Funkstown, Maryland Facts for Kids

Funkstown is a small town located in Washington County, Maryland, United States. It's a historic place with a population of 852 people as of the 2020 census.

History of Funkstown
Geography and Climate
- Where is Funkstown?
- Funkstown's Weather
Getting Around Funkstown
People of Funkstown
- Population Details (2010 Census)
See also

History of Funkstown

How Funkstown Began

The land where Funkstown now stands was first sold in 1754. Henry Funk bought about 88 acres from Frederick Calvert, 6th Baron Baltimore. He named the settlement Jerusalem. Over time, the town became known as Funkstown, named after its founder.

The Battle of Funkstown (Civil War)

Funkstown played a role in the American Civil War. On July 10, 1863, a battle took place here. This happened during the Gettysburg Campaign, right after the major Battle of Gettysburg.

General Robert E. Lee's Confederate army was retreating towards Virginia. Union forces, known as the Army of the Potomac, attacked the Confederate rear guard. This attack was meant to slow down Lee's retreat.

Confederate cavalry, led by Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart, defended Funkstown strongly. They needed to give Lee's army time to build defenses and safely cross the Potomac River. Stuart's cavalry set up a strong defensive line.

Union cavalry, led by Brig. Gen. John Buford, approached Funkstown. They faced Stuart's well-placed troops. The fighting lasted most of the day. Later, Union infantry joined the battle.

By evening, the Union army pulled back. Stuart's defense had worked, giving Lee the time he needed. The battle resulted in about 479 casualties. Some local homes, like the Chaney house, were used as hospitals.

Historic Places in Funkstown

The Funkstown Historic District is an important part of the town's history. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2000. This means the area has special historical value and is protected.

Geography and Climate

Where is Funkstown?

Funkstown is located south of Hagerstown, right on Antietam Creek. The town covers about 0.55 square miles (1.43 square kilometers) of land. Antietam Creek flows through the southern part of the town.

Funkstown's Weather

The climate in Funkstown is known as a humid subtropical climate. This means the summers are usually hot and humid. The winters are generally mild to cool.

Getting Around Funkstown

US 40 Alternate in central Funkstown

The main way to travel to and from Funkstown is by road. U.S. Route 40 Alternate is the most important highway that goes directly through the town. It follows Frederick Road, Baltimore Street, and Westside Street.

If you head west on US 40 Alt, you'll reach Hagerstown. If you go east, you'll pass through Boonsboro on your way to Frederick. Interstate 70 is also nearby, just south of Funkstown.

People of Funkstown

Historical population
Census	Pop.	%±
1850	793	—
1860	647	−18.4%
1870	671	3.7%
1880	600	−10.6%
1900	559	—
1910	568	1.6%
1920	620	9.2%
1930	700	12.9%
1940	798	14.0%
1950	879	10.2%
1960	968	10.1%
1970	1,051	8.6%
1980	1,103	4.9%
1990	1,136	3.0%
2000	983	−13.5%
2010	904	−8.0%
2020	852	−5.8%
U.S. Decennial Census

Population Details (2010 Census)

According to the 2010 census, 904 people lived in Funkstown. There were 417 households in the town. The town had about 2,511 people per square mile.

Most of the residents were White (96.8%). A small number were African American, Native American, or Asian. About 0.4% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.

The average age of people in Funkstown was 46.2 years. About 17.6% of the residents were under 18 years old. About 16.7% were 65 years or older. The town had a nearly even split between males (49.2%) and females (50.8%).

Funkstown, Maryland facts for kids

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