at 19 Depot St. The Mount Savage Railroad built the first rail line to Frostburg in 1852. This line connected to the B&O Railroad and the C&O Canal in Cumberland.

The Cumberland and Pennsylvania Railroad (C&P) took over this line in 1854. They built a tunnel under Frostburg and a rail line south to Piedmont, West Virginia. These were used to move coal between Frostburg and George's Creek.

Another important industry for Frostburg was making fire brick. This started in 1864. The area had special clays perfect for making these bricks. The Big Savage Fire Brick Company was one of the main businesses. It is still a major supplier of fire bricks today.

President Truman's Visit to Frostburg

After his time as president, Harry S. Truman didn't have a lot of money. But he received a Chrysler car as a gift. In 1953, on Father's Day, he and his wife decided to take a trip in it.

They visited Frostburg, and the town gave them a warm welcome. The Trumans were very friendly. They signed autographs and talked with people. Harry Truman even visited an elderly woman who was in bed with a broken hip.

The Trumans also ate at the Princess Restaurant. This restaurant is still open today. It has Truman photographs and the special "Truman booth" where they sat.

The Story of Frostburg State University

In 1898, the Maryland government decided to create a new school, State Normal School #2. They set aside $20,000 to build a building. Local people, including many coal miners, helped by collecting money to buy the land.

Two years later, the first building, Old Main, opened. In 1902, the first classes began. At first, students could only study a two-year program to become elementary school teachers. The first class graduated in 1904.

In 1934, the school started its first four-year program. Nearly 30 years later, in 1963, the school was renamed Frostburg State College. Over the next ten years, more programs were added, including the first master's degree program.

In 1987, Frostburg State College joined the University System of Maryland. It was then renamed Frostburg State University. FSU celebrated its 100th birthday in 1998.

Important Events in Frostburg's History

Historic Places on the National Register

Several buildings in Frostburg are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are important historical sites.

• The Hocking House was added in 1982.
• The Frostburg Historic District was added in 1983.
• The Borden Mines Superintendent's House was added in 1984.

The 1998 Tornado

On June 2, 1998, a powerful tornado (an F4 on the Fujita scale) hit Frostburg. It also struck the nearby Eckhart Mines valley. The tornado damaged over 125 homes and Frost Elementary School. This event showed that tornadoes can happen even in hilly areas, not just flat ones.

Schools and Universities in Frostburg

Frostburg has several schools for different age groups:

• Beall Elementary School (Grades K–5)
• Frost Elementary School (Grades K–5)
• Mount Savage School (Grades K–8, in Mount Savage, Maryland)
• Mountain Ridge High School (Grades 9–12)
• Frostburg State University (for college students)

Frostburg's Population and Community Life

In 2023, the population of Frostburg was about 8,684 people. Here's a look at the different groups of people living in Frostburg in 2021:

• White alone: 72%
• Black alone: 14%
• Hispanic: 5%
• Two or more races: 4%
• Asian alone: 3%
• Other alone: 2%

In 2021, the average household income was $42,416. The average value for a house or condo was $153,419.

Getting Around Frostburg

MD Route 36 South in Frostburg

Most people travel to and from Frostburg by road. The main road through downtown Frostburg is U.S. Route 40 Alternate, which follows Main Street.

The main highway for the wider area around Frostburg is Interstate 68/U.S. Route 40. You can reach this highway from Frostburg using Maryland Route 36 and Maryland Route 736.

