Gaithersburg in Montgomery County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Building The Future

Photographed by Tom Fuchs, November 3, 2007

1. Building The Future Marker

Inscription. The completion of the railroad and the city's incorporation in the 1870's established a solid base upon which Gaithersburg could grow and flourish. Following the City's incorporation in 1878, Henry Ward became the president of the town's Commissioners. By 1891 the First National Bank of Gaithersburg opened, and not long after that, Gaithersburg became the first community in Montgomery County to have telephone service. Then, in 1898, George W. Meem, was elected to be the first mayor as the town changed to a mayor and council form of government. In 1913, electricity became available and the first "moving picture place" opened at the Masonic Hall on Russell Avenue. The first interstate bus line passed through Gaithersburg in 1916. Ten years later, Asbury Methodist Home was established, known then as the Methodist Home of the Aged and Orphans. Asbury provided a sense of community as subsequent generations followed in the footsteps of the founders by tending the needs of the community's most vulnerable citizens. The city leaders led their community into the modern era.

(Photo caption): A view down Summit Avenue towards Frederick

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Avenue, circa 1900

Erected by City of Gaithersburg.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Charity & Public Work • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce • Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1878.

Location. 39° 8.502′ N, 77° 11.564′ W. Marker is in Gaithersburg, Maryland, in Montgomery County. It is on Summit Avenue just south of East Diamond Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 9 South Summit Avenue, Gaithersburg MD 20877, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies

and also the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Early Years (here, next to this marker);

Photographed by Allen C. Browne, February 27, 2017

2. Building The Future Marker

The Business of Agriculture: Cannery and Mills (here, next to this marker); Serving the Community's Health Care Needs (here, next to this marker); A Center of Culture and Commerce (here, next to this marker); The Schwartz House / Gaithersburg City Hall / Schwartz Peony Garden (here, next to this marker); Supplying an Agricultural Community (here, next to this marker); The Gaithersburg School (here, next to this marker); The Summit Hotel (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gaithersburg.

A view down Summit Avenue towards Frederick Avenue, circa 1900 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Allen C. Browne, February 27, 2017

3. A view down Summit Avenue towards Frederick Avenue, circa 1900

Close-up of photo on marker

Gaithersburg Railroad Station image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Allen C. Browne, February 27, 2017

4. Gaithersburg Railroad Station

Credits. This page was last revised on January 5, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 6, 2007, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,635 times since then and 21 times this year. Last updated on January 17, 2019, by Bruce Guthrie of Silver Spring, Maryland. Photos: 1. submitted on November 6, 2007, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 4, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.