HISTORY \\
An Architectural Stroll ALONG CHURCH STREET
BY MARY BOSWELL , EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR , HERITAGE FREDERICK
Frederick County is often called the “ Crossroads of American History .” Prior to European settlement , Native Americans traversed north and south to access abundant sources of water and fertile land for hunting , fishing and farming .
Since the Revolutionary War , Frederick County ’ s boundaries have marked the northern and southern states as well as eastern and western Maryland . In 1811 , the federal government began constructing the nation ’ s first major turnpike , the National Road , which enters Frederick County at New Market and passes through the City of Frederick , the county seat , via East Patrick Street .
Located on the Mason-Dixon Line , Frederick County was the site of two Civil War battles . Its proximity to significant urban areas including Washington , D . C ., Philadelphia , New York City , Baltimore and Annapolis , has attracted many individuals , families and businesses . The migration patterns influenced a rich cultural interchange and a wealth of commercial , residential , public and religious architecture .
Frederick Town was first laid out in 1745 , and the original plots remain virtually the same . While many visitors stay within the boundaries of Patrick and Market streets , Church Street is not to be missed , offering a pleasant stroll through history and a rich array of architectural styles .
Church Street was so named due to its many ecclesiastical structures . In 1863 , the poet John Greenleaf Whittier referred to the abundance of church steeples as the “ clustered spires of Frederick .” Frederick has been known as “ The City of Clustered Spires ” ever since .
The Museum of Frederick County , located at 24 E . Church St ., is perhaps the oldest building on this brief stroll . In 1824 , it was built for Dr . John Baltzell as a residence , in the Federal style . This type of classical architecture became popular after our new nation was formed and founded on the ancient democracies of Greece and the republican values of Rome . Characteristics include the symmetrical placing of the windows , central door and elliptical fanlight over the door . The building , which houses the Museum and the Frederick County Archives and Research Center , is open to the public and has served as Heritage Frederick ’ s headquarters since 1959 .
At 106 E . Church St . is the Trail Mansion , built 30 years later , in 1854 . It , too , was originally a residence , but was converted into a funeral home in 1939 . The structure was built in the Italianate
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