Monrovia, Maryland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Monrovia, Maryland
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 Monrovia, Maryland
Location in Maryland
Monrovia, Maryland
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Maryland |
| County |  Frederick |
| Area | |
| • Total | 2.25 sq mi (5.82 km2) |
| • Land | 2.25 sq mi (5.82 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 535 ft (163 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 2,702 |
| • Density | 1,203.56/sq mi (464.64/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
21770
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| Area code(s) | 301 and 240 |
| FIPS code | 24-53100 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2583659 |
Monrovia is a small community in Frederick County, Maryland. It's a place where people live and work, but it's not officially a city or town. In 2020, about 2,702 people lived there.
Contents
What's in a Name? The Story of Monrovia
The name "Monrovia" has an interesting history. A post office opened here in 1833. Before that, in the 1820s, the area was called "Hall Towne." This name likely came from Nicholas Hall, who helped start New Market nearby.
It's not clear exactly when the name "Monrovia" was first used. One idea is that it was named after James Monroe, a U.S. President. Another story, told by Reverend Herbert Austin Cooper in 1997, is quite unique:
- During the California Gold Rush in 1848, two men from this area went to California to find gold.
- They didn't find any there, so they traveled to Monrovia, Liberia, in West Africa, where new gold was found.
- Sadly, one of the men died in Liberia.
- To bring his body home, it was placed in a large barrel, like those used for fish, and filled with alcohol to preserve it.
- The barrel traveled all the way around Cape Horn by ship and eventually reached the Port of Baltimore.
- From Baltimore, it came by train to what is now Monrovia, Maryland.
- The barrel arrived at the local general store. The alcohol was poured into Bush Creek, and a funeral service was held.
Reverend Cooper believed that this special delivery from Monrovia, Liberia, led to the town along Bush Creek being named "Monrovia."
Monrovia's Location and Size
Monrovia is located in the southeastern part of Frederick County. It's about 1 mile south of New Market, Maryland. The main road through the original community is Maryland Route 75. The wider area known as Monrovia extends south to Maryland Route 80. The total area of Monrovia is about 2.25 square miles, and it's all land.
Schools in Monrovia
Children living in Monrovia attend public schools in Frederick County.
- For elementary school, they go to Green Valley or Kemptown Elementary.
- For middle school, they attend Windsor Knolls Middle School.
- For high school, students go to Urbana High School or Linganore High School. School zones sometimes change, like in 2010.
Getting Around Monrovia
The two main roads in the Monrovia area are Maryland Route 75 (Green Valley Road) and Maryland Route 80 (Fingerboard Road).
- MD 80 goes west to Urbana (about 4.5 miles) and southeast to Damascus (about 7 miles).
- MD 75 goes north to New Market and connects to major highways like I-70 and US-40. It also goes south to Hyattstown (about 5 miles).
A Look Back: Monrovia's History
Monrovia has a rich history, playing a part in transportation and even the Civil War.
Early Days and the Railroad
In 1831, Monrovia became a stop on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. This was important because it helped local mills transport their goods and made it easier for people to travel to New Market. A special station for trains to get water was built in 1840.
Monrovia During the Civil War
The Civil War affected Monrovia. The Monrovia General Store, which sold everyday items, was raided by Confederate soldiers after the Battle of Monocacy. Monrovia even made the front page of The New York Herald newspaper on September 16, 1862. A reporter described how soldiers cheered a little girl waving a small American flag. The ladies there said it was the only American flag the rebels hadn't found or taken. Confederate cavalry had destroyed the post office and other government property before leaving.
Changes in the 20th Century
By 1880, Monrovia was the largest community in the New Market area. However, some businesses faced challenges later on. The Monrovia Central Trust Bank closed in 1929. In the 1930s, two big employers, a cannery and the Nicodemus Mill, also closed down.
The Dragway: A Place for Speed
A dragway (a track for car races) opened in Monrovia in 1960. It was a popular spot for many years. The track closed in 2005, which upset many fans. After some renovations, it reopened in 2009. However, it closed for good on September 28, 2013. There were plans to build homes on the land. The TV show MotorWeek used the dragway for testing cars from 1982 until 2021.
Community Growth and Challenges
Recently, a developer wanted to build a large housing and shopping area called Monrovia Town Center. The original plan included many homes. Later, the plan was changed to have fewer homes and set aside some for people aged 55 and older.
Many local residents disagreed with the proposed development. They worried it would make roads too busy and schools too crowded. They also felt it would change the rural feel of the area. Residents spoke at meetings to share their concerns. In 2014, Frederick County officials voted to change the zoning for the area. A group called Residents Against Landsdale Expansion (RALE) sued the developer. They won their case in 2017, and higher courts upheld that decision in 2019 and 2020.
See also
In Spanish: Monrovia (Maryland) para niños