Arts, Culture, and Fun in Frostburg

Music and Arts

• The Arion Band is a community band that started in Frostburg in 1877. They have been performing for 148 years! They play five to ten concerts in the Frostburg and Cumberland areas during the summer.
• The Frostburg Museum is located at Hill and Oak Streets. It used to be the Hill Street School. The museum opened in 1976 and has over 8,000 square feet (743 square meters) of space. You can see exhibits about the Arion Band, coal mining, and the National Road. The Museum Gallery also shows different artists' work each month.
• Mountain City Traditional Arts is at 25 East Main St. This place teaches about, sells, and records Appalachian art from the region. They always have local art on display, and some pieces are for sale. They often host live performances, readings, and music. You can also take classes like knitting or card-making.
• The Frostburg Arts and Entertainment District was created in 2009. This part of downtown Frostburg, including the Frostburg Museum and Frostburg State University, is recognized for its rich artistic history. Maryland was the first state to create these art districts to help local economies.
• The Frostburg Art Walk happens every spring. Visitors can take a self-guided tour through the arts district. Local businesses open their doors to show special art exhibits and demonstrations.
• The Performing Arts Center (PAC) is on the Frostburg State University campus. It has regular shows in its three theaters. Students and the public can enjoy concerts and performances. It also has rehearsal spaces, music rooms, and labs for students studying dance, music, theater, and communication.
• The Roper Gallery is in the Fine Arts building at Frostburg State University. It features art exhibits from senior art students and traveling exhibits.
• The Frostburg State University Planetarium is in the GIRA CCIT building. It offers a different show every month on Sundays at 4 PM and 7 PM.

Appalachian Festival

The Appalachian Festival happens every year on the third weekend in September. It's held on the upper quad at Frostburg State University. The festival celebrates the music, food, and crafts of the Appalachian region. Artists from the area sell their handmade items like woodworking, quilts, and glasswork. There are also activities for children and educational opportunities. You might even see live animals in a petting zoo! You can learn folk skills like dancing, soap making, and basket making.

The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad

A Western Maryland Scenic Railroad train at Frostburg station in 2011

The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad runs between Cumberland (at Canal Place) and Frostburg. The train station in Frostburg was built in 1891. It was designed for the Cumberland and Pennsylvania Railroad.

The train stops at the Frostburg Depot for 90 minutes. This gives passengers time to shop or eat lunch. The train's engine is detached, turned around on a special turntable, and then reattached to the other end of the train for the trip back to Cumberland. This takes about 15 minutes and is fun to watch!

Near the depot, you'll find Linns Bar and Grill, The Trail Inn and Cafe, the Great Allegheny Passage Hiking/Biking Trail, and the Thrasher Carriage Museum. The regular train ride leaves Cumberland at 11:30 AM and lasts about 3.5 hours. The railroad also offers special train rides, like a Murder Mystery train or a Christmas-themed train.

Thrasher Carriage Museum

This museum lets you step back in time to the 1800s. You can see how people traveled back then. There are many different types of vehicles, like funeral wagons, carts, and pleasure vehicles. You can even see carts a milkman would have used.

Guides dressed in old-fashioned Victorian clothes help you feel like you're really in the 19th century. The museum is named after James Richard Thrasher. He loved horses and collected carriages. He was born in 1913 and passed away in 1987.

Historic Downtown Frostburg

Historic Downtown Frostburg was built between 1870 and 1915. This was when the town was busy with mining and brick-making.

• The Princess Restaurant on Main Street has been open since 1939. Former President Harry S. Truman visited the restaurant after he left office. A framed sign hangs above the booth where he sat.
• The Hotel Gunter on Main Street opened in 1897. It was first called Hotel Gladstone. It had 100 rooms, a cafe, and a barbershop. Later, William Gunter bought it in 1903 and renamed it Hotel Gunter in 1925. The hotel's basement was used as a secret place for drinks during a time when alcohol was illegal. Today, the building has a restaurant, apartments, and 12 hotel rooms.

Fun Activities in Frostburg

• The Frostburg Community Swimming Pool is at 200 South Water St.
• The Frostburg Public Rifle Range is located at Clifton Terrace. It has lanes for shooting rifles and pistols.
• The Mapelhurst Country Club golf course has 18 holes.
• The Frostburg Dog Park is a large fenced area where dogs can play and socialize off-leash. There are separate sections for big and small dogs.

Parks in Frostburg

• The Parris N. Glendening Recreation Complex is named after a former Governor of Maryland. It has 7 athletic fields, two basketball courts, two pavilions, a playground, two fishing ponds, and a walking trail.
• Frostburg Community Park has two baseball fields, two pavilions, a basketball court, a playground, and a pool.
• Mount Pleasant Street Park has a basketball court, a playground, and a small baseball field.
• East End Park offers a playground and an indoor pavilion with a kitchen.
• West End Park has a large pavilion and a field.
• Calhoun Park is home to the Frostburg Dog Park.

Center for Creative Writing

The Center for Creative Writing is on Main Street. It brings creative writers to Frostburg. It also helps residents and students improve their writing and learn about literature. They host many public events and offer workshops. They also support the 3 AM Society, a group of student writers.

Films About Frostburg

In 2012, for Frostburg's 200th birthday, a documentary called A Day in the Life of Frostburg was made. It was directed by Michael Snyder. A group of 37 "citizen filmmakers" (people who live in the city) filmed it. They worked together to tell the story of life in their town. They shot over 2,200 video clips and edited them into a 30-minute film.

Media and Information in Frostburg

Radio Stations

• 560 AM/105.3/98.5 WFRB FM: Plays country music and local talk. You can listen online.
• 1270 AM WCBC: News and talk radio, owned and operated locally. Also available online.
• 91.9/96.3 WFWM FM: A 24-hour station with educational and cultural programs.
• 100.9: Plays today's and yesterday's favorite songs.
• 97.1 WLIC FM: Religious radio. You can listen online.
• 94.1 QZK FM: Plays top 40 hits.
• 107.1 WCBC FM: An oldies station.
• 106.1 GO FM: Plays classic rock and new rock.
• 99.5 WDZN-FM (Z-100): Plays modern rock and alternative music.
• 100.5 WDYK-FM (Magic 100.5): Plays adult contemporary music.

Libraries

• The Ort Library is on the Frostburg State University campus. It opened in 1975. You can find an online list of all books and articles in the Maryland state school system. Materials can be sent to Frostburg for students and staff. The library's website also has Research Port, a database of articles from journals, magazines, and print. It also offers special collections, archives, and resources for genealogy. There are many computers available for use.
• The Frostburg Library is at 65 E Main St. It has 10,000 square feet (929 square meters) of books. It has sections for children, teens, and adults. It also offers magazines, music, and new technology. Computers are available, and there's a meeting room you can rent.

City Leaders of Frostburg

• Mayor: Todd J. Logsdon
• City Administrator: Elizabeth Stahlman
• Chief of Police: Nicholas J. Costello
• Fire Chief: Jason Logsdon

Famous Places in Frostburg

• God's Ark of Safety: This is a roadside landmark. It's a steel frame that looks like the biblical Noah's Ark. It has been under construction on the I-68 highway hillside since 1976.
• The Frostburg Palace Theatre is at 31 East Main Street. Since 1907, people in Frostburg have gone there to watch movies. In 1912, the Palace Theatre company bought the building and made it a movie theater until 1981. Since then, it has hosted local school performances. The theater shows foreign, classic, and independent films.
• The Great Allegheny Passage: This is a 150-mile (241 km) system of biking and hiking trails. It connects Cumberland, Maryland, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
• Frostburg State University: Founded in 1898, it started as a school for teachers. In 1960, it became a liberal arts school. Today, Frostburg State University has many undergraduate and graduate students.
• The historic Hotel Gunter first opened on New Year's Day in 1897. It had a barber shop and a jail inside. US Marshals would often stay at the hotel when moving prisoners along Route 40. The jail was built to hold these prisoners. During the time when alcohol was illegal, the hotel had a secret place for drinks in its basement. As of 2023, the building has a restaurant, apartments, and 12 hotel rooms.

Well-Known People from Frostburg

Nearby Communities

Cities Near Frostburg

• Cumberland, Maryland
• Hagerstown, Maryland
• Morgantown, West Virginia

Smaller Towns and Areas Near Frostburg

• Barton, Maryland
• Callimont, Pennsylvania
• Carpendale, West Virginia
• Cresaptown, Maryland
• Eckhart Mines, Maryland
• Gilmore, Maryland
• Klondike, Maryland
• La Vale, Maryland
• Lonaconing, Maryland
• Midland, Maryland
• Wellersburg, Pennsylvania
• Woodland, Maryland

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See also

In Spanish: Frostburg (Maryland) para niños