Frostburg

Frostburg is a city in western Maryland situated in the Appalachian foothills, where 19th-century stone buildings stand alongside modern university facilities. Wide streets lined with historic facades wind through hilly terrain, creating a blend of old and new construction throughout the downtown area.

The city was founded in 1839 as a coal mining settlement and grew rapidly due to its position along major transportation routes including the National Road and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. This strategic location turned it into a regional economic center during the 19th century.

The university community shapes daily life here, with students and faculty moving through downtown shops and local gathering places year-round. The presence of young people and academic events gives the city a youthful, engaged character.

The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad offers regular train service from Cumberland, making it a convenient way to arrive in town. The downtown area is easy to walk through, and you can explore most of it on foot without needing a car.

The Arion Band, formed in 1877, performed at Hotel Gunter during Prohibition and reportedly used their concerts as cover for distributing alcohol to local establishments. This unusual connection between live music and clandestine trade became part of local history.

Location: Allegany County

Elevation above the sea: 631 m

Website: http://frostburgcity.com

GPS coordinates: 39.65670,-78.92720

Latest update: December 20, 2025 11:48