Smithsburg, Maryland

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Smithsburg is a town in Washington County, Maryland, United States. The population was 2,146 at the 2000 census.

1 Geography
2 Demographics
3 Climate
4 Education
5 History
6 Facts
7 External links

[edit] Geography

Smithsburg is located at 39°39′17″N, 77°34′25″W (39.654846, -77.573643)^GR1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 2.4 km² (0.9 mi²), all land. The only body of water that is within the limits of Smithsburg is the now inactive Smithsburg reservoir. Smithsburg is characterized by rolling hills and open space. Consequently, the town is well-known for its farming community.

[edit] Demographics

As of the census^GR2 of 2000, there were 2,146 people, 728 households, and 561 families residing in the town. The population density was 910.5/km² (2,352.5/mi²). There were 763 housing units at an average density of 323.7/km² (836.4/mi²). The racial makeup of the town was 95.25% White, 2.33% African American, 0.37% Native American, 0.65% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.75% from other races, and 0.61% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.28% of the population.

There were 728 households out of which 52.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.3% were married couples living together, 13.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.9% were non-families. 18.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.95 and the average family size was 3.40.

In the town the population was spread out with 35.8% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 36.2% from 25 to 44, 14.9% from 45 to 64, and 6.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females there were 92.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.1 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $50,795, and the median income for a family was $58,958. Males had a median income of $41,700 versus $26,207 for females. The per capita income for the town was $18,373. About 6.8% of families and 7.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.5% of those under age 18 and 14.7% of those age 65 or over.

[edit] Climate

Due to Smithsburg's situation between the Appalachian Mountains and the Chesapeake Bay watershed, the town experiences warm to hot summers and winters of temperatures ranging from cold to, at times, below freezing.

[edit] Education

Smithsburg has three of its own schools, one high school, one of the 7 in Washington County, one middle school, and an elementary school. Smithsburg High School currently enrolls a total of 902 students. The school is 39 years old, having been built in 1965 at 116260 square feet.

[edit] History

Smithsburg, MD was founded in 1813 by Christopher "Stuffle" Smith. Mr. Smith purchased a plot of land formerly known as "part of Shadrack's Lot." Smithsburg was incorporated in 1846.

Smithsburg acted as a hospital town during the American Civil War in 1862, treating wounded soldiers from nearby battles at South Mountain and Antietam. On July 5, 1863, Confederate General James Stuart and Union General Kilpatrick exchanged artillery fire over Smithsburg. Kilpatrick continued the advance to Boonsboro, Maryland after the engagement on July 6.

[edit] Facts

Smithsburg hosts an annual "Steam and Craft Show" which showcases a variety of vintage tractors and entertainment.The event is usually held between September 30 and October 1.