Parr's Ridge facts for kids
Parr's Ridge is a long, raised area of land in Maryland, USA. It's like the highest part of the Piedmont Plateau region. Unlike the tall Appalachian ridges to the west, Parr's Ridge is a gentle, rolling hill.
This ridge stretches from the southwest to the northeast. It goes through Montgomery, Howard, and Carroll counties. The highest point in Maryland east of the Appalachian Mountains is Dug Hill. It is near Parr's Ridge in northern Carroll County, reaching over 1,100 feet (335 meters) high.
Where Rivers Begin
Parr's Ridge is an important place for water. Two major rivers, the Patuxent and the Patapsco, both start here. Their "headwaters" (where they begin) are on the ridge.
A special spot is Parr's Spring, which is where the South branch of the Patapsco River starts. This spring is unique because it's where four Maryland counties meet: Howard, Carroll, Montgomery, and Frederick. Today, this spring is under a pond on a place called the "Four-County Farm."
A Look at History
The area of Parr's Ridge was first explored and mapped by John Parr in 1744. He named the land "Parr's Range." Later, during the American Civil War, a general named David McMurtrie Gregg marched his soldiers through this area. They were on their way to the famous Battle of Gettysburg.
Towns Along the Ridge
Many communities are located along Parr's Ridge. If you travel from south to north, you would find towns like Damascus and Mount Airy. Interstate 70 crosses the ridge right at Mount Airy.
Further north along the ridge are Westminster, Cranberry, Manchester, and Lineboro. Maryland State Route 27 is a road that follows the path of Parr's Ridge.
